When your vehicle needs auto body repair in Sioux Falls, you can choose between OEM and aftermarket parts. Learn about the pros and cons of each option.

Pros and Cons: OEM vs. Aftermarket Car Parts (H1)

When your vehicle needs auto body repair Sioux Falls, you have to choose between original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket parts. In general, a car manufacturer’s in-house repair center and authorized body shops use OEM components, while independent repair shops typically work with aftermarket pieces.

But before you make that choice, let’s tackle the pros and cons of each. Understanding the differences between the two will help you decide which option better suits your particular situation.

OEM Car Parts

These components come from the same company that manufactured your vehicle. This means they are identical to the piece you’re replacing since they’re made with the same materials as the original. For your reference, listed below are the pros and cons of choosing OEM parts.

Pros:

• Ensured Quality

By replacing damaged vehicle parts with OEM components, you’re confident that you are getting high-quality products. That’s because OEM parts need to pass manufacturer and industry testing to qualify for use on new vehicles.

On top of that, you no longer have to compare different brands and variants. When you purchase an OEM part, you usually get just one type. And you can be sure that what you’re getting is of superb quality. 

• Warranty

Car manufacturers cover their OEM parts with a comprehensive warranty program that typically lasts for a year, at the very least. Should you receive a defective piece, the factory will send a replacement. Knowing that you have this kind of safety net can give you tremendous peace of mind.

• Ease of Replacement

An auto body repair in Sioux Falls does not simply make your vehicle look good again. Restoring your automobile to its pre-damaged condition is the main objective. 

Choosing OEM components will accomplish that goal as they will fit your vehicle effortlessly. Some aftermarket products, on the other hand, are designed to fit multiple models of vehicles to mass-produce them easier. This can lead to ill-fitting parts that require a bit of manipulation to get them to fit with a vehicle.

Cons:

• More Expensive

This is the most common reason car owners choose aftermarket components over OEM. The price of OEM parts is about 60 percent higher than aftermarket pieces, according to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI). 

• Limited Availability

These products might not be available in local auto shops near you, as they’re purchased through select suppliers. You might have to wait for days before the parts you need to get delivered. 

Aftermarket Car Parts

Also known as generic components, aftermarket car parts are sourced from a third-party manufacturer. They may not be original, but does that mean they’re not worth considering? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons.

Pros:

• Selection

Going for aftermarket components allows you to choose from many independent makers. More variety gives you the benefit of a greater selection and a wider price range to consider.

Aftermarket items are easier to find in local auto parts stores too, unlike OEM products that might require shipping from a different state. As a result, going for generic auto components can significantly hasten your vehicle’s repair.  

• Cost

While pricing isn’t everything, it definitely is a major factor to consider when looking for auto parts. Since these pieces make up almost half the cost of the vehicle repair, going for aftermarket components can significantly save you money.

• Good Quality

Over the years, the reputation of aftermarket components has drastically improved. That’s because there are aftermarket parts that meet–or even exceed–the quality of OEM components at a lower price. 

Some aftermarket companies reverse-engineer parts to make improved versions of a product. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that quality may vary depending on the piece that needs to be replaced.

Cons:

• May Not Have a Warranty

Some aftermarket parts are sold without a warranty. They may be more affordable, but this is a risk that you’ll have to take when you buy aftermarket products.

• Overwhelming Selection

Having a wide selection can be a blessing and a curse. There are so many aftermarket parts to choose from, which means there’s a chance you may get components with inferior quality.

Ultimately, the decision belongs to you when you need to purchase car parts for repairs or upgrades. What’s important is you know exactly what you’re getting before spending your hard-earned cash.