What Are Aftermarket Parts & Why Use Them?

The aftermarket parts are manufactured by companies other than car original manufacturers for automotive maintenance parts. When repairing the car after the accident, insurance companies can choose to use aftermarket parts instead of primitive manufacturer parts. Each stage in the aftermarket chain has its importance, and each operator plays a special role to maintain the competitiveness and efficiency of replacement of parts, maintenance and maintenance. So what are aftermarket parts and why do we use them?

What are Aftermarket Parts?

The aftermarket parts are only parts made by primitive car manufacturers. They are replaced by third-party companies. The design and structure of most parts are exactly the same as the OEM parts they replaced, and the work is good or better.

In fact, the word “aftermarket” may be a bit confusing. In fact, the more accurate term we use is the “replacement part”. This is because the parts of these non-original equipment manufacturers are exactly like this -the original equipment manufacturer parts are repaired on your vehicle for replacement.

Differences Between Aftermarket Parts And OEM

The main difference between OEM and aftermarket parts is the price. When using aftermarket parts, the maintenance cost is low. This can save funds and reduce total losses for insurance companies and consumers. If insurance companies pay less in claims, and find cheaper ways to repair vehicles after the accident. When the total loss paid by insurance companies is less, consumers have benefited from the overall reduction of insurance expenses. When insurance companies pay high losses, they may have to adjust the overall car insurance rate.

How Aftermarket Parts Work

As a good alternative to manufacturer parts, aftermarket parts have been welcomed and accepted. In some cases, they may be better than OEM parts. GM or aftermarket manufacturers may use more expensive materials or advanced technologies than car manufacturers.

The average cost of OEM parts is 60%higher than the average price of the aftermarket parts. Due to the cost, insurance companies and body repair plants will use them when they repair vehicles after the accident.

The insurance industry is supervised at the first level of the state, so the decision to use or not aftermarket depends on the state. All countries can:

• Insurance companies use universal or aftermarket without the consent of consumers.
• If the vehicle uses aftermarket, consumers are required.
• Consumers’ consent is required to use aftermarket.
• It is forbidden to use aftermarket accessories to repair vehicles.

Types of Aftermarket Parts

There are two main types of aftermarket parts. Understanding differences can help you decide whether to use universal parts for maintenance, or whether OEM parts are safer to use OEM parts. Aftermarket parts can be decorated or structural.

Cosmetic

The appearance of parts may affect the function or appearance of the vehicle, but it does not affect its safety in collisions, such as muddy boards, door skin, or decorative parts. They do not change the safety and collision resistance of the car, so the source of cosmetics parts is the problem of price and availability. As long as the aftermarket parts are reliable and good manufacturing, they will not affect the function, safety or warranty of the vehicle.

Structured

Structural components such as engine hoods or safety cages are responsible for absorbing collision power. They protect drivers and riders. These parts shall pass the certification of the Certification Vehicle Parts (CAPA), which has high standards and guidelines for aftermarket parts.

The test that the parts pass through the CAPA certification must determine its “function is equivalent to” OEM parts. This means that they perform the same performance in security tests, not just similar types and quality.

Are Aftermarket Parts Counterfeit Parts?

No! Alternative parts are simply manufactured by someone other than the original car company. They aren’t counterfeit, and, in fact, it’s estimated that 80% of independent repair shops, i.e. those not owned by a car company or dealer, use alternative parts.

Are Aftermarket Parts Bad for My Car?

Not only do they have no disadvantages to your car, but they are also good for your wallet. Because the performance of some replacement parts is better than the original OEM parts, your car may perform better when replacing parts.

For the external parts of the body, such as the bumper, mud, engine hood, rearview mirror, and front lights, there are high -quality third -party manufacturers to create these parts to provide good cooperation and appearance, so that your vehicle looks like Like the initial.

There are hundreds of aftermarket parts manufacturers, some of which are specialized in small -scale parts, and others produce almost all parts on cars or trucks. Some names you even recognize, but may not think they are replacements of parts manufacturers.

Your car may now have aftermarket parts and accessories and never even thought about it. Did you change the tire? Or your windshield wiper? Maybe your front light is replaced after being abused with another car, or you changed a new bumper after a small car accident. These replacements are likely to replace parts, and you do not think twice before installing it on the vehicle.

Why Use Aftermarket Auto Parts?

As we have already said, the aftermarket parts market parts are manufactured well. However, there are many other reasons for choosing replacement parts instead of OEM parts:

• Selected: Hundreds of companies produce substitutions. Through a bit of research, you can be sure that the substitute parts you are obtaining have been fully reviewed, and may even be certified as one -to -one or better alternative to OEM parts.
• Cost: The cost of replacement parts is almost lower than the same OEM parts. How much depends on the brand and purpose, but when you choose a replacement part, you may save funds. On average, the cost of OEM parts is 60%higher than that of alternatives.
• Availability: When you need OEM parts, in most cases you need to buy or authorize dealers to buy. If there is no inventory, there may be a long waiting time, you may not use your vehicle. However, with alternative parts, you can walk into gas stations, car parts stores, or local mechanical stores, and they will have parts to choose from. You can even order replacement parts from the Internet.
• Quality: It is worth repeating that many replacement parts are even better than its design OEM parts for replacement.
• Care for your vehicle: If you are selecting parts directly for your vehicle, replacement parts should not affect your vehicle’s safety or warranty.

How to Get Aftermarket Parts

Many insurance companies may use aftermarket parts for collision and maintenance. If you are worried about this approach, you can take some measures so that you can realize and decide whether to use aftermarket parts for your car.

• Ask your insurance company: Understand the policy of using aftermarket parts. Some states are used in common or aftermarket parts. Each insurance company may have unique conditions in its insurance wording.
• Understand the laws of your state: consult the insurance commissioner you are located in, and understand which laws are suitable for your state. Determine whether the insurance company follows the country’s policy on the use of aftermarket parts.
• Apply for parts you want: If you find that insurance companies use aftermarket parts, you can ask for OEM parts. If the insurance company rejects your request, you may have to look for an insurance company everywhere. The company has an aftermarket parts collision part insurance policy to make you feel more comfortable.

Takeaways

In short, whether the parts you want to change are the appearance parts or structural parts, aftermarket parts are the best choice for your car. The aftermarket parts accessories provide choices, convenience, and peace of mind, and save you funds at the same time, allowing you to return to the road quickly. Why use alternative parts? Because you have a choice.