Anyone that owns an automobile will inevitably need to purchase replacement car parts at some point. There is no escaping the fact that all cars will eventually break down, with some doing so more often than others. Fortunately, there are replacement parts available for nearly every vehicle on the road, either through a dealership or through an aftermarket retailer.
There are two general categories of car parts; OEM (original equipment manufacturer) and aftermarket. OEM parts are those that are made by the same company that makes the parts for the automobile manufacturer. These parts are always recommended as a first option when replacing any parts on your vehicle because they are guaranteed to be made to the auto company's exact specifications. However, because OEM parts are generally more expensive than aftermarket parts (especially when purchased through a dealership) many people opt for the less expensive aftermarket option.
Aftermarket car parts, in most cases, are perfectly adequate replacements for original parts. The main difference usually has to do with the available warranty, which is typically not as long-lasting as with OEM parts. For commonly replaced parts, such as an alternator or starter, aftermarket parts can be an ideal solution for those with a limited budget. If, however, you need to replace a major component of the vehicle, such as a crankshaft, gaskets or any other interior part of the engine, most experts recommend using only OEM parts.
Performance upgrades are also commonly purchased car parts. Performance parts have become a very big industry in recent years due to the popularity of the street racer. Originally these parts were almost exclusively the domain of the aftermarket parts dealer. However, due to the increased popularity of this market segment, many car makers have begun to sell their own performance upgrades. The advantage of purchase OEM performance parts is that they are designed by the car maker for the specific model car, and are therefore considered more reliable. The downside of these parts is that they are considerably more expensive than those supplied by aftermarket dealers. Before purchasing any performance parts, it is vitally important to research each manufacturer to ensure that you don't buy a part that will create problems with other car components.
There are two general categories of car parts; OEM (original equipment manufacturer) and aftermarket. OEM parts are those that are made by the same company that makes the parts for the automobile manufacturer. These parts are always recommended as a first option when replacing any parts on your vehicle because they are guaranteed to be made to the auto company's exact specifications. However, because OEM parts are generally more expensive than aftermarket parts (especially when purchased through a dealership) many people opt for the less expensive aftermarket option.
Aftermarket car parts, in most cases, are perfectly adequate replacements for original parts. The main difference usually has to do with the available warranty, which is typically not as long-lasting as with OEM parts. For commonly replaced parts, such as an alternator or starter, aftermarket parts can be an ideal solution for those with a limited budget. If, however, you need to replace a major component of the vehicle, such as a crankshaft, gaskets or any other interior part of the engine, most experts recommend using only OEM parts.
Performance upgrades are also commonly purchased car parts. Performance parts have become a very big industry in recent years due to the popularity of the street racer. Originally these parts were almost exclusively the domain of the aftermarket parts dealer. However, due to the increased popularity of this market segment, many car makers have begun to sell their own performance upgrades. The advantage of purchase OEM performance parts is that they are designed by the car maker for the specific model car, and are therefore considered more reliable. The downside of these parts is that they are considerably more expensive than those supplied by aftermarket dealers. Before purchasing any performance parts, it is vitally important to research each manufacturer to ensure that you don't buy a part that will create problems with other car components.
Labels: parts
