Discussing Auto Parts And Repair Practices

4 Things You Need To Know About Buying Aftermarket Parts For Your New Vehicle

If your new vehicle has a part or two that needs to be fixed, and you are going through the process of purchasing the replacement parts on your own, here are a few things you need to know about the aftermarket parts field.

#1 OEM Is Not Always The Way To Go

OEM, or Original Equipment Manufacturer, are parts that are made by the same manufacturer that made the parts originally for your vehicle. That does not mean that they are better than aftermarket parts.

Aftermarket part manufacturers have the benefit of seeing how the original parts worked in the vehicle that they were intended for. This means that aftermarket part manufacturers have the ability to make tweaks and improvements to the original aftermarket parts that may improve the product's life and usage.

#2 Your Vehicle Warranty Can't Be Void For Using Aftermarket Parts

It used to be that if you put aftermarket parts on your vehicle, it voided the warranty on your vehicle. However, that has not been true for a long time. Back in 1975, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act was made into U.S. federal law, which means that vehicle manufacturers can't forbid you from using aftermarket parts in your vehicle for service that is not covered under their warranty.

#3 Avoid Universal Parts If Possible

When shopping for aftermarket parts, you should avoid universal parts. Universal parts are parts that are made to fit into a wide range of vehicles from different manufacturers. These parts are not made specifically for your vehicle. Instead, purchase aftermarket parts that were designed with your specific vehicle in mind. These parts should be a better fit for your vehicle.

#4 Always Use Mechanics That Insure The Labor, Not Just The Parts

If you are having an auto repair shop replace a part on your vehicle with an aftermarket part, make sure that their warranty applies to both the part itself as well as the labor to install the part. For example, if you are having the brakes replaced, you want the warranty to cover the brakes themselves as well as the three hours of labor that you paid for to have the brakes installed on your vehicle. That way, if there is every a problem with the part, both the part and the labor to fix it will be covered.

If you ever have any doubt about the part that you are purchasing, speak to a mechanic you trust. They have years of experience ordering the right parts for vehicles, and should be able to help you find the part that your new vehicle needs. 


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