The Pros and Cons of Using Aftermarket Auto Parts

Regular car maintenance is important. Oil changes, tire rotation, tune-ups, and other recommended procedures should be performed at the correct intervals. Cars are an expensive investment and most people rely on them to get to work, drive their children to school and other places, and do grocery shopping and other chores. Keeping up with maintenance will allow your car to run better and last longer. From time to time, various car parts need to be replaced. Whether you do the work yourself or hire a mechanic, you have the option of using OEM or aftermarket parts. There are pros and cons to aftermarket products.

The Pros of Aftermarket Parts

Original Equipment Manufacturer parts are generally a safe bet. They are made by the company that builds the car so the specifications are sure to be correct. If you take your car to a dealership for repair, you will get OEM parts. They are not the only game in town, however.

As Chief Executive Officer at Crowne Group LLC, a manufacturer of both types of parts, Patrick James can tell you, there are many companies that build aftermarket parts of every make and model. There are several advantages to using aftermarket parts.

• Greater Availability - Many companies manufacture aftermarket parts and they are widely distributed. You can get them in auto parts stores, gas stations, and local mechanics shops. This makes it easy to do the work yourself and provides many options for hiring someone else to do it.
• Lower Cost - Though not always the case, aftermarket parts generally cost less than OEM parts.
• Equal or Greater Quality - Many companies make excellent aftermarket parts so you can get high-quality parts.
• Greater Variety - With the wide availability, you have many more options when choosing aftermarket parts.

The Cons of Aftermarket Parts

Nothing is all upside and there are potential disadvantages to using aftermarket parts rather than OEM.

• There May Not Be a Warranty - OEM parts come with a manufacturer's warranty to protect you if something goes wrong. Although some aftermarket parts do have warranties, many do not. Should the part fail, you would be out the price. It's a good idea to ask about warranties when purchasing an aftermarket price.
• Large Variance in Quality - There are many companies that manufacture high-quality parts, but there is a wide variety. Some aftermarket parts are lesser in quality than their OEM counterparts. The money you save could come back to haunt you later.
• It Can Be Hard to Choose - OEM parts are simple to choose. You buy the part you need for the car you own. With the huge selection of aftermarket parts, you may be overwhelmed by the amount of effort it can take to get the best quality, price, and warranty.

Cars are complex machines that require regular maintenance to keep functioning well. Parts often need to be replaced and when they do, you can use OEM or aftermarket parts. There are pros and cons to using aftermarket parts. If you do go that route, do your research to ensure that the lower-priced part you buy, is not of inferior quality.