When it’s about fixing your car, finding the original or spare parts can be difficult. That’s when aftermarket parts come to the rescue as they are fit your budget as well as your car. Some people still opt for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) considering the cons of the former. Understanding the Advantages and Disadvantages of Aftermarket Parts will help you evaluate whether generic auto parts are good for your car or not.
Aftermarket parts, also known as generic parts are which are made by a company other than the vehicle's original manufacturer. They're manufactured as brand new replacement parts, not as used parts
Generic auto parts are the ones widely available and are relatively cheaper than OEM parts. Aftermarket parts generally scale the same as OEM auto parts in terms of efficacy and longevity. They are typically a mix of metals, plastics, and elements that serve as substitutes for original car parts.
Cost, availability, and dependability are significant factors you’d consider to assess the generic parts for cars. Here are what count as the advantages of Generic car parts.
Lower price is one of the reasonable advantages of buying aftermarket auto parts as the third-party manufacturers copy the exact make and model of parts without spending much on R&D. The cost of the aftermarket parts can be up to 60% less than the OEM parts.
Buying generic car parts can save you a lot of money on the entire cost of most bodywork and repair. Many insurance companies prefer aftermarket parts for cost cuts, especially when they are just as safe as the OEM parts.
The original parts are available at the original manufacturer only. Given that you can only buy auto parts only at the authorized seller finding the components can be difficult sometimes. You might have to travel distances to get the original ones.
On the other hand, you have many sellers and makers to choose from in your locality. It’s also convenient to find generic auto parts as some OEM parts can be rare apart from being expensive.
The original auto parts can take more time than usual to reach you. In many cases, the OEM car parts may not be available at your dealership, and you may be required to wait for the component to arrive. However, generic car parts benefit you in terms of instant availability. You can usually place your orders immediately and get the part delivered to you much quicker.
There is a difference in quality between original and generic auto parts. The component that needs a replacement can be replaced by aftermarket parts whose quality either meets or exceeds the OEM version.
The notable advantage of buying Aftermarket parts is they are also available at a higher price to outlast the OEM parts. There is something you’d expect in terms of performance and quality. In simpler words, aftermarket parts that may cost as much as OEM parts are usually better in quality than OEM parts.
Even the well-known manufacturers produce and release a limited number of genuine parts. Another advantage of choosing Aftermarket parts is that multiple companies manufacture them.
As a result, there will be very many types of the same car part. Since all companies do not produce parts with the same strengths and weaknesses, you are given a chance to choose from a wide variety, the part that best suits your needs.
There are a few good reasons why car manufacturers recommend users to buy OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) for their cars. OEM parts are reliable, cover, warranted, and available at the authorized dealers. Here are some disadvantages of Aftermarket Parts that direct your attention to genuine parts.
Quality is a big concern among consumers as spare parts for cars are 50 to 60% cheaper than genuine parts. Not many consumers consider the quality standards and durability of the generic parts they are about to buy.
Also, manufacturers stress more on quantity rather than quality. Not all the aftermarket parts are created equally or considering the safety and quality. You may encounter lower-quality items or ones that aren’t a good fit for your car.Another disadvantage of generic parts is that they are not certified and don't undergo testing for performance. Also, installing generic parts can void the car's service warranty. In case a part doesn't fit your car, your car insurance company may pay to replace it at no extra cost.
OEM parts come with a manufacturer’s warranty and are billed genuinely while purchasing them from the original manufacturer. If something happens to the part, you can request another one without paying anything.
But the Aftermarket parts have a limited or no warranty at all. If it damages during the installation process, the manufacturer won’t be accountable for replacing it. You’ll have to pay extra to get another replacement.
Bad gear is prone to defects and can also deteriorate your car's performance. For example, if you replace your car's original tire with the ones manufactured by a third party, they may not be as sufficient as the original ones.
The unoriginal fuses in your car's electrical panel may also deteriorate your car's battery performance. Many manufacturers, particularly those operating in other countries like China, offer cheap spare car parts using low-quality materials and techniques in the manufacturing process. As a buyer, you must remember the rule of thumb 'you get what you pay for.
Conclusion: There are a few disadvantages of generic auto parts that you may have to face while buying them. However, the good thing is that with enough research and diligence, it is easy for informed and smart consumers to avoid bad experiences while purchasing aftermarket car parts.
On the contrary, Aftermarket parts are not only cheap alternatives; they may also offer new solutions. For instance, if an original car part is not available anymore, the manufacturer may produce an aftermarket part to overcome the issue.
Aftermarket components are generally less expensive than original ones; you save by brand. An aftermarket pad may be your best option if you want better performance and don't mind some extra brake noise.
OEM parts are those that came with your vehicle and are of the same quality as the original. They're also the most expensive. Aftermarket components are less expensive and come from various sources, allowing you to choose from many options.
Aftermarket parts may be less expensive for various reasons, including the fact that they aren't always made from the same high-quality materials as OEM components. Inferior materials can cause aftermarket parts to fail, resulting in an initial savings forgone.
Aftermarket parts are replacement components that the original equipment manufacturer does not produce. Aftermarket components are used to repair damaged goods in cars and other equipment, but their usage may affect coverage.