When shopping for replacement parts for a vehicle, consumers are faced with the option to purchase either aftermarket automotive parts or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. While both have their pros and cons, its ultimately up to the individual’s preferences concerning quality and his budget when deciding on the better option.
Aftermarket Automotive Parts – Pros and Cons
Aftermarket automotive parts are replacement units manufactured by any company other than the parent company that produced the original vehicle. These pieces can be purchased at just about any discount auto parts store and, should the consumer choose to take his vehicle to any auto repair center other than the one at the new car dealership that services his model vehicle, he can expect the mechanic to install aftermarket automotive parts unless he specifically requests otherwise.
Pros:
Aftermarket automotive parts are often much cheaper for consumers than the replacement car part options the manufacturer offers.
There’s rarely any waiting around for the correct part to be ordered. Individuals can readily purchase aftermarket replacements for their vehicles from auto body retailers nationwide. Many individuals opt for aftermarket units, not as replacements, but as an upgrade for standard vehicle options.
Cons:
Although most car parts purchased new come with a warranty, that warranty may not be as long as the one offered by the manufacturer, which can sometimes offset the higher cost of OEM parts.
Consumers sometimes purchase aftermarket auto parts without any knowledge of exactly what they’re getting. While the quality of these pieces sometimes exceeds the quality of OEM parts, they can be of a lower quality as well.
