Toyota OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts
When your vehicle breaks down or gets banged up in a collision, your repair requires reliable parts to get your vehicle back up and running. Whether you take your car to the dealership or an independent shop, the quality of the repair part determines how quickly you get your car back on the road. Original equipment manufacturer or OEM parts offer several benefits over aftermarket parts for collision work, routine maintenance, and mechanical repair.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts
Toyota OEM parts are designed specifically to fit and operate properly on your Toyota. These parts are crafted by the manufacturer to deliver the highest quality and dependability for the specific make and model of your vehicle. OEM parts are the exact same part as the new part on your car, which makes finding the right part simple and easy. Most automakers and car dealerships offer a warranty on OEM parts.
Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are not created by the manufacturer. These parts are generally cheaper than OEM parts, however, the quality of the part varies considerably from OEM parts. In some cases, these parts operate as good, and sometimes better than OEM parts. However, the quality is hit or miss with these parts. Aftermarket parts give you a wider selection and broader price range, but typically the parts do not come with a warranty.
Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are not created by the manufacturer. These parts are generally cheaper than OEM parts, however, the quality of the part varies considerably from OEM parts. In some cases, these parts operate as good, and sometimes better than OEM parts. However, the quality is hit or miss with these parts. Aftermarket parts give you a wider selection and broader price range, but typically the parts do not come with a warranty.
Why Buy OEM vs. Aftermarket
Toyota OEM parts are more expensive than aftermarket parts, but these parts give you peace of mind. You can rest assured the new part will function as smoothly as the original part. When your car is involved in a collision with damage to the body panels, OEM parts fit precisely and align accurately with crumple zones. For that reason, OEM parts offer a higher safety value than aftermarket parts.
When a mechanical issue occurs, the dealership generally uses a specific type and brand of part for the repair. The dealer's selection minimizes your frustration level and simplifies your repair process. If you are not educated on car parts, opting for OEM parts at your dealership gives you the better choice for repair.
Taking your car to an independent shop grants you the option of using aftermarket parts. These parts are less expensive, and the wide variety helps you find a quality part when shopping on a budget. It is important to remember that all aftermarket parts are not the same, and minor variations in the manufacturing of the part can cause your vehicle to run poorly. If you are not knowledgeable about the type of part you need for your repair, choosing an aftermarket part from such a large selection can seem overwhelming.
When a mechanical issue occurs, the dealership generally uses a specific type and brand of part for the repair. The dealer's selection minimizes your frustration level and simplifies your repair process. If you are not educated on car parts, opting for OEM parts at your dealership gives you the better choice for repair.
Taking your car to an independent shop grants you the option of using aftermarket parts. These parts are less expensive, and the wide variety helps you find a quality part when shopping on a budget. It is important to remember that all aftermarket parts are not the same, and minor variations in the manufacturing of the part can cause your vehicle to run poorly. If you are not knowledgeable about the type of part you need for your repair, choosing an aftermarket part from such a large selection can seem overwhelming.
Dealership vs. Independent Shop
The dealership for your vehicle keeps a full inventory of OEM parts and accessories. In most cases, choosing to use OEM parts over aftermarket parts will get your car back operating properly faster. When aftermarket parts are ordered at independent shops, delays are caused when wrong parts are ordered or the shipping company misses a delivery estimate. Aftermarket parts from independent shops rarely come with a warranty, which means if the part malfunctions, you have to start the repair process all over.
Car owners with a lease agreement should understand placing aftermarket parts on your vehicle decreases the resale value of your car. In some cases, installing aftermarket parts on the body panels of the vehicle after a collision voids your security deposit. Since aftermarket parts are much cheaper, many insurance companies prefer completing repairs with these parts.
There are advantages and disadvantages to using OEM vs. aftermarket parts. OEM parts are easier to select and offer the best repairs for the make and model of your vehicle. Aftermarket parts are ideal for repairs on a budget, however, the lack of warranty may create additional costs. OEM parts are a go-to for repairs as the quality of aftermarket parts may or may not function as well as OEM parts.
Car owners with a lease agreement should understand placing aftermarket parts on your vehicle decreases the resale value of your car. In some cases, installing aftermarket parts on the body panels of the vehicle after a collision voids your security deposit. Since aftermarket parts are much cheaper, many insurance companies prefer completing repairs with these parts.
There are advantages and disadvantages to using OEM vs. aftermarket parts. OEM parts are easier to select and offer the best repairs for the make and model of your vehicle. Aftermarket parts are ideal for repairs on a budget, however, the lack of warranty may create additional costs. OEM parts are a go-to for repairs as the quality of aftermarket parts may or may not function as well as OEM parts.
If you have questions our team is here to help, contact us or order your parts online.