When you need to make modifications or repairs to your car or truck, you have a couple of options. You can either chose to take it to the dealership, where the mechanics will use the factory, manufacturer parts, or an independent dealer who will typically use aftermarket parts. Understanding the difference between aftermarket auto parts vs original manufacturer ones can help you determine which is best for you.
What are the aftermarket parts?
These are automobile replacement parts that are not made by the original car manufacturer. While they’re intended to function in the same manner as the parts created by the auto manufacturer, they may differ slightly. They’re cheaper than the name brand but have the same general effectiveness.
Pros of aftermarket parts include being cheaper than OEM ones, which can help people on a tight budget, or who only have a certain amount of money from their insurance company to fix a damaged car. You may have an easier time getting the part you need if you opt for aftermarket vs OEM parts – a local parts store may have a few different brands of what you need in stock, while OEM parts are only available at the dealer, and may not be immediately available.
Are OEM parts better than aftermarket parts?
OEM parts typically come with some kind of warranty and may be of higher quality than their aftermarket counterparts. However, if you select an OEM to replace a malfunctioning part, you may end up with problems in that it could have been that particular part itself that caused the problem to your vehicle. Plus, original manufacturer parts tend to be more expensive.
However, it’s easy to choose the right OEM part, as there’s only one option. And, most manufacturers will offer a warranty on their parts, which aftermarket companies generally don’t. You’ll have peace of mind with an original part knowing that it’s quality guaranteed to function exactly like the original car part.
Do aftermarket parts void the warranty?
Not every modification or repair will alter or void the warranty on the vehicle. In some situations, repairs for a particular part may not be covered, but the warranty on the rest of the vehicle may remain in place.
When you take your truck or car to the dealership for warranty repairs, the dealer has to file a claim with the warranty provider (typically the car manufacturer) to get the work covered by the warranty. If the repair isn’t covered by your warranty, then the claim is denied and the dealer doesn’t get paid for their work.
Some alterations may be considered “misuse” of the vehicle, so if you’re planning to modify your car or truck, then check with the warranty issuer first.
Do insurance companies cover aftermarket parts?
Whether or not your insurance policy will cover aftermarket parts depends on the type of policy you have. Liability-only, the cheapest policy, doesn’t cover your vehicle at all, just the other party if you’re at fault in an accident. Collision and comprehensive insurance will cover your car in a wreck or if it’s damaged by a falling tree, hail, and the like. In these cases, the insurance company will compensate you for the cash value of the car if it’s totaled, and the amount of the repairs if the car isn’t totaled.
Different companies have different practices when it comes to covering aftermarket auto parts vs original manufacturer parts – the insurance company may only cover original parts. Also, if you’ve made a lot of modifications using aftermarket parts, and you haven’t purchased special coverage for the altered vehicle, then you may not be covered.
How to determine the quality of aftermarket parts
The Certified Automobile Parts Association (CAPA) is the “gold standard” for certifying the quality of aftermarket car parts. If places each part through rigorous quality testing, and only certifies those that meet the association’s high standards. If you don’t see this seal on the aftermarket pats, ask a mechanic that you trust. They may have experience with certain aftermarket brands, or they may be able to help you pick aftermarket vs OEM parts.