Has your motorcycle, RV, or ATV broken down? Did you discover you need a new part to get things running again?
There's no question this can be a frustrating situation. However, if you want to restore proper function to your vehicle, repairs are a must.
One of the first decisions you must make is purchasing aftermarket or OEM parts.
Keep reading to learn more about these and some information that will help you decide which type of part is right for your repairs.
Aftermarket Parts
Aftermarket parts are any parts for vehicles, RVs, motorcycles, or ATVs that aren't sourced directly from the original manufacturer.
If you purchase direct replacement parts, they won't void your vehicle's warranty. Several companies manufacture parts to function the same or better than the original.
It's estimated that approximately 80% of independent repair shops are using aftermarket parts today. Make sure you hire a reputable mechanic and request the highest quality aftermarket parts to get the needed repairs.
Benefits of Choosing Aftermarket Parts
Several benefits are offered when you choose aftermarket car, motorcycle, or dirt bike parts. These include:
Less Expensive
Usually, aftermarket parts aren't as expensive as OEM parts. The cost varies from brand to brand.
You should shop around to find the best price and to get a general idea of how much a part typically costs. If the price seems too good to be true, be sure to consider its quality.
High-Quality Parts
Aftermarket parts are often high quality. In fact, they can be equal or greater to the quality of OEM parts.
In some situations, you even get a better part than what was on your vehicle, to begin with. Aftermarket manufacturers reverse-engineer the part to work out the weaknesses.
More Options
You will find hundreds of companies that make aftermarket parts. Some specialize in more specific parts, while others make every part you can think of.
A larger variety means a bigger selection and more prices to choose from.
Potential Disadvantages of Choosing Aftermarket Parts
While there are several benefits offered by choosing aftermarket parts, there are some potential disadvantages. These include:
No Guarantee on the Quality
In the world of aftermarket parts, the phrase "you get what you pay for" is true. Some aftermarket parts are lower quality because lower-quality materials are used.
Try to choose aftermarket brands you have heard of and have a good reputation. These may cost more, but they are worth the investment.
Huge Selection
If you aren't familiar with the different aftermarket brands, the options may seem overwhelming. A simple spark plug may offer hundreds of options, different brands, and slight variations.
No Warranty
Not all aftermarket parts come with a warranty. It's best to find out about this before making a purchase.
OEM Parts
Have you ever wondered, "what are OEM parts?" If so, you aren't alone.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. As the name implies, these are parts made by the original car manufacturer, truck, motorcycle, etc.
OEM motorcycle parts, ATV parts, car parts, and more are the ones that originally came on your vehicle when it was built.
Many people believe OEM parts are better because they come from the original manufacturer; however, this isn't always the case. As mentioned above, aftermarket parts manufacturers have the chance to work out weaknesses and issues.
Because of this, sometimes aftermarket parts are of higher quality.
However, OEM parts do offer some benefits.
Benefits of Choosing OEM Parts
When you go with manufacturers' parts, you can feel confident they will fit perfectly.
Some of the top benefits offered by choosing OEM parts for your vehicle include:
Easier to Find the Part You Need
You will likely get one type if you visit the parts counter at a local dealership and request a part.
Because of this, you don't have to be concerned about evaluating the quality of various brands. Price isn't an issue, either, since you have one option.
Quality Assurance
OEM parts should work exactly like the one you are replacing.
This is what your vehicle was built with and provides peace of mind that it will work like it is supposed to.
Warranty Provided
Usually, manufacturers will back OEM parts with a one-year warranty. The labor is also covered if you have the part installed at the dealership.
Potential Disadvantages of OEM Parts
Like aftermarket parts, there are potential disadvantages of OEM parts. Some of these include:
More Expensive
OEM parts typically cost more than aftermarket parts. In fact, they usually cost about 60% more.
Must be Purchased at a Dealership
While you can find other ways to purchase OEM parts, most people purchase them at a dealership. If you request them from your mechanic, they will have to order them, which means the repair will take longer.
Quality Isn't Always Superior
You may expect a higher quality product if you pay more for the OEM part. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. There's no guarantee an OEM part will be of higher quality than an aftermarket part.
Aftermarket or OEM Parts: Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the decision is yours when choosing between aftermarket and OEM parts. Both offer pros and cons, which means you can get a quality replacement part to repair your vehicle.
Are you interested in making a purchase? Or need advice and guidance about what part you should purchase? If so, contact us today or shop our extensive catalog of parts.