Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are built by the maker of your vehicle. They fit and work perfectly because they are the same parts that were specifically engineered for your car. Aftermarket parts are made to replace damaged parts, usually at a lesser cost. They might be good quality parts. They might not.
Here is what you might want to consider before choosing:
OEM Parts
Because OEM parts are made by the automakers who designed and built your vehicle, they are generally more expensive than aftermarket parts. On the other hand, they are guaranteed to exactly match the parts they replace. This doesn’t mean that OEM parts are always superior to aftermarket parts—it just means that they aren’t the same. OEM parts can sometimes make repairs take longer—it may take shops more time to get parts from original equipment manufacturers than aftermarket suppliers.
Aftermarket Parts
Aftermarket parts are regulated by federal and state administrators. Still, some aftermarket manufacturers are better than others. The difficulty is in knowing which ones. Insurance companies often push for shops to use non-OEM parts because they can cost as much as 50 % less. Many shops use aftermarket parts and you have to trust if they are doing so because it is a better value, or they want to increase their bottom line.
Which is better for you? How do you decide?
The choice is yours, of course. You can research aftermarket parts and make an educated evaluation of your situation. Also, a very restrictive budget may make aftermarket parts your only choice. On the contrary, if you want to maintain the value of your vehicle and you want to guarantee the fit and quality of the repair, OEM parts are your best choice.It is also important to go to a body shop you can trust for advice and repairs you can rely on. Cline Collision Center provides professional auto detailing, dent removal, and exact-match painting. If you want your car restored to its pre-collision condition, contact us online or call us today at 707-591-9909.
