Why “Genuine” Parts Are Better For Your Vehicle
When your car needs a new part, where do you go to get it? Like most people, you probably go to a local mechanic. And when the mechanic tells you that it’s time for new air filters, brake pads, or spark plugs, what do you do? Do you assume that they’re talking about genuine parts, aftermarket parts, or original equipment manufacturer parts? What’s the difference between these three types? And which kind should you be asking for when your car needs a repair?
There are a lot of questions to ask about car parts, and it can be tricky to understand the difference between the different types on offer. In this informative guide, we’ll break it down to help you understand what each term means. Knowing the difference is crucial because not all parts are created equal. And when it comes to your car, you want to make sure that you’re getting the best possible parts. If you’re ready to place a parts order, click the button below to connect with our parts department.
What Are Genuine Parts?
Genuine parts are those that are made by the car manufacturer or the company it contracted to make its parts. Automakers don’t always build every part of their vehicles — they outsource some of the work to other companies that specialize in building specific parts.
For example, Toyota often outsources the building of some engine parts to a specialized company that can produce the components quickly. But whether Toyota makes the parts itself or employs a company to do this instead, they are still considered genuine parts.
Genuine parts are sometimes called “factory parts” and are the most expensive type you can buy. That’s because they are made by the automaker, so they have to go through a rigorous quality control process to meet the company’s high standards.
You might be wondering: Why would I want to get a genuine part for my car? Well, there are a few reasons:
- Genuine parts are made to fit your car perfectly: They’re designed specifically for the make and model of your vehicle, so they’ll fit right and work properly.
- Genuine parts are often of a higher quality than aftermarket or generic parts: This is because they’re made by the same company that designed your car, so they know exactly what kind of parts it needs.
- Genuine parts usually come with a warranty from the manufacturer: If something goes wrong with the part, you can usually get it replaced or repaired for free.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts Explained
If you’ve ever taken your car to the dealership for a service, you’ve likely heard of OEM parts. These are parts made by the same company that initially made the components for the automaker. OEM parts are also made to the specific standards and specifications set by the car manufacturer.
Simply put, OEM parts are the same as genuine ones, except they come bearing the outsourcing company’s logo instead of the vehicle manufacturer’s logo. Overall, OEM components are the best quality for the best price.
What Are Aftermarket Parts?
Aftermarket parts are third-party components that are not made by the original automaker. They can be modified or upgraded versions of original parts, or they can be entirely new but designed to work in the same way. To manufacture aftermarket parts, companies buy the rights to make the components from the original car manufacturer.
Aftermarket parts are usually cheaper than genuine or OEM ones because they’re mass-produced. And while aftermarket parts are cheaper, they don’t always offer the same quality as genuine or OEM parts. That’s because aftermarket parts are not made to the exact specifications of those that are actually designed by the automaker. In fact, they’re made to fit as many makes and models as possible, so they won’t always have the superior fit that you get with genuine or OEM parts.
One of the benefits of aftermarket parts is that they offer more customization and upgrade options than the genuine or OEM types. So, if you’re looking to soup up your car with some new performance parts, then aftermarket is the way to go.
Another benefit of aftermarket parts is that they’re often easier to find than ones designed or made by the original automaker. That’s because there are more companies making aftermarket parts, while only the car manufacturer and its contracted companies will be making genuine or OEM components.
Aftermarket parts can be a great way to improve the performance of your car or personalize it to your taste. However, it’s vital to ensure the aftermarket parts you’re purchasing are from a reputable source and will work properly for your car.
Does the Condition of the Part Matter?
The condition of the car part does matter, and it’s important to know the difference between refurbished and used car parts. A refurbished car part has been cleaned, repaired, and sometimes even remanufactured to meet the original standards.
In contrast, used car parts are taken from another vehicle without inspection, cleaning, or repair. As a result, you can never be quite sure what you’re getting with a used car part. It may perform as intended, or it may not. In addition, used car parts may not fit as neatly or work as well alongside other components as a refurbished part would.
For these reasons, it’s generally advisable to opt for a new or refurbished car part over a used one.
How Do You Know if Your Mechanic Uses Genuine, Aftermarket, or OEM Parts?
If you’re not sure what kind of parts your mechanic is using, the best way to find out is to ask. A reputable mechanic will be upfront about what parts they’re using and will be able to tell you the pros and cons of each type.
Genuine or OEM parts tend to be more expensive than aftermarket parts, so if the price seems unusually low, it’s probably because the mechanic is using lower-quality parts. Either way, it’s important to be clear about the type of parts used on your car to ensure you’re getting the best possible service.
Do You Need Genuine Parts?
If you’re looking for the best quality and fit, then OEM parts are the way to go. Performance Toyota is your one-stop shop for all things Toyota. We only use genuine Toyota parts to keep your car running like new. So, if you need cabin air filters, wiper blades, or any other part for your Toyota, be sure to give us a call at (513) 874-8548 to speak with one of our parts experts. We’ll be happy to help you find the perfect part for your car.
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