Replacement components called aftermarket parts are utilised in auto repairs. Unlike original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components, which the car’s original manufacturer produces, they are not.
Example and Definition of Aftermarket Parts
Replacement components for auto repairs are aftermarket parts produced by businesses other than the car’s original manufacturer. When fixing a car after an accident, an insurance company may substitute aftermarket components for original equipment manufacturers (OEM). A lot of auto body firms also employ aftermarket components while fixing cars.
The warranty on your car shouldn’t be affected if you use aftermarket or generic components. In certain circumstances, aftermarket components could even come with more extended warranties than OEM components.
Using Quality Aftermarket Parts
As acceptable substitutes for original equipment manufacturer components, aftermarket parts have grown in acceptability and appeal. In certain circumstances, they may be better than OEM components. Aftermarket or generic features manufacturers may use more costly materials or cutting-edge technologies than automakers.
On average, OEM components are 60% more expensive than similar aftermarket parts. Due to the cost reductions, insurance companies and body shops employ them to repair automobiles after accidents. Since the insurance sector is governed at the state level, using or not using aftermarket components varies from state to state.
States may:
- Permit insurance firms to utilise aftermarket or generic parts without obtaining the customers’ permission.
- Demand customer approval before using aftermarket components.
- Don’t fix cars using aftermarket components.
Aftermarket Parts Types
The two primary categories of aftermarket components are. Both aesthetic and structural aftermarket components are available. Knowing the difference helps you decide whether you feel more secure doing a repair using OEM components or generic replacements.
Cosmetic
Cosmetic components like fenders, door skins, and trim may change how a car appears or performs, but they have little bearing on how safe it will be in an accident. It is an issue of cost and availability since aesthetic elements don’t affect a car’s safety or crashworthiness. Aftermarket components shouldn’t influence your car’s performance, safety, or warranty as long as they are dependable and well-made.
Structural
The power of a collision absorbs by structural elements like the hood or safety cage. They safeguard the driver and passengers. The Certified Automobile Parts Association (CAPA), which has strict standards and regulations for aftermarket parts, should certify these components.
The components must be “functionally comparable” to OEM parts for CAPA certification to be granted. This indicates that they pass safety testing equally and not only similarly in sort and quality.
OEM vs. aftermarket parts
Price is the main distinction between OEM and aftermarket components. When aftermarket components are utilised, repairs are less costly. Suppose insurance companies pay fewer claims and develop less expensive methods to repair automobiles after an accident. In that case, this may save money for both customers and insurance companies, as well as lower overall losses when total losses paid out by insurance firms are more melancholy; consumers profit since they pay less overall for insurance. Insurers may need to change their general vehicle insurance prices when they pay significant losses.
How to Purchase OEM or Aftermarket Parts
For accident repairs, several insurance companies could employ aftermarket components. If this practice worries you, you can take measures to become aware of it and decide whether to utilise aftermarket components for your automobile.
Query your insurance provider: Find out the regulations for utilising aftermarket parts. The use of aftermarket or generic parts regulates by law in several areas. The terms of each insurance company’s policy might differ.
Understanding state legislation: Contact the insurance commissioner to learn which laws are in force in your state. Check to see whether the insurance provider is adhering to state regulations regarding the usage of aftermarket components.
Ask for the quantity you desire: If you learn that the insurance company employs aftermarket components, you may request that OEM parts use in their place. If the insurance provider rejects your request, you may need to look for another insurer offering aftermarket crash parts coverage that you are more comfortable with.
The benefits of quality aftermarket parts
The advantages of generic auto components usually revolve around cost.
Cost
Insurance companies like aftermarket components because they are less expensive, mainly when they are just as secure as OEM parts. Prices for aftermarket components are often less costly than those for OEM components, which may cost up to 60% more. Saving money here may lower the overall cost of the repair since details account for approximately half of the cost of most bodywork.
Selection
You only have one choice if you want an OEM item since there is only one manufacturer of your automobile. But there may be a wide range of manufacturers for aftermarket components. The aftermarket version of an element you want is far more likely to be available at your neighbourhood parts shop than the OEM version, which may require special ordering and cause a delay in your repair. A large variety also offers greater convenience and cheaper pricing due to more competition.
The quality might change based on the component that changes. However, you may discover aftermarket components whose calibre equals or surpasses the OEM versions.
Note
Replacement components are tested and certified by the Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA), an independent testing organisation. If a replacement item has its seal, you know it has been shown to meet or surpass its quality requirements, will fit, and will be secure.
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Aftermarket Parts Has Drawbacks
You’ll have more alternatives with aftermarket components, but not all aftermarket parts are equal. You can come across things of poorer quality or that need modification to suit your particular car. It is simpler to determine the quality of these items if certification still requires. However, if a component doesn’t fit your vehicle, your auto insurance provider could cover the expense of replacing it.
Although it could be simpler to distinguish between OEM and aftermarket parts for aesthetic items like bumper coverings, they need to work identically.
Warranty
Almost all OEM components come with a guarantee, often lasting one year. There are situations when aftermarket components have little or no warranty.
Choosing Quality Aftermarket Parts
While it may sometimes be difficult to judge the quality of aftermarket components, doing so for OEM parts can also be a risk. After all, there’s a chance that the problem originated with the OEM component in the first place if you’re fixing a damaged or worn-out OEM part.
You may want to get a second opinion for your particular automobile and the facts in issue if you’re debating whether to employ aftermarket components for your auto repair:
- Consult a reliable technician.
- View online reviews to see what customers are saying.
- Look into the reputation of the aftermarket parts manufacturer.
- Remember that purchasing a cheaper component to save a few bucks will only benefit you in the long run if you often need to replace that item.
