When it comes to repairing or upgrading your car, you have a few different options for where to source your parts. You can go with OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts, aftermarket parts, or used parts. But what's the difference between OEM and aftermarket parts? Here's a quick overview from the team at Ron Jon's Automotive.
Having Car Troubles? Click Here to Schedule a Car Inspection With Ron Jon's Auto
OEM Parts (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
OEM parts are made by the same company that made the original parts for your car. For example, if you have a Ford, the OEM parts would be made by Ford. OEM parts are designed to fit your car perfectly and to work well with the other components in your car. Because they're made by the same car manufacturer, you can be sure that they will meet all of the safety standards set by that company. One downside of OEM parts is that they can be more expensive than aftermarket or used parts. If OEM parts are not readily available for your vehicle, we recommend using high-quality aftermarket parts.
Aftermarket Parts
Aftermarket parts are made by companies other than the ones that made your car. For example, if you have a Ford, the aftermarket part might be made by an "aftermarket company" like ACDelco or Bosch. Aftermarket parts are designed to fit a range of cars, so they might not fit your car as perfectly as an OEM part would. However, they are often less expensive than OEM parts. More often than not, these replacement parts are of the same quality as the manufacturer-made parts.
Some local mechanic shops prefer aftermarket parts due to OEM parts having limited warranties compared to some aftermarket auto parts. However, depending on what aftermarket companies you source your replacement parts from, this might be the case.
Used Parts
Used parts are exactly what they sound like—parts that have been used in another car before. Used parts can be sourced from salvage yards or from other sellers online or offline. One advantage of used parts is that they're usually very inexpensive. However, it can be difficult to find a used part that is compatible with your car, and there's no guarantee of how long it will last once installed.
Ron Jon's Auto: Your Local Mechanic in Central FL
When you're looking for replacement or upgrade parts for your car, you have a few different options: OEM parts, aftermarket parts, or used parts. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, quality, and compatibility. To make the best decision for your needs, it's important to understand the difference between these types of parts.
Hopefully, this quick overview has helped! If you have any further questions, our team at Ron Jon's Automotive in Central Florida would be happy to help. Give us a call or stop by today!
Keep Your Car in Tip-Top Shape with a Mechanic You Can Trust