Trucks will always have to have repairs and upkeep. Do you inquire about the quality of the replacement parts used by the body shop that handles your repairs? To repair parts, auto body shops typically use either aftermarket or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts.
If you’re curious about the differences between the two parts and which one is best for your truck, this article is for you.
Replacement or replacement components
In contrast to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, aftermarket parts are made by a variety of companies. For that reason, they are always affordable and readily available, unlike OEM parts. Further, a plethora of alternatives can be considered.
On the other hand, you can’t assume that aftermarket parts will be as reliable as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. This anticipation is only valid when the initial parts were flawed. The shortcomings of the original parts have been corrected in the aftermarket replacements, making them superior in this case.
Compared to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, aftermarket parts are notoriously low in quality and reliability. If you take your truck into a body shop that uses aftermarket CAT parts, you should monitor the process to make sure that only high-quality replacement parts are installed.
Note: despite the superiority of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, some truck owners may prefer aftermarket parts. This is especially the case if the truck’s owner needs only to replace broken or worn down parts.
OEM Parts for trucks
OEM parts are manufactured by the same company that produced the vehicle’s original parts. If you need to fix your truck, it’s in your best interest to use factory-original replacement parts. They are, for example, of the highest quality and an exact replacement for the worn out part. Thus, they ensure a perfect match and are fully compatible.
Replacement OEM parts are ideal for wrecked trucks because they often include protective crumple zones. Crumple zones are designated parts of a component that fold inward upon impact to absorb force. The only issues with OEM parts are their higher cost and limited availability.
The benefits of using aftermarket Cat parts
Their price is lower.
The price of aftermarket cat parts typically falls significantly below that of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. It costs less to implement products made by aftermarket part manufacturers because they do not seek trademark protection for their parts. In addition, the spread of production across the globe helps keep prices down. Since the production guidelines are generally less stringent than those for OEM parts, a lower production rate may occasionally be possible.
It is possible to improve quality.
There are fewer restrictions on the production of aftermarket parts, allowing manufacturers to make better parts. Aftermarket manufacturers are in a similar position, with plenty of time to study the source parts, pinpoint any parts, and refine their own designs to create even better replacements.
When deciding between OEM and aftermarket parts, which one should you pick?
There isn’t a single universal part that every car must have. Aftermarket parts are useful for everyday upkeep and standard repairs. You can find them without having to drive around aimlessly all day. The cost of these parts is also fair. However, the actual price depends on factors like shipping fees, estimated delivery time, and how quickly you need the parts.
You Should Go With A Trustworthy Aftermarket-Parts Producer.
Fortunately, you can find a wide variety of aftermarket-parts manufacturers. Potential advantages and disadvantages should be considered. It will take some time to sift through the long list and find a reputable company. You can save a lot of money compared to buying original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts once you’ve done the legwork and chosen your go-to aftermarket supplier.
Here are some reasons why it’s a good idea to buy aftermarket parts: In most parts, aftermarket parts are made to be direct swaps for their OEM counterparts. As long as the aftermarket company you’re dealing with is trustworthy, you can rest easy. Investing in high-quality aftermarket parts will allow you to save a lot of money while extending the life of your truck.
It’s easier to find replacement parts in the aftermarket. Companies are constantly under pressure to outperform their rivals as the level of competition increases. It’s even more impressive when you consider that most aftermarket manufacturers now go out of their way to address issues with OEM parts, guaranteeing that their own offerings are of higher quality and performance.
When making an OEM product, manufacturers always stick to using the same exact components and layout. However, different aftermarket manufacturers may use different methods to produce the same component, expanding your range of possible choices. Therefore, no matter how specific your requirements are, you can rest assured that you will always find a solution with aftermarket parts.
Several options are available to you.
You can do a lot of cool stuff with your car by installing aftermarket parts. Despite the fact that every product has its own benefits and drawbacks, they are still cheaper than OEM parts. Nothing much should go wrong as long as you get your aftermarket parts from a reliable source.
Find High-Quality Replacement Components
Quality aftermarket parts can be hard to come by for the average truck owner. Naturally, this calls for some research and occasional inspections. Time and money invested up front are rarely returned, but the payoff is always substantial.
Some tips on where to look for reliable replacement parts in today’s aftermarket are as follows.
Tips from the web
There is a wealth of information online about aftermarket parts and their manufacturers that can greatly aid your search. You can find people inside and outside of your network who have dealt with similar issues before while cutting costs. Get in touch with friends, family, and coworkers, and you’ll be on the path to greater intention. Asking questions in online communities and through social media will yield unexpected results. You could also consider using Craigslist; however, be wary of scams on the site. Do your homework on any Craig’s List ad you’re considering before committing to anything.
Public bulletin boards in one’s area
You can’t just rely on Google to find a reliable aftermarket product manufacturer to collaborate with. In the real world, check local bulletin boards, especially those found in supermarkets, community centers, and truck stops. You also shouldn’t ignore the free newsletters that are commonly found in grocery stores. Additionally, it is common practice for companies to display their business cards on public bulletin boards. If you come across a supplier of aftermarket parts, all you have to do is give them a call and ask any remaining questions you might have.
Spend time with magazines.
Spend some time perusing trade publications, automobile periodicals, and repair-focused periodicals. There’s a chance you’ll find all the information you need to locate a reliable aftermarket parts vendor. Article authors who have covered the topic of rebuilding or refurbishing items may also be able to point you in the direction of reliable suppliers.
Stop by some car shows.
If you want to learn more about fixing your trucks and finding new clients, going to car shows is a great way to network. Do not be surprised if most car shows only showcase vintage automobiles. Even if you don’t own a truck, you can still benefit from attending by making connections with people who might be able to assist you.
Attend automotive or truck trade shows.
The truck industry holds regular trade shows, similar to car shows. The aftermarket parts industry is well represented at car shows, so it would be best to attend one of those. For instance, you could encounter suppliers who are conversant with the aftermarket industry. Get their contact information by striking up a conversation and politely requesting a business card. Although they may not directly be involved in the industry, these individuals often have wide-ranging connections within the field and can help you find the right contacts.
Summary and Conclusions
The question of whether to use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or aftermarket parts has been discussed for some time, and it shows no signs of going away. Both choices are top-notch, so picking one will come down to personal preference. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are highly recommended if you can afford the higher price. If you opt for aftermarket parts, however, you can cut costs and expand your options without sacrificing too much on quality.
If you’ve decided on the second option, then it’s important to do your homework, compile all relevant information, and consult them before deciding on an aftermarket parts manufacturer to work with. Doing it properly from the beginning will save you time and money in the long run.
