For all those who have had their car repaired would know how costly the entire process could be, especially when the repair calls for the replacement of some defective parts. Next would be the critical decision: whether to buy expensive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or opt for cost-friendlier aftermarket parts.
What are Aftermarket Parts?
Aftermarket parts are auto parts that are made by a company other than the original car manufacturer. They are intended as replacement parts for a car model when its original parts stop working or get damaged.
Does it matter who makes the parts? Aftermarket parts are often assumed to be of lesser quality compared to OEM because they are cheaper. At the same time, this lower price range is also its main selling point.
Just a side note, while aftermarkets parts are generally cheaper than OEM, it is not always the case. Aftermarket performance parts, for instance, are the exact opposite. Performance parts fall in the aftermarket category used for upgrading cars and are generally of greater efficiency and higher cost than OEM parts.
In this article, however, we will focus on the regular-performance and relatively cheap aftermarket parts. Their availability makes the process of maintaining and repairing cars a lot simpler and more convenient by offering car owners greater variety and price options.
Tips for Buying Aftermarket Car Parts
Finding the right aftermarket parts is a difficult task, especially for a new car owner. Hence, we have gathered a few tips to help car owners make the right purchase.
1. Know your car
The first step in maintaining your car is to know more about it. Read its user’s manual and know its specs by heart. Have a record of the repairs and replacements it went through before. If you’ve owned it for some years now, learn which parts are faulty and need replacement. Not knowing these things makes you a likely target of fraud. As a more informed owner, you will be more capable of making decisions, such as which aftermarket parts to buy.
2. Look for a credible seller
Just knowing about your car and the advantages of aftermarket car parts will not be enough. You need to find the right parts, and they must come from a trustworthy and reliable seller. With crooks lurking on the internet, you have to be careful about buying from unknown sources.
Although a Google search will provide you with a long list of aftermarket parts dealers near you, it is always a good idea to do thorough research before making the final decision. You may try a few ones by buying small items to check on quality and customer service. For dealers within your area, you may do an actual visit to their brick-and-mortar shop to double-check the quality of the products they're selling.
3. Ask for reviews
Get advice from someone who has purchased aftermarket car parts before. You may also find first-hand information about an aftermarket part seller by reading reviews and feedback.
4. Sort through various price options
The aftermarket car parts industry offers car owners a huge variety of products. There is something for almost everyone depending on price considerations and personal preferences. What you need to do is first set a budget. What is the amount that you are willing and able to spend on a particular replacement part? Then sort through options that fit your price range. When searching for products in a seller's website, narrow down the search by filling up the price filters. It will effectively save you time by limiting the search to the products that fit your budget.
5. Ask for warranties and certificates
Some aftermarket manufacturers offer warranties, assuring you that they stand behind their products. It will state which parts are covered, how long the warranty will be in effect, and other conditions. They may also show certifications that guarantee quality standards.
Quality is a big concern for car owners, and warranties provide them peace of mind. Warranties are often found on the manufacturers' website, but if they're not, don't hesitate to ask.
6. Consult an expert
The whole process can be quite overwhelming if you are a new car owner or have never purchased an aftermarket car part before. If you find it hard to find the right car part for your vehicle or inspect its quality accurately, it would be fine to consult an expert. It could be your trusty car mechanic who can tell you more about your car's need and aid you in finding the right aftermarket part to replace the faulty one.
At Carpart, we have also made things easier for you. Instead of visiting multiple websites to check on a piece for your car, you may go to our website and fill out a form to find the car part you need. Our search tool will then present you with a list of sellers who have the part you specify (per your car’s make, model, and year). Now, that's pretty neat and quick, right? We have thousands of sellers and shops in our directory to cater to all your automotive needs, from auto parts (new or used) to professional services.
Follow this simple guide to find the right aftermarket car part for your car, and bookmark Carpart.com.au for your car’s maintenance needs.