The biggest headache to owning a vehicle is the realisation that with usage, parts wear away and require replacement. Acquiring new parts is not a walk in the park, either, and is full of risks. Among the challenges are being conned, buying wrong parts, and receiving inferior quality parts, to name only a few of the troubles you have to go through. Experts will advise you differently when it comes to acquiring auto parts. Whoever you approach for assistance, you at least need some basic understanding about the different types of auto parts in the marketplace.
Types of Auto Parts
Auto parts are broadly categorised based on who manufactured them or the source of the car parts. For example, in Australia, the main categories of car parts stocked include:
- Genuine car parts - these are parts manufactured by the automaker and come with the emblem of the automaker. Carmakers build auto parts primarily for fitting in new cars and not necessarily for spares, resulting in the scarce supply of genuine auto parts and, of course, high price tag. The available stocks of genuine parts are most likely secondhand or refurbished.
Automakers either manufacture spare parts in-house or outsourced under strict quality control. They are the recommended spare parts, although they cost more than the majority of the other types of auto parts in the market.
- OEM (original equipment manufacturer) auto parts - a third party produces specific OEM pieces for the original car manufacturer under a contract agreement. Thus, new vehicles may not entirely have all parts manufactured by the car company and may have several OEM parts, with or without the emblem of the third party manufacturer. In some cases, automakers also allow the third-party manufacturers to sell the OEM parts directly in the market as automaker-recommended replacement parts or spares. The OEM car parts are designed specifically for a given car brand or model, and their quality is strictly controlled to comply with the automakers’ requirements. As a result, majority of the OEM parts are of good quality and also quite expensive.
- Aftermarket vehicle parts – aftermarket parts are auto parts made by third-party manufacturers who are distinct and not connected to the carmaker. Aftermarket auto parts can be similar in design to, or different from, the original car part. Their quality also varies significantly depending on the priorities of the third party. Some third parties venture into the business to offer cheaper alternative car parts/spares, which typically vary in quality from fair to poor. Other third-party manufacturers specialise in designing and manufacturing upgrade parts, which are of superior quality and even better performance than the genuine or OEM parts and are more expensive. Aftermarket car parts are ideal when you are on a tight budget, or you seek a temporary solution such as when you wait to find better quality parts. The aftermarket parts may also be ideal when you pursue to upgrade your car with superior quality and better performing parts.
- Reconditioned parts - these are secondhand car parts, either genuine, OEM, or aftermarket that have been refurbished or repaired. A good number of the cars have their parts replaced even when the old parts only have minimal and repairable damage. These items find their way to the marketplace after repair as reconditioned or refurbished parts. They are usually of lower quality than the other types but ideal for situations if you're on a tight budget or require a temporary fix.
- Salvaged car parts - salvaged parts can be genuine, OEM, or aftermarket parts that had been slightly or fairly used. Yards acquire them from vehicles that have stalled or met accidents and from owners who have replaced the original parts for upgrades. When a car gets into an accident, not everything gets destroyed or goes to scrap. Some of the car parts remain intact even in vehicles damaged beyond repair. Car parts in working or repairable condition are harvested by the insurance company or wreckers who buy the wrecks from car owners and insurance companies and resell the part as salvaged parts. The price of salvaged parts varies widely depending on their quality and condition.
Knowing these different types of spare or car parts in the market keeps you safe from fraudulent and opportunistic sellers. From here, you may start deciding which kind of car part to buy based on your budget and the part's availability in the market. Also, add to the equation whether you want a temporary or a longer-lasting fix and whether you want to upgrade your vehicle performance with superior parts.
Our Carpart catalogue links you to dealers of different car parts in Australia, simplifying your search even more. For more information on car parts, you may also visit our site or contact our experts.