When Should You Choose Aftermarket Auto Parts?

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When buying replacement parts, you usually have three options: genuine parts from a dealer, OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts from a third-party seller, or aftermarket parts. Genuine and OEM parts are functionally identical, so choosing between them usually isn't too challenging. Some people prefer to keep all of their replacement parts genuine, while others choose to save a few bucks with an OEM.

The decision can get a little trickier with aftermarket parts, however. While OEM parts might be identical to their factory equivalents, aftermarket components can vary widely. Aftermarket parts can save you money or offer other benefits, but when should you choose them? Keep reading to learn about three situations where an aftermarket alternative might be the way to go.

1. You're Getting a More Reliable Upgrade

Some vehicles have known issues right from the manufacturer. For example, many German luxury automakers use water pumps with plastic composite impellers. These impellers can sometimes fail prematurely, allowing plastic chunks to circulate through the cooling systems. Aftermarket manufacturers responded by providing upgraded models with metal impellers.

If your vehicle has similar issues, then there may be more reliable aftermarket alternatives. Before replacing a failed part, do a little research to determine if this failure is typical with your model. In these cases, choosing a well-reviewed aftermarket replacement may mean more reliability and fewer hassles in the future.

2. You Can Save Significant Money

OEM parts often provide significant savings over genuine components, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they're cheap. In some cases, aftermarket parts might be much more affordable than even the best OEM option. If you're trying to save some money, purchasing a lower-cost aftermarket replacement might make sense.

When taking this route, always spend some time reading reviews and researching your new part. Saving a few dollars doesn't make sense if the part fails soon, so you should take the time to ensure you're buying a reliable replacement from a reputable dealer.

3. You Want to Modify Your Vehicle

The aftermarket is about more than just reliability and savings, however. Many aftermarket manufacturers specialize in parts that add more power, new functionality, or visual flare. If you're looking to modify and personalize your vehicle, the aftermarket is usually your best option. These parts allow you to make your car truly your own.

As with any car repair or maintenance decision, buying aftermarket car parts requires some care and research. By taking the time to understand your needs, budget, and options, you'll be able to choose aftermarket parts that are affordable and long-lasting. 

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21 July 2021

Keep Your Vehicle Safe

Hello. My name’s Samuel Jacobs. I retired from my job as an auto mechanic last year. During my years as a mechanic, I had the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Some have remained friends to this day. When I was working, there is one thing that I came across at least weekly. That is how uneducated people are when it comes to their vehicle’s tires. Properly cared for tires are crucial to the safety of your vehicle. Without them, your car isn’t going anywhere. If they give out on you while you are driving, there is the potential for serious injury. I’m going to share some tire safety information here. Things like the importance of correct inflation, how to check the tread, when to replace tires, tire rotation, and what to do in case of a blow-out. I hope you find this information to be helpful.