Aftermarket Auto Parts Versus Used OEM Auto Parts Versus Brand New Discount Parts

Well! The worst has happened to your car and that worn / damaged part needs a replacement. What is the first thing that comes to mind?

I’m sure it would be “how do I get a replacement part that meets the need at the lowest possible price?” And believe me; the most sensible people would think the same way.

Let’s be honest; no one likes to spend a lot of money on car repairs and parts replacements. In fact, if given the option, no one would even want to be in a situation where their car needs a repair or a replacement part.

This is basic human nature and we all display it. As for me, I’d rather spend extra money on a fancy car stereo than buy an expensive replacement part. Any day I’d rather have the cheapest possible repair or parts replacement that works, and so would you, unless you’re a celebrity and money is sticking with you like a shadow.

So what are the options you can consider if your vehicle needs a replacement part?

In the current market scenario, we have 3 main options namely:

Aftermarket Parts
Used OEM Parts
Discounted New Parts

Let’s go over the pros and cons of each so that we can make a decision.

Aftermarket Parts for a vehicle can be defined as auto parts manufactured by a manufacturer other than the original manufacturer of the vehicle.

But that’s not necessarily the correct definition, as most vehicle manufacturers don’t make all the parts themselves. They may ask another company to make a certain auto part for them. In that case, the first definition would not be true.

I think the following example would clarify the concept.

If you are installing an air filter in your ABC car and that air filter is not manufactured, it is not considered a standard accessory (stock option) and is not recommended by ABC Company, it qualifies as an aftermarket part on as regards the ABC Company. In that event, the entire ABC Company warranty for your ABC automobile will be void.

That is not the only consequence of installing replacement parts in your vehicle. These parts have not been tested for compatibility with all makes and models of automobiles. As a result, an aftermarket part may not function properly in your car, causing unforeseen problems. For example, an aftermarket air filter can damage your car engine if it is not compatible with your car model, resulting in low engine efficiency or perhaps total engine damage.

Aftermarket parts do not necessarily comply with quality and performance laws and regulations. For example, your aftermarket headlights may not meet your state’s local regulations, or your aftermarket engine may not meet your state’s emissions standards. It is imperative that you check the correct details and characteristics of a replacement part before purchasing it.

Depending on factors such as quality and brand, an aftermarket part may cost less, the same, or more than a new OEM part.

A good-quality replacement part made by a company specializing in a particular domain qualifies as a performance-enhancing auto part and generally costs more than a regular new OEM part would cost. Unless you’re willing to shell out money for car customization, you don’t need to go down that route.

A truth about aftermarket parts holds true even today; “Use it at your own risk”.

Used OEM Auto Parts for a vehicle they are manufactured by the same manufacturer that made the vehicle. The only factor is that these parts are not new. They have been used before, probably on another vehicle of the same make and somehow made it to a junkyard or salvage yard.

In this case, one fact that one should consider before buying a used auto part is that used parts of a certain ABC because they will most likely only fit ABC cars of the same model and year based on the standards of the company. This is because manufacturers may make slight changes or improvements to the designs and specifications of auto parts each year for any particular model.

Since all OEM auto parts from a particular automaker are of the same quality and tested by the manufacturer for optimal performance, you don’t end up making any compromises on this front. Remember, this is not the case for replacement parts.

Used auto parts could be your best option in terms of cost effectiveness and quality, as long as you select the correct auto part online and buy it only from a reputable seller. The advantage of buying from established sellers is that you get quality tested genuine parts at low prices and usually no shipping costs.

The only worrying factor about used auto parts may be their history. The part could be salvaged from a car that was destroyed in an accident or perhaps from a car that was scrapped after serving a lifetime. Then there are also some used auto parts available that were used by the original manufacturer for testing purposes.

Whatever the part’s history, you can get a confirmation from the seller over the phone before purchasing. Leading used auto parts dealers exercise quality control by keeping track of the condition and history of a particular auto part so that the customer knows the exact age and origin of the part they are purchasing.

Also, the vehicle manufacturer’s warranty is not voided if you install a used OEM part in your vehicle.

Used auto parts are the most profitable of the three options, costing about a third of the price of new OEM auto parts.

New Discount Auto Parts you probably don’t need any description. These are new auto parts that are sold at discount prices. Definitely a great option, but these are not available every day and in every store. In fact, they are available from time to time and at the sole discretion of the dealer. If you’re lucky, you may find the part you need at a discount, but as is often the case, parts that are sold at a discount are the ones with the least demand. So if you desperately need a new replacement part for your car, you may have to wait until it is available at discounted prices.

To conclude, you can choose any of these options depending on your need and suitability, but remember that in the case of repairs and part replacements, you need to take a step only after weighing the pros and cons of each available option.

Happy motor racing!

James rodham