GM Aftermarket Parts
Whether you’re building a car from scratch or you’re taking your car in for repair and potential replacements, you’re inevitably going to have to buy certain parts for your car. However, there are multiple choices to make when you begin shopping for parts. On one hand, you have Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM parts). On the other, you have aftermarket parts. If you don’t know what the latter is or what difference it makes, this guide will educate you about General Motors aftermarket parts and why OEM parts are the best for your car.
What Are GM Aftermarket Body Parts?
So, what is an aftermarket part? An aftermarket part refers to replacement parts that were not sourced for the car’s maker. For example, let’s imagine that you took your car to an independent repair shop to rotate your tires. While you were there, your mechanic discovered some issues with your wear patterns that were indicative of an issue with your wheel and suspension components that were negatively impacting the life span of your tires. In this case, the auto shop might replace it with an aftermarket part instead of ordering it directly from the carmaker.
GM aftermarket parts are designed to be compatible with GM brand cars. These include vehicles offered by Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC. If you own any cars made by these carmakers, you can easily find General Motors aftermarket parts that are designed to work with your vehicle. With that in mind, should you choose OEM parts or aftermarket parts?
Why You Should Choose OEM Parts Over Aftermarket Parts Every Time
While some cite benefits for using aftermarket parts instead of OEM parts, the reality is that OEM parts are much better to use for repairs. Some of the reasons why you will want to choose OEM parts instead of GM aftermarket parts include:
- Better quality. GM aftermarket parts are created by a variety of manufacturers and designed specifically to replace the original GM part you need. If you choose a part from a manufacturer that has cut corners on production to save money, you may have purchased a part of lesser quality than the original part. This can result in damage to the part soon after installing it on your car. OEM parts, on the other hand, come straight from the carmaker, meaning that the part you get is the part that was originally in your vehicle.
- Reliable pricing. Because there’s such a variety of manufacturers out there producing aftermarket parts for GM cars, pricing can also vary. Lower prices are designed to entice car owners in choosing aftermarket parts over OEM parts. However, with so many options available, lower prices are sometimes linked to lower quality. OEM parts may be priced a bit higher than their aftermarket counterparts, but you know what you’re going to pay as the part you need is made by the original manufacturer. When you shop aftermarket parts, you’re getting the consistency you desire across the board.
- Easier to find the part you need to get the job done. Going with GM aftermarket body parts will result in searching through a wide variety of products designed to replace the original part in your car. Comparing and contrasting the pros and cons of each aftermarket part prolongs the repair process and wastes precious time. With OEM parts, you have one option and you know exactly how that option performs in your car. Bring your vehicle to a de
alership that has OEM parts on hand, tell them what needs to be replaced, and let them install that part without any of the hassle that comes with aftermarket parts. - Warranty is almost always available. Almost all OEM parts come with a warranty so you can have the peace of mind you need knowing you’re not investing in something that could break and you would be out of the money. Additionally, you don’t have to run the risk of investing in parts that may or may not void your existing warranty or insurance. Meanwhile, warranties aren’t typically available for aftermarket parts. This can leave you with low-quality, broken parts without the necessary protection that you need to protect your car and your wallet.
- Fewer options reduces potential mistakes or panic. Finally, such a large selection of General Motors aftermarket parts can leave some buyers with analysis paralysis. If you find yourself unable to make a choice or you panic and make the wrong choice, you can end up impacting your car negatively along the way.
With OEM parts, you only have one choice to make as established above. This is the better option for some drivers.
When it comes down to OEM versus aftermarket car parts, the best choice is to spring for OEM body parts every time. The list above illustrates why GM aftermarket body parts, while often used for their convenience or lower prices, still can’t beat out the quality of OEM.
Find All the OEM Parts You Need at #1 Cochran
If you need support in finding and installing OEM parts for your GM vehicle model, #1 Cochran is here to help! Our parts department always has an extensive inventory of factory OEM parts for your GM car so that you can rest knowing that you’re getting high-quality parts for your car repairs. With benefits like fair pricing on OEM parts, knowledgeable staff to answer your questions, and a warranty on all your parts, OEM parts are the way to go. Contact us today if you have any questions about OEM parts or need help repairing your car.
