There may be many instances that you need or want to buy new auto parts for your vehicle. To help you out, we’ve asked our automotive service and parts members some frequently asked questions. Here’s is what they said.
OEM auto parts is the industry name for the “Original Equipment Manufacturer” parts. They are created for unique car models by the OEM. These are your vehicle’s exact-matching parts. They include a limited warranty. Car Dealerships use your VIN Number to find the right OEM part for your car, truck, or SUV.
These branded manufacturer parts guarantee performance and quality.
These automobiles parts always come with a limited manufacturer warranty.
These top of the line auto parts can cost more than comparative aftermarket parts.
Car Dealerships usually order specific parts from the manufacturer. If not already in stock, it will take a few days to get it in.
An aftermarket part is any part for a car, truck, SUV, or minivan that is not sourced directly from the vehicle’s maker, or OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). These auto parts may be less-expensive options for your vehicle’s repair and mechanical upgrade. Online retailers and independent, local shops can (though not necessarily) offer a variety of aftermarket automobile parts. These parts are designed to function similarly as the OEM versions. However, aftermarket auto parts have their own pros and cons.
Low price often suggest a lack of quality
Aftermarket parts are not warrantied
These automotive parts can be cheaper than the manufacturer/OEM parts
Most independent auto-repair shops have these parts readily available
While basic automotive parts range between $150 to $500, some automotive parts repairs can actually break a budget.
Always purchase OEM Manufacturer parts for collision repair. non-manufacturer car repair products may not fit right when your car has damaged body panels after the crash. Plus, installing aftermarket parts may void your lease vehicle warranty. So, always use manufacturer parts for all types of vehicle repairs if you have a leased car.
A comprehensive auto warranty doesn’t cover every part. Car buyers, however, can typically choose something like a factory warranty, an extended warranty, and bumper-to-bumper for the most comprehensive coverage. Even with an extended warranty, all of your car’s parts will likely not be covered. Here is a list of what’s covered and what’s not.
Craigslist is not an auto retailer; but on this online platform, third-party vendors sell automotive parts. For this reason, the quality cannot be guaranteed. If you are buying car parts from this source, make sure to research, verify, and compare before the purchase.
Unquestionably, Amazon is a reputable online marketplace and provides customers with a convenient and easy site to buy quality automotive parts. While most auto parts sold by Amazon are from reliable sources, it can be hard for you to know if you’re getting the right product for your car or truck since you are not dealing with an automobile expert directly.
Yes, you can order car and truck parts at the dealership. Most car and truck dealers only source standard manufacturer parts. Most of all, they can use your VIN number to identify the correct part for your car or truck.
You can always bring your own parts to an auto dealership. However, the dealership can neither issue warranty on the part you’ve purchased, nor can they guarantee its performance. It is highly recommended to get your vehicle checked by an experienced service technician at a local car dealer before purchasing any parts for installation. The auto-experts will also diagnose the problem and suggest an appropriate replacement part, if necessary.
Bring your aftermarket vehicle part to a local dealership for installation. Before installation, a service technician will check the aftermarket auto part to verify if it is suitable for your car or truck. Even if they install the aftermarket part, however, the auto dealership can only issue warranty on the labor.
Car Parts – FAQ | Ascension Honda