If you’ve been driving a Ford for a while, then you’ve probably heard the terms aftermarket Ford parts, OEM Ford parts, and used Ford parts. You might have wondered what they were, and which the best option would be should the time come for you to replace a defective part in your car. There's no clear-cut response to that question. Ultimately, the decision will be based on your current situation.
In this post, we’ll zero in on aftermarket Ford parts, chalking up its pros and cons so that you'll have more information to guide your decision-making. But first, let's define the term “aftermarket parts”.
What Are Aftermarket Parts?
Here’s an important back story to understanding the definition of aftermarket parts.
Car manufacturers don’t manufacture 100% of their car parts. They outsource this role to other companies. These companies are called Original Equipment Manufacturers or OEM. On the other hand, aftermarket parts are new replacement parts manufactured by third-party companies (not an OEM nor the car manufacturer).
Aftermarket parts compare well with OEMs; other times, they’re not as reliable. Note that aftermarket Ford parts are not synonymous with used Ford parts.
In this post, I focus on the benefits and risks of buying aftermarket Ford parts.
Using Aftermarket Ford Parts: the Pros & Cons
Pros
1. Less Costly
Aftermarket Ford parts are significantly lower priced than OEM parts. Amazingly, they also compare well in terms of quality. They are the most economical option for most people. Keep in mind that aftermarket parts are not created equal. Several brands in the market provide these parts, and they vary both in their price and quality. A consultation with an experienced mechanic will help you find the perfect price-quality fit for your budget.
2. Could Be Better Quality
Although there is a need to be careful when purchasing an aftermarket part, many of these parts are better than the OEM parts. To replicate the quality of the OEM companies' equipment, these aftermarket brands tend to produce parts that are either equal or better than the OEM parts. There's a fairly high chance that you could end up with something better than the part you started with.
3. Widely Available
Aftermarket Ford parts are easier to get, unlike OEM parts. This benefit comes in handy during emergencies. You may find aftermarket Ford auto parts in just about any established auto parts store and even gas stores.
If you’re having difficulty getting any aftermarket part, I’d bet you haven’t used CarPartAU’s part finder tool. This free tool makes it quick and easy to locate any part that you need. If the part is unavailable on our market place, all you need to do is fill a request-a-part form on our website, and sit back as quotes from Australia’s leading auto part sellers troop in.
4. More Competitive Pricing & Quality
There's competition for the best price and quality offers since many aftermarket Ford parts brands are available. This competition works in your favour. With more variety comes a broader range of prices and increased chances of getting higher quality replacement parts.
Cons
1. Possibility of Lower Quality
As I hinted earlier, it is possible to get aftermarket Ford parts that are better than the OEM parts. But it’s also true that you could end up with lower quality parts than the one made by an OEM. This problem comes from having numerous brands and the tendency for these brands to use low-quality materials to drive down the cost of production.
2. Absence of Warranty/Protection
One of the most glaring disadvantages of buying aftermarket Ford parts is that they are often sold without warranty or any form of protection. This is arguably the main reason for their lower prices.
The reverse is the case for OEM parts. Virtually all OEM parts come with a warranty or protection of some sort, usually for one year.
3. May Not Be Covered By Insurance
Purchasing an aftermarket Ford part may alter the coverage of your vehicle. I say “may” because this isn’t always the case with every insurance policy. In some insurance policies, the insured property owner is encouraged to replace the damaged parts with aftermarket parts because they cost less. The point is that buying aftermarket Ford parts may lead to many complexities with your insurance company. So ensure you check with them before using an aftermarket part in your vehicle.
Now, let’s quickly answer two common queries about Ford parts.
Are Ford Genuine Parts and Motorcraft the Same?
Motorcraft is a car parts brand owned by the Ford Motor Company. The brand was launched in China in April 2005, and it is the official manufacturer of the original equipment parts found in Ford and Lincoln vehicles.
Does Ford Get Parts from China?
It is true that many American car companies produce their vehicles in China and export them to the United States. Being the second-largest automaker in the US, Ford has many direct and indirect suppliers from all over the world, including Canada, China, Germany, Japan, Hungary, Poland, Spain, and Venezuela.
Parts sourced from China are mainly used for Ford’s factories in India and other nearby facilities. For instance, the Ford ExoSport is made in India, with approximately 15% of its parts coming from China.
Wrapping Up
Aftermarket Ford parts are a low-cost alternative to OEM Ford parts, and they are not necessarily lower quality. Experienced auto mechanics can identify the reputable aftermarket brands for your Ford vehicle. When guided by these experts, aftermarkets parts are worth putting your dollar on.
Remember that you can locate your aftermarket Ford parts, OEM Ford parts, and used Ford parts via CarPartAU’s website. What are you waiting for? Start filling out a part request form here.
By Damilare Olasinde