Genuine name-brand parts from a manufacturer, often called original equipment manufacturer or OEM parts, are often more expensive than off-brand parts. They may even need to be purchased or ordered from your dealer, whereas off-brand parts are readily available at auto supply stores. Since they are more expensive and may be more difficult to get, why should you invest in these parts when making repairs to your car? There are many good reasons why these parts are worth the investment; consider just three of them here.
1. Your warranty may otherwise by voided
Most new cars today come with a bumper-to-bumper warranty, but it may very well be voided if you use off-brand parts for repairs. Car manufacturers know that there is a wide range of quality when it comes to off-brand parts and that they may not protect a car as well during an accident. In turn they won't honor your warranty if those parts are found on your car. Check your paperwork to know if you're required to use only OEM parts for repairs in order to keep your warranty active before you make any repairs to your car.
2. Even small misalignments can cause damage to your car
OEM parts are made to the manufacturer's specifications, and this includes their size and fitting. When two parts in your car do not fit properly, even if that fit is misaligned microscopically, this can mean vibrations between them every time the engine is running. These vibrations can eventually cause one or more parts to come loose, or can cause damage to other parts of the car.
Purchasing OEM parts can ensure that they fit as they should and your car will have fewer vibrations and in turn, be protected. This will keep those replaced parts working longer and protect surrounding parts as well.
3. OEM parts come with their own warranty
When you shop off-brand parts, you may note that they offer a very limited warranty, if any at all. Most warranties are for a month and no longer, and this speaks volumes as to the quality of those parts. If a manufacturer cannot stand behind their part for longer than a month, you know it probably is not meant to last for years. You may wind up replacing it time and again, so that you don't really save money after all.
OEM parts, however, typically have a lifetime warranty, or one that extends for several years. If it should fail after replacement, you know your investment is protected with a replacement or refund.
If you're looking for Toyota repair or any other type of repair, talk with a mechanic and consider OEM parts before purchasing off-brand options.
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