Whether your vehicle was involved in an accident, you want to replace a damaged auto part or restoring a car, you will most likely hear the term OEM parts. OEM means original equipment manufacturer, which means the piece was initially made by the company that manufactured the details when your vehicle was first assembled. Genuine OEM parts have the company logo on them, and they are available from repair shops, auto parts stores, and even salvaged yards. When you need to replace a part for your vehicle, it can be overwhelming when presented with the options available, which typically includes OEM parts or aftermarket parts. This mini-guide to OEM parts will help you have a better understanding of OEM parts.
Should you use OEM or Aftermarket Parts?
First, it’s essential to understand the difference between OEM and aftermarket parts. OEM parts have been made by the original manufacturer, while aftermarket parts have been made to fit your vehicle. Still, they are made by a manufacturer other than the actual company. If you have the option between an OEM and an aftermarket part, it is best to choose OEM. Choosing an OEM part means you are getting an initially designed piece for your specific vehicle’s make, model, and the year of your car. An aftermarket part may not meet the functionality and safety standards; however, they are a good option if you cannot find or afford an OEM part.
Does Insurance Cover OEM Parts for Repairs?
Whether your insurance will cover the cost of OEM parts for your vehicle or not depends on your specific insurance policy. Many insurers will only cover the cost of aftermarket parts because, in most situations, they do the same job as OEM parts, but they are less expensive. The best thing to do is contact your insurance company and ask if they will cover OEM parts. If they don’t cover them, you may be able to pay out-of-pocket the difference between the OEM part and the cost of the aftermarket part. If you are only interested in using OEM parts, you can search for an insurance policy that will cover them.
Do Used Parts Affect a Vehicle’s Resale Value?
Suppose your vehicle was involved in a Collison, in most situations. In that case, the resale value will be less than a car that has never been damaged, mostly if the damages were structural. However, if there was no damage resulting from an accident and you merely replaced the part because of necessity, such as the age of the region, whether you use an OEM or an aftermarket part usually won’t affect the resale value. The primary reason to choose OEM parts is often just for your peace of mind, so you need to consider the cost difference when deciding which part is the best for your vehicle.
You will most likely have to replace one of the parts for your vehicle at some time or another. It is important to use only OEM parts because it helps keep the car as close as possible to its original state. However, if it is an older vehicle and you have no intentions of selling the vehicle as “all original”, the best option may be to use aftermarket parts. They are usually less expensive, yet will do the job they are intended to do. So, choosing whether to use OEM parts or not is entirely up to you and your specific wants and needs regarding vehicle parts.