Owning a car is one of the goals of many. It could take you to places without the need of waiting for transportation or being with other people. Your vehicle will ensure your safety on the road as long as you are careful and mindful while driving. But, you also need to take care of it to ensure safety. Car parts also have limitations in usage. They need replacements, especially if the vehicle is old or already reached a specific mileage. Do not forget to check the engine components before going out.

KNOW THE PROS AND CONS OF OEM AND AFTERMARKET PARTS

Original Equipment Manufacturer or OEM. What can you think of when you read or hear these words? Is it the cost or price of the item? The product quality, maybe? Well, those are the things you need to consider when buying OEM car parts. Knowing their advantages and disadvantages can help you decide if you will go for it or not.

OEM PROS

• Quality – purchasing automotive parts from the dealership guarantees the quality of the item. You can get the same product as the one you already have. You do not need to think of its performance, as it will work the same as your old one.

• Warranty offers – whether you purchased an air filter or any engine components, the dealership offers a warranty for those items.

OEM CONS

• Dealership location – if there is a dealership near you, you do not need to worry about this. However, for some, going to the dealership could be difficult. What if your vehicle is the only one you have? You might travel to get to the dealership to have the part you need.

• Cost – you can say that the cost is worth it, considering the quality of the OEM part. Sadly, not all people can afford it, making them purchase aftermarket engine parts.

Not all people who own a car have the budget when it comes to OEM engine parts replacement. Besides, if there are cost-efficient options, why not get their services instead? Aftermarket automotive parts have proved their legitimacy to many car owners. However, the transactions are not always positive. Everything has its advantages and disadvantages, and aftermarket automotive parts are not an exemption.

AFTERMARKET PROS

• Cost-efficient – compared to OEM parts, aftermarket engine parts are affordable. However, the price depends on the seller or the brand you will choose.

• More parts options – you need to expect the massive results of car parts when you search online. It could be because of many aftermarket companies, different items for various car models and brands.

• Availability of the product – one of the reasons why there are many aftermarket automotive parts options is to provide the item that the customer needs. If the specific item chosen is not available, you do not need to think of not receiving anything.

• Quality – it depends on the brand and makes of the part. A good example would be an aftermarket filter. If the store specialises in that product, the chances of getting a good-quality item are high. You can also find them in third-party sellers.

AFTERMARKET CONS

• Quality – though the quality could be an advantage, receiving a defective item is unavoidable. So, when people say, “you get what you pay for”, it is true.

• Warranty offers – not all aftermarket engine parts sellers offer a warranty. Not having it could be the reason why the part is inexpensive.

• Parts options – the choices could confuse you, making you choose the incorrect part for your vehicle. Checking the product image and reading the description could also take time.

You can decide which one suits you better by knowing the advantages and disadvantages of OEM and aftermarket automotive parts. You can also get the help of a mechanic if you are unsure of the parts you need.

DO THESE THINGS BEFORE YOU BUY AFTERMARKET PARTS

Every transaction you make online is a risk. Some websites might look legitimate but turn out to be fake. Before buying aftermarket engine components, do these things to ensure that you get the item meant for your vehicle.

CHECK THE YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL OF YOUR VEHICLE

The year, make, and model of your vehicle is the most necessary tool for your search. It is where your search results would come from, so you need to give the correct details. To ensure accuracy, you can type the vehicle identification number or VIN.

ASK YOUR MECHANIC

Not all people are knowledgeable when it comes to car parts. Some do not even know how to choose an aftermarket air filter for their vehicle. Good thing, mechanics are there to help. They will be your friend when it comes to taking care of your car, its part, and everything that concerns it.

OEM PARTS COMPARISON

There is no harm in comparing the aftermarket to OEM parts. It is how you will know if the aftermarket part is worth the money or not.

TALK WITH THE CUSTOMER SERVICE

There are chances that you might receive a defective part. It is why you need to check if their customer service is available. They will be the people who will help you with your concerns and inquiries about the engine components that you are eyeing to buy. But, they need to be knowledgeable when it comes to the products they sell to provide the correct parts to their customers.

There are more tips that you can follow, but these are the most necessary in car parts. These can help you in looking for aftermarket engine parts for your vehicle. Think of the things that can help you find the correct item to avoid damages to your car.

When buying something online, car parts or not, you can do these things:

• Search for a reliable seller online
• Read comments and reviews
• Know the warranty offers
• Conduct a price match
• List the items you need
• Budget your money

If you want to learn about vehicle thermal management and automotive parts, visit MAHLE Aftermarket’s website. You will see all the offers and services they have for their customers.