Replacement Car Parts - Buy OEM Or After Market?

Consumers face two options when buying replacement car parts following a collision - buy after market, or shell out for original equipment? Beyond the obvious considerations of costs and quality, it's important to understand that comparing either side-by-side isn't always as straight forward as you might think. There are multiple variables and scenarios that can impact the over cost of a replacement part. Collisions, for example add a whole other layer with regards to insurance policies, reimbursements and future risks. The effects of which parts you choose on the resale value of a vehicle is also a concern and plays a part in cost. To make an informed decision, consider all sides of the debate.

OEM parts are parts my by the original equipment manufacturer made expressly for a specific vehicle. They are more expensive than their after market counterparts, parts made by third parties after the original sale of a vehicle. Examining the issue of cost from an insurance perspective, the more affordable option is favored. In fact, because after market replacement parts are almost always less expensive than OPEM parts, they are actually often required by an insurance company for a 100% percent reimbursement if you're involved in an accident. From a buyer's perspective who also factors cost as a high priority, these policies are important to understand thoroughly. Imagine you're in a collision in a vehicle stocked with OEM parts, only to find out you'll be paying the cost differential between it's after market version.

This is where 'ifs' come into play. It's no wonder a consensus hasn't been made on the "best," "safest" or "most inexpensive" option. Probability and preference are facts that can be used in a straight out side by side cost comparison. Individual conclusions can be made in the absence of a community standard, provided all of the angles are explored and factored in to your decision.

Moving on to another such angle, many will argue that OEM replacement parts are superior given the strict safety testing and standardization to which they are subject, and are quick to forgo insurance reimbursement for this peace of mind. It's a position that unsupported however, at least according to a contradiction by by the Insurance institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) who claim that after market replacement parts do not in fact degrade the safety of an automobile in a crash.

The third main argument for cost comes from those concerned about resale value, which diminishes greatly with the use of after market replacement car parts.

Knowing these, an informed consumer can ask themselves the following questions, the answers to which will depend solely on personal values and financial position.

Do I have a history of collisions?

Can I immediately afford OEM parts?

If I can't, can I afford to incur after market replacement costs in the event of an accident?

Will I sell, or how soon do I plan to sell my vehicle?

Do I value an insurance reimbursement over a higher resale value?

Finally note that with a high-end vehicle, you may be forced to purchase OEM replacement parts simply because after market replacement are less common for top of the line imports.

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The Benefits of After Market High Performance Exhaust Systems

Aftermarket exhaust systems are a great way of enhancing the performance of your car. Besides that can also be used for cosmetic purpose as well as to produce a beloved roaring and growling car sound which makes your car prominent and more prone of being noted by your friends.

The exhaust system acts just like a respiratory system of a man where the different gases produced by the working of the engine are provided a passage way or exit route through the exhaust tubing. When a man works out, the lungs helps in expelling out the carbon dioxide from the body and provides a departure platform. If the gas does not exit from the body we will suffocate and you know better what happens next.

So in order for an engine to work more efficiently, the best thing would be that exhaust piping are of larger diameter so gases exit more rapidly and there is less restriction for the gases to pass out. This benefit is what we gain when we replace a factory fitted stock exhaust system with an aftermarket sports exhaust system. Since they provide relatively a larger diameter piping, there is a less pressure of exhaust fumes which results in higher horse power but on the other hand a larger bore size of the pipe slows down the movement of the gases. So performance gain does not lies with fitting the biggest possible bore size pipe as it may result in the loss of low end torque, but an optimum size is suggested which definitely varies with the type of engine according to the RPM produced.

Another problem with the normal exhaust system is that they manufacture a crush bent exhaust tubing which means that there are spiral rings around the exhaust piping due to which the diameter remains uneven and restrictions for gases to pass through. On the other hand high performance exhaust system generally provide mandrel bent exhaust tubing where the diameter remains same all over the system.

So making the debate short, while replacing your standard one with a high performance sports cat back exhaust system, you should be considering the size of bore of exhaust tubing related to your engine specifications. Similarly one general tip of making the gases to exit with a greater velocity is that the the big pipes are connected with small pipes along the entire exhaust manifold are connected in a cone shape. This of course has some demerits too. Similarly if your exhaust system creates an unwanted sound, you can use aftermarket mufflers to kill it.

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Windshield Replacement OEM Vs After Market Glass

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After Auto Repair You Can Go Anywhere

Paying for auto repair might feel like a drag at the time, but guess what? After you've slipped your mechanic that chunk of change or swiped your credit card one more time, you have just bought yourself more than a workable vehicle. You've just purchased yourself some freedom. When your car is running on a wing and a prayer, it doesn't make the driver feel very secure about setting off on an adventure. Now does it? But when everything's been fixed and the thing is purring like a tiger, it's time to break out and enjoy that newfound freedom. Where can you drive your highly functional, well maintained vehicle? Anyplace you want - within reason. Here are some ideas.

- To New York to Occupy Wall Street: Are you a middle-aged and relatively responsible old hippie who never got a chance to really protest because you missed the Viet Nam protests by a few years? Well, now's your chance to write your own message on a picket sign, throw it in the back of your vehicle and head east. Sure, lots of those protesters are younger than you but they'll appreciate your matronly support. Be prepared to camp out, be interviewed by NPR and wait in line for bathrooms. One national public radio report recently mentioned that the highest incidence of injuries occurred during musical festivities - in the form of a siege of banjo blisters.

- To the beaches in California: California has wonderful beaches that are a great venue for catching some rays and doing some people watching. Due to budget cuts that have stripped this state financially, rumors have been circulating that scores of beaches will be closed by 2012. So if this destination is on your wish list, you better hurry. You don't really have to pack much, so hit the road.

- To catch a Broadway musical: Have show tunes always been your weakness? Well, now's your chance to sing across the country and back again. There are lots of groovy Broadway musicals still belting out tunes such as "The Phantom of the Opera," "Chicago," and "Lion King." Gas up that vehicle and go. You haven't lived till you've seen lions dance and sing.

- To drive through a tree in the California Redwoods: Have you ever wanted to drive your car right through a tree? Well, believe it or not, you can. In northern California way up in the Redwoods country, there is a gigantic tree with a road going through the middle of it. Now that's an experience!

- To Graceland: Have you always wanted to know everything about Elvis? Head to Graceland Mansion in Nashville, Tennessee and you will learn more than you ever imagined. Tour prices vary but the premier packages even allow you to lay down on the beds and sift through a file box of the king's personal papers such as grade reports.

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