Aftermarket auto body parts make up a big part of the automotive industry. This sector brings in about 20% of the revenue of the automotive industry. Whenever you replace or modify your car, the parts used come from three main categories: OEM, Aftermarket and Salvaged. You already know the general definition of these is.
OEM is the exact part of your car that you are replacing, Aftermarket being an off-brand version of the part and salvaged are parts that have been recycled, that is, the parts were used in another car.
Aftermarket body parts are also known as non-OEM body parts or generic parts or competitive replacement parts.
One of the misconception and fear among new car owners is that Aftermarket auto body parts may be of lower quality. You should know that is not the case at all. Sometimes, these car parts may even be better than OEMs because it may include technology that is not present in the current version of the OEM.
These are often times the cheapest auto parts available even though the quality and look are both the same as OEM. The reason for this discounted price on auto parts is because they are off-brand products.
There are a few reasons you should consider buying aftermarket auto parts:
- They are usually cheaper than OEM parts.
- There are lots of aftermarket brands producing the same body parts which mean they are more readily available.
- Aftermarket auto body parts usually come with great warranties.
You will need car parts replacement at one point in time if you own a car. Knowing which type of part is going into your car is essential as an owner. There are states where insurance companies can choose your parts for you and there are states where you need to be notified or approve of the parts.
Make sure you are getting what you need and desire for your car as this equates to your safety and satisfaction. If you are uncertain about aftermarket car parts, then check if the part comes with a certificate or not.
Often times you will see that aftermarket parts come with CAPA and NSF International certificates. These certificates are reliable and have been used as a reference because of their reliability. It is pretty normal to use aftermarket auto body parts for your car. Sometimes they are actually a better option in terms of affordability.
Now that you know what aftermarket car parts and its advantages are, you want to know where you can find them right? Well, the answer is obviously the Internet. Just one search query writing car parts store near me, and you will have all the information you need. There are plenty of great aftermarket shops you can find online, shops like PartsCargo. These stores offer you the cheapest rate and great discounts on aftermarket auto parts with the ease of buying them from your PC or Phone.
Whether you are buying the car parts online or from a brick and mortar store make sure you do enough research on what your car needs and what are the best aftermarket brands for your particular part.
Remember that if you don’t know what’s going on with your car, then it is always better to ask for a professional. So call your repair shop ASAP if something like this happens.
