Choosing Between Aftermarket and OEM Parts for Auto Restoration in Minneapolis, MN

Having your vehicle restored is a long, time-consuming process. In addition to the fact that you may have to find alternative transportation arrangements for the time when your car is being worked on, you also have to deal with the actual expense of replacement parts and labor. In the interest of cutting costs, you may be considering aftermarket parts instead of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. Before you make any decisions about the parts you want to use for auto restoration in Minneapolis, MN, it’s a good idea to weigh the benefits against the downsides.

OEM vs. aftermarket parts

The basic difference between aftermarket parts and OEM parts is that OEM parts are made by a vehicle’s manufacturer, while aftermarket parts are not. Because there are so many different companies that make aftermarket parts, it’s difficult to pin down what the quality of a given aftermarket part will be. Some companies invest a significant amount of time and energy into making parts that will perform as well as or better than the equivalent OEM part, while others manufacture their parts with cheap materials that tend to break down quickly.

The biggest draw of aftermarket parts is that they are almost always less expensive than OEM parts—sometimes significantly so. Lots of drivers and mechanics reason that using a cheaper part is more economical, even if it won’t last quite as long as an OEM part. Unfortunately, putting a part in your car that doesn’t meet manufacturer standards can have a detrimental impact on the vehicle as a whole.

OEM parts are designed to work as a component of a vehicle’s system. While aftermarket parts may be incompatible with the rest of your vehicle, OEM parts are tailor-made to work effortlessly with all of the other components in your car. Though they are a more expensive option for auto restoration in Minneapolis, MN, you can rest assured knowing that they will restore your vehicle to its intended operation while meeting all relevant safety and manufacturing standards.

Still, there are some instances in which the differences between OEM parts and aftermarket parts are inconsequential. Certain aftermarket parts may work just as well as the corresponding OEM parts, so it’s important to ask your mechanic for their recommendation. They have plenty of experience working with all kinds of parts and they can offer advice based on your specific circumstances.

Learn more about auto restoration in Minneapolis, MN

At Quality Coaches, Inc., we have an extensive inventory of parts for a variety of vehicles. We understand how important it is to ensure the reliability of the repairs you have done on your vehicle, which is why we offer a one-year labor warranty and honor manufacturers’ warranties on parts. We are dedicated to getting your vehicle in the best condition possible so that it continues to run the way it should for years to come. Whether you need some basic maintenance or you are interested in complete restoration services, our team of technicians is here to help. Stop by today or give us a call to schedule an appointment!

Categorised in: Auto Restoration Service

This post was written by Sharon Morgan