You’ll probably need to buy replacement parts for your car at some point in its lifespan. Allowing your repair shop to tackle the problem may seem straightforward, but the parts the company will use to fix your automobile can differ.
Why are OEM parts so inexpensive?
Buying OEM (original equipment manufacturer) car parts from car breakers can be a cost-effective and efficient way to find rare or cheap auto parts. This can be especially useful if you’re looking for rare or hard-to-find parts for your vehicle, as junkyards often have a large inventory of older or less common parts that may no longer be in production. To help you find the best deals and compare prices, websites like AutoParts24 allow you to search multiple junkyards at once and purchase the parts you need directly from the seller.
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components and aftermarket parts are the two choices. Both kinds of parts are typically alternatives for repairing your car after an accident. But, if you want the repair to be fully covered by your auto insurance, your choice of parts will be limited. Before having your car repaired, familiarize yourself with the distinctions between OEM and aftermarket parts.
Main Points
A corporation that manufactures cars and has produced replacement parts for those cars is known as an original equipment manufacturer.
Even though they can be produced by the same factory that supplied your car manufacturer, aftermarket components are less expensive than those from the original supplier.
As both types are governed by laws and subject to inspections, the only distinction is in who creates the parts. Which type you can employ on a car with a covered claim may be governed by your insurance provider to a very particular extent.
What Distinguishes Original Components from Aftermarket Parts?
OEM components are produced at the facility of the car maker, not by a different company. They frequently fit properly since the automaker stands by them.
Often, a firm other than the one that made your car makes aftermarket parts.
Price
Original parts are most likely to be used if you take your automobile to a dealer for repairs. Yet, due to customary dealer markup, they also cost more money. Sometimes the same firm that supplied your automobile manufacturer with the aftermarket components also manufactures the parts you purchase. When you purchase aftermarket components, you might not be paying the manufacturer’s markup.
Performance
In addition to being constructed to match the specifications of a single vehicle make and model, aftermarket parts can be manufactured in large quantities. In terms of sort and quality, they are comparable to Original components, and they frequently fit.
Note
The Certified Automobile Parts Association oversees and certifies the safety of aftermarket parts (CAPA).
Example of Original vs. Aftermarket Components
Let’s say you were in an automobile accident and reported it to your insurance provider. The use of aftermarket parts in your repair may be required by your insurer. Because they do the same thing for less money than OEM components, some insurers may only cover aftermarket parts depending on the state. If such is the case with your coverage, you should confirm it with your insurance provider.
According to the terms of your particular policy and any applicable legislation, your insurer may or may not cover OEM parts in a claim. If using OEM parts for vehicle repairs is important to you, you can choose to pay the price premium over aftermarket alternatives.
Note
If you want to avoid paying a price difference in the road, think about switching to an insurance plan that will cover OEM parts.
Choosing Original components over aftermarket ones is only in your best interests and for your piece of mind. Both the safety and resale value of your car won’t be impacted by it if you decide to sell. Particularly if there was structural damage or airbag deployment, a car that has been in an accident is likely to be worth less than one that hasn’t. Its overall worth will not be significantly impacted by the parts used to restore it.
Which One Fits You Best?
Although you may believe that OEM parts are superior because they are directly from the maker of your car, are they always the best options for you?
It all depends on what you like. Automobile enthusiasts, mechanics who work in body shops, and owners of recently purchased cars are typically the ones who are most worried about getting OEM parts.
Others might not be aware of the distinction or even give a damn; all they want is their car fixed. Several people prefer aftermarket components because of their lower price. Use aftermarket components if you don’t care about the brand and you want to save money.
Go with OEM parts if you like the convenience of having components produced specifically for your vehicle and don’t mind paying more.
The bottom line OEM parts maintain the car as close to its original state as possible. But, once you leave the lot in your car, it is no longer brand new. Why then would you require Original components when aftermarket or used parts may accomplish the same task more affordably? In the end, it’s up to you to decide whether it matters what kind of parts are used to fix your car.
To determine which options are best for your car, compare the expenses to any prospective differences.
