There may be many situations that you may need or want to buy new auto parts for your vehicle. To help you decide, we have asked our automotive service and parts gurus some frequently asked questions. This is what they said.
OEM auto parts are the “Original Equipment Manufacturer” parts. They are created for specific car models by the manufacturer. These are your vehicle’s exact-matching parts. They include a limited warranty. Parts Centers use your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to find the perfect OEM part for your car, truck, or SUV.
These manufacturer product parts insure top quality and performance.
These automobiles parts always come with a manufacturer limited warranty.
OEM top of the line auto parts can cost more than comparative aftermarket products.
Auto Dealers generally order certain OEM parts from the manufacturer. If not already in stock, it will take a few days to get it in.
An aftermarket part is any part for a car, truck, SUV, or minivan that is not provided directly from the vehicle’s manufacturer, or OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). These auto parts are certainly less-expensive options for your vehicle’s repair and technical advancements. Online retailers and independent, local shops may (though not necessarily) offer a selection of aftermarket automotive parts. These parts are created to function similarly to the OEM versions. However, aftermarket automotive parts have their own pros and cons.
Low prices can suggest a lack of quality craftsmanship
These parts don’t come with a warranty
These auto parts are less costly than the manufacturer parts
Most auto-repair shops have these parts readily available
While most basic automobile part costs range from $150 to $500, some automobile part repairs can actually break a typical budget.
Always purchase OEM Manufacturer parts for collision repair. Aftermarket car repair products may not fit right when your car has damaged body panels after a accident. Plus, an aftermarket part installation may void your leasing vehicle warranty. Therefore, always use OEM parts for all types of vehicle repairs if you have a leased car.
A complete auto manufacturer’s warranty necessarily doesn’t cover every part. However, car buyers, can choose something like an extended warranty, bumper-to-bumper, or factory warranty for the most comprehensive coverage. Even with an extended warranty, all of your vehicle’s parts will likely not have coverage. Here is a list of what’s covered and what’s not.
Craigslist is not an auto retailer; but on this online platform, third-party vendors sell automotive parts. For this reason, the quality cannot be guaranteed. If you are buying car parts from this source, make sure to research, verify, and compare before the purchase.
Undoubtedly, Amazon is a reputable marketplace and provides shoppers with a convenient and easy site to buy quality car and truck parts. While most automotive parts sold by Amazon are from reliable sources, it can be a challenge to know if you’re getting the right product for your car since you are not dealing with an automobile expert directly.
Yes. The dealer is one of the best places to purchase auto parts. Most automotive dealerships only offer standard OEM manufacturer parts. Most of all, they can use your VIN number to find the correct part for your vehicle.
You can always bring your own auto parts to a car dealer. The auto dealer, however, is unable to warranty the part you’ve purchased, nor can they guarantee its performance. It is highly recommended to get your vehicle checked by an certified service center at a local car dealership before buying any auto parts for installation. The auto-experts will also be able to diagnose the problem and acquire an appropriate replacement part, if necessary.
Bring your aftermarket car part to a local auto dealer for installation. Before installation, a service technician will check the aftermarket vehicle part to verify if it is a match for your vehicle. Even if they install the aftermarket part, however, the auto dealership can only warranty the labor.
Car Parts – FAQ
