A Deeper Look at Your Options: OEM vs Aftermarket Parts

You can pimp your ride. Tricking out your car starts with choosing between OEM vs aftermarket parts.

Most car enthusiasts know that insurance and cost need to be factored into their decision. But what other factors come into play?

Take a deeper dive into car parts here.

The Choice Between OEM vs Aftermarket Parts

As you may already know, OEM parts are those made by the original equipment manufacturer. They tend to be the most expensive option.

Aftermarket parts are also known as performance parts. They're not built by the vehicle manufacturer. They're less expensive too.

Insurance is an important factor to consider here. 

With a liability-only policy - the cheapest policy - you don't have any coverage on your car. Your only protection is from lawsuits if you run into someone.

To repair or replace a car with aftermarket parts, you'll need comprehensive and collision insurance. Some insurance companies include a small amount - usually $1,000 - for aftermarket parts. Other policies don't cover aftermarket parts at all.

You'll need special coverage for aftermarket parts. That's where coverage for custom parts and equipment (CPE) comes in.

It's not pricey if you're under 25. Most drivers end up paying a few bucks a month for $5,000 coverage.

Breaking It Down

The old saying about only buying what you need applies to OEM parts.

You don't always need genuine, OEM parts. Aftermarket parts can oftentimes be just as good as their OEM counterparts. That said, they may not always fit well, so a mechanic may need to adjust them to your specific vehicle.

It's also important to know that aftermarket parts will void a vehicle's warranty. Using only OEM parts will keep a warranty active. So make sure you are aware of your vehicle's warranty, if any, and then weigh your options before purchasing OEM vs. aftermarket.

You also have to do your due diligence to ensure that your aftermarket parts are high-quality. If you're getting your car fixed with a professional, it's important to verify where they're buying their parts from. Some places may not always choose the most trustworthy manufacturers, preferring a cheaper cost over a quality part, so it's important to check where your parts are coming from before approving a professional to install them.

You can guard yourself against the risks associated with buying parts by taking a few precautions.

First, purchase them only from trusted sellers with strong reputations. Second, ask the seller for an itemized invoice showing parts numbers. Finally, get estimates on both OEM and aftermarket parts to see if the price difference is big enough to justify choosing aftermarket parts.

Parts of a Puzzle

The OEM vs aftermarket parts debate is one piece of the puzzle to a high-functioning vehicle: a key piece. After all, what's a car without the assembly of parts? 

If you've done your research and made a decision, we have both OEM and aftermarket parts for your vehicle. Click here to shop now.