OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts are identical to and of the same caliber as the ones that arrived with your car. They also cost the most money.
Aftermarket components are more affordable and frequently made by several different manufacturers, giving you additional choices.
Used parts could show some signs of wear and tear, but they should be examined or rebuilt to make sure they function. These are the least expensive choice.
In This Article...
Does the value of aftermarket parts decline?
Most individuals believe that by adding the many aftermarket options they desire, the value of their vehicle will increase. Sadly, this is usually seldom the case. In actuality, aftermarket additions frequently lower car value.
I have aftermarket items in my automobile; can I sell it?
After a CARB examination to make sure the item doesn’t increase emissions, California law does permit the promotion and sale of an aftermarket performance part.
Are replacement parts subpar?
Preconceived ideas regarding aftermarket parts are frequently the result of subpar quality standards from 1980 to 2000. Things are substantially different now, in 2016. The majority of aftermarket components are produced elsewhere. This does not imply that the quality is subpar. In fact, the majority of parts are produced in factories that can compete with those in the US. Factories are production facilities certified to ISO 9001. Based on the BS 5750 set of production standards, which were first presented in 1979, the International Standards Organization (ISO 9000 level) of certification was first established in 1987. However, the development of MIL-Q-9858 standards by the US Department of Defense in 1959 marks the beginning of production standards and certifications. The ISO was established by the international community to assist level the playing field for businesses interested in improving manufacturing and streamlining procedures globally. The consumer also gains from ISO standards since they give a degree of protection for uneducated customers.
Certification for ISO 9001 is not something that is given out freely. The amount of documentation and meticulous monitoring of procedures is rather onerous. Achieving ISO Certification can take several years. In a manufacturing setting, ISO certification is a tool for enhancing outcomes including production time, safety standards, design and engineering, vendor management, employee satisfaction, cycle time reduction, and inventory reduction. Customer Focus, Leadership, Involvement of People, Process Approach, System Approach to Management, Continual Improvement, Factual Approach to Decision Making, and Mutually Beneficial Supplier Relationships are the eight key concepts that the worldwide corporation focuses on. The majority of the large aftermarket businesses demand ISO 9001 certification from their foreign suppliers.
The truth is that the same ISO factories overseas manufacture both OEM and aftermarket parts. Many customers mistakenly believe that purchasing a genuine OEM item entails the manufacturer personally producing the component in American factories. The opposite is true and could not be more so. The identical parts are produced by the same overseas sources for OEM and aftermarket businesses. Making OEM parts involves a lot of subsidiaries. The price and the box they come in are the only differences. Yes, some parts are made in the United States, but by far the bulk are not.
There you have it, then. We have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of aftermarket and OEM components, provided court cases and industry analyses, as well as provided evidence of the actual manufacturing locations of allegedly “OEM” parts. The choice to buy aftermarket parts is now yours, but don’t worry, we won’t hold it against you if you decide to stick with OEM parts. Just keep in mind that serenity of mind is merely a state of mind and not always the truth. But then, isn’t ignorance bliss?
Do aftermarket parts merit the price?
Some readers may be unsure of what an aftermarket part is, so let’s clarify that before getting into the specifics. An aftermarket auto part is, to put it simply, a part that is not produced by the vehicle’s manufacturer.
A popular option can be aftermarket components. This is because they are frequently easy to find as a result of interchangeable parts made by numerous manufacturers. Additionally, they are typically more affordable than OEM components without compromising quality. Aftermarket parts, however, are not completely regulated or standardized like OEM parts. It’s crucial to ask for high-quality aftermarket components if you’re going somewhere other than Master Mechanic; otherwise, you risk damaging your car.
High-quality aftermarket components function just as well as OEM components, if not better. In general, the better the build or materials, the more you get for your money. There are many different manufacturers to pick from, so be sure to discuss your alternatives with your mechanic.
When weighing your options, find out if the manufacturer offers a warranty. Some aftermarket manufacturers do offer warranties for their products, but not all do.
Do aftermarket components raise insurance costs?
Because aftermarket components may restore a car to its pre-loss state and frequently cost less than OEM components, insurance firms include them in their estimates for repairs. All policyholders will pay lower rates as a consequence of the reduced repair expenses as a result of this. You might be required to pay the price difference between an aftermarket and OEM item if you or your preferred repair facility choose to employ OEM parts to restore the vehicle to its pre-loss state.
Can an insurance company write an estimate that includes used parts for repairs?
Depending on your insurance policy, your insurance provider may be able to create estimates that contain utilized components. Utilized parts may be used to restore your vehicle to its pre-loss condition if your insurance permits their usage. Remember that aftermarket components, which are fresh and made by a different company, are not the same as used parts.
Can my insurance provider make me use aftermarket components?
You have the right to request that your insurance company fix your car with OEM components rather than aftermarket ones. However, the insurance provider might reject your claim if it determines that these charges are excessive. If an insurance company is attempting to pressure you to purchase aftermarket parts for your automobile repair, speak with a knowledgeable accident attorney. Your insurance provider can be using dishonest settlement techniques. A lawyer can assist you in taking the necessary steps to safeguard your rights to OEM parts.
Will aftermarket items be covered by insurance?
A few insurance plans include aftermarket components. Aftermarket components may or may not be covered by your insurance policy. In most cases, there is relatively minimal coverage. The majority of common insurance policies either pay very little or nothing at all for aftermarket items.
Depending on the car but especially the buyer, modifications can significantly hurt the resale value because cars are built to spec for a reason.
The quick answer is that they do, primarily in a negative way. Simply told, cars are manufactured to spec for a purpose, therefore changes might severely affect the resale value depending on the car and especially the buyer. Since they were designed to fit, the original components fit perfectly. The manufacturer chooses, manufactures, and tunes the engines, brakes, suspension, frame, and tires for particular characteristics that they determined years in advance. A car’s design integrity is destroyed when it is modified, and improper modifications might cause even more harm. For instance, you could wish to modify the engine of your automobile to make it go quicker. However, doing so could result in long-term harm since the engine could run lean (with insufficient gasoline) or rich (with too fuel).
Not necessary; there are undoubtedly a few uncommon and compelling exceptions to this rule. Consider owning a Corolla that has been extensively converted to be a race car—likely to the point where it is no longer a Corolla. Your car is worthless to someone seeking for a good, standard Corolla for commuting because of the modifications. On the other hand, a racing Corolla enthusiast will be delighted by your vehicle.
Can you sell a modified car?
Now that you’ve made the decision to part ways with your old vehicle, it’s time to get to work. Choose a price before proceeding. Do some research and check your car’s blue book value to determine what to ask for it. To obtain a sense of the market value, it would be worthwhile to look through other listings for similar automobiles that are for sale. You can’t always price your car according to the blue book value. Remember that since your car has been modified, pricing can be a little more challenging. It doesn’t necessarily follow that you’ve enhanced the worth of your car by $5,000 just because you spent $5,000 on modifications. Modifications are purely arbitrary and are only ever valuable if the person inspecting your car desires those specific modifications. It may be difficult to accept, but you could have to write off the modifications you made if they aren’t what buyers want. There is a way, though, that you might be able to get some of that cash back.
A warranty might aftermarket parts void it?
Even though some dealers would have you believe otherwise, your warranty cannot be voided just by using aftermarket parts or making modifications to your car. However, the dealership has the right to reject your warranty claim if that component caused something to break on the car.