There are many instances in which you want or need to buy new auto parts for your car, truck, or SUV. To help you out, we’ve asked our automotive parts and service members some frequently asked questions. This is what they had to say.
OEM parts are the “Original Equipment Manufacturer” parts. They are manufactured for specific car or truck models by the manufacturer. These are the exactly-matching parts that your vehicle has. They are sold with a limited warranty. Service Centers use your VIN Number to find the perfect part for your car or truck.
There are many instances in which you want or need to buy new auto parts for your car, truck, or SUV. To help you out, we’ve asked our automotive parts and service members some frequently asked questions. This is what they had to say.
OEM parts are the “Original Equipment Manufacturer” parts. They are manufactured for specific car or truck models by the manufacturer. These are the exactly-matching parts that your vehicle has. They are sold with a limited warranty. Service Centers use your VIN Number to find the perfect part for your car or truck.
These manufacturer items insure top quality and performance.
These automobiles parts always come with a warranty.
OEM top of the line parts can cost more than comparative aftermarket parts.
Certified Service Centers generally order specific OEM parts from the manufacturer. This may take a few days if it is not already in stock.
An aftermarket part is any vehicle part that is not sourced directly from the vehicle’s maker, or OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). These parts may be less-expensive choices for your vehicle’s repair and advancements. Online retailers and independent, local shops can (though not necessarily) offer a wide variety of aftermarket automobile parts. These automobile parts are made to function similarly as the OEM versions. However, aftermarket parts have their own pros and cons.
Low price could signal a lower quality
These parts are not warrantied
These car parts can be cheaper than the OEM manufacturer parts
These parts are readily available at most auto-repair shops
While basic part costs range from $150 to $500, some car part repairs can break your budget.
Always purchase OEM Manufacturer parts when it comes to collision repairs. non-OEM car repair products may not fit securely when your car or truck has damaged body panels after a crash. Plus, an aftermarket part installation may void your lease vehicle warranty. So, always use manufacturer parts for all types of vehicle repairs if you have a leased car.
A complete auto manufacturer’s warranty necessarily doesn’t cover every single part. Car buyers, however, can always choose something like a bumper-to-bumper warranty, factory warranty, and an extended warranty for the most comprehensive type of coverage. Even for an extended warranty, all of your vehicle’s parts will likely not be covered. Here is a list of what’s covered and what’s not.
Craigslist is not an auto retailer; but on this online platform, third-party vendors sell automotive parts. For this reason, the quality cannot be guaranteed. If you are buying car parts from this source, make sure to research, verify, and compare before the purchase.
Unquestionably, Amazon is a reputed online marketplace that provides customers with a convenient and easy site to shop for quality automotive parts. While most automotive parts sold by Amazon are from reliable sources, it can be a challenge for you to know if you’re getting the right part for your car since you are not dealing directly with an auto service center.
Yes. The car dealership is one of the best places to buy car parts. Most car dealers only offer standard manufacturer parts. Best of all, they can help you find specific parts for your vehicle with its VIN .
You can always bring your own auto parts to a car dealer. However, the dealer will not be able to warranty the purchased part, nor can they guarantee its performance. It is highly recommended to get your vehicle checked by an experienced service center at a local dealership before ordering any parts for installation. The factory-trained mechanic will also diagnose the problem and suggest the required replacement part, if needed.
Bring your aftermarket car part to a local car dealer for installation. Before installation, a service technician at the dealership will check the aftermarket vehicle part to verify if it is suitable for your car. Even if they install the aftermarket auto part, however, the auto dealer can only warranty the labor.
Auto Parts – FAQ
