How to Find Trusted Aftermarket Parts
It’s inevitable. All cars will need repairs or replacement parts at some point in time. The problem many car owners have is how expensive those repairs can quickly become. It’s not uncommon for people to put even more money into repairing their vehicle than they did purchasing it. As a way to cut some of those costs, many people look into reliable aftermarket parts. These are an attractive alternative to brand new OEM parts. Still, finding high quality auto parts can be difficult unless you really know what you’re looking for. If you’re in the market for reliable aftermarket parts, follow these tips to ensure you aren’t sacrificing quality for a cheap price.
Aftermarket vs OEM Parts
First, it’s important to know the difference between aftermarket and OEM parts. An aftermarket car part is any part that does not come from the car’s original maker. Despite not being made by the original manufacturer, these parts are designed to appear and function just like an OEM part.
Aftermarket parts have always been available at brick and mortar auto stores, but they’ve become more popular as they are now available online. Many people like aftermarket parts because they offer unique and custom variations that you can’t get from the original manufacturer. Generally speaking, these parts are less expensive as the manufacturers strive to offer a competitive alternative to the same OEM part. Still, there can be many different pricing tiers for aftermarket parts. This is helpful as people work to stay within their budget for auto repairs.
OEM parts come from the same company that supplies the vehicle manufacturer’s factory. In the past, the only place to get OEM parts was from an authorized dealership. Today, it is easier to get a hold of them through many retail stores or third-party sellers. Some people like the assurance of buying an OEM part as you know it will fit your car perfectly. After all, it was made specifically for that car - by the same manufacturer as the original part.
Are Aftermarket Parts Any Good?
Why would anyone choose an aftermarket part instead of an OEM part? Well, ten years ago, they probably wouldn’t have. At the time, aftermarket parts definitely did not have the reputation that they do now. Thanks to an industry-wide focus on quality, aftermarket parts are finally being acknowledged as the quality auto parts they are. Many shop owners and repair technicians are much more confident in aftermarket brands today and have little to no concern about putting them in customers’ cars. This is because today’s aftermarket parts can be as good or even better than their OEM competitors. Often, aftermarket manufacturers are able to look at the original part and work out any imperfections or weaknesses in it. Ultimately, this can lead to an aftermarket part that is better than the OEM part.
How to Choose the Right Aftermarket Parts
If you’re in the market for reliable aftermarket parts, here are some things you should consider before making your choice.
Type of Repair
Your best option for reliable aftermarket parts will depend on the type of repair that is needed. Often, body panels or other very large pieces are best to buy from an OEM source. This is because you know they will fit your car perfectly. However, smaller pieces or even parts you don’t visibly see are often completely fine as an aftermarket purchase.
Brand Reputation
If you’re familiar with auto parts brands, you’ll likely be able to easily identify reliable aftermarket parts and brands. However, many consumers don’t have this knowledge or experience. So these people will need to do their homework on the specific part they’re looking for and the possible brands before they make their final decision. If you’ve never heard of a company at all, it could be a signal that it’s not a reliable brand. However, your best bet will probably be to check online reviews for the company and the specific part. This can tell you a lot about how the part holds up and whether the company is a good one to do business with.
Explore the Internet
You probably don’t need us to tell you that the internet has a plethora of places you can purchase cheap auto parts from. It’s important to note that there is a lot of false information found on the internet. Keep in mind that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Only purchase from websites or retailers that you either recognize or have a large number of positive reviews.
Ask an Auto Shop You Trust
There’s no one better to ask how to find quality auto parts than people who have dedicated their lives to working on vehicles. They do this kind of stuff all the time, so they know this information like the back of their hand. Your local trusted auto shop will more than likely be able to point you in the right direction towards reliable and cheap auto parts.
What to Look For
Look for parts that come with a warranty or guarantee to give you some additional peace of mind. You may also want to choose parts from a company with reputable customer service support. Generally, the absolute cheapest part is probably the lowest quality. Look for something in the middle that meets the above criteria.
In addition, when you are purchasing aftermarket parts online, look for listings that have several high-quality pictures and detailed descriptions with exact specifications. If you notice lots of misspellings in the listing or description, it is probably best to look for another option.
Buying Quality Auto Parts
Every once in a while, you won’t have a choice for OEM or aftermarket parts. Expensive parts or ones that are lower in demand may not have aftermarket options. Still, there’s also the chance that obsolete brands or older vehicles may not have OEM parts available anymore. This could make a difficult to find part even harder to find. For this reason, aftermarket parts might be the best option as they can be provided quickly.
If you are looking for reliable aftermarket parts that meet or even exceed OEM standards, you’ve come to the right place. Our extensive selection of auto parts means you are sure to find the right fit for your car. Plus, our customer support is second to none. We always take the time to reply to all messages, emails, and phone calls. Check out our great selection today!