In terms of what auto repair can do for you, your first thought may be an oil change or getting your car to pass the emissions test. One factor that goes into such is choosing a repair technician. And with that, making sure the parts needed are necessary and direct with their intentions. When choosing a repair technician, make sure they discuss with you the option of using Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts vs After-Market Parts.
Weighing the Good and the Bad
The Pros and Cons to purchasing OEM parts for your repair:
Pros
You will be confident that an OEM part will be the same, if not better, than an ordinary original part, ensuring the stability and likeness for the overall livelihood of your vehicle.
OEM parts are backed by a one-year warranty, ensuring that if something goes wrong you will have some wiggle room cost-wise while getting it repaired.
The quality of OEM parts is better than that of after-market parts. They are guaranteed to last and guaranteed to endure mishaps more effectively than after-market parts.
With OEM parts, you can get an assurance of a wider variety of parts needed to get the job done faster and effectively.
Cons
Typically original equipment manufacturer parts are more costly than the average body shop part since there is such a demand for them. They can take longer to get and in turn, your vehicle will take longer to repair. In the long run, this can be a minute detail if you want the money you spend on a repair to last you longer and be a more lucrative investment of your assets.
With high costs also comes with limited availability. OEM parts are usually only found at a few dealerships here and there. If you’re lucky enough to find one, you should expect the cost to be quite steep. The same goes for hunting for parts on the internet. Don’t be surprised if they turn out to be at the steady price point for the limited and high-demand they are in.
If after reading all this your asking, “Does this mean an after-market part will be impeding to my vehicle?” The appropriate response is that it relies upon the vehicle part being referred to. If it’s a part that’s essential for regular vehicle functions, it may be smart to get the OEM part. If it’s a part that’s not as essential, after-market parts can be a great choice that gets the job done just the same as the OEM part.
Conclusion
It is important to trust your own judgment and also follow the advice of your trusted mechanic. When acquiring auto parts, keep in mind that the term OEM does not make the part superior, only “the equivalent.” Many aftermarket parts are just as favorable and in many cases more reliable than the original part. It’s best to do your own research and at the end of the day make the decision that’s best for you and your vehicle.
