OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts | Albertville AL
Should you choose OEM or aftermarket parts for your ride in Albertville, AL?
If your Toyota needs a part replacement and you’re concerned about costs, the team at Sand Mountain Toyota has put together a guide to help you decide between aftermarket products and OEM parts. In this guide we’ll expand on the differences between these types of parts and assist you in making the decision that best fits your needs. Before you buy an aftermarket product and DIY a repair, continue reading to see how you can save money and avoid vehicle breakdowns.
What are OEM parts?
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are vehicle parts that are made by an automotive manufacturer. OEM Toyota parts are identical to the original parts installed in your car. Drivers can purchase OEM parts through a qualified distributor and complete the installation themselves, or they can order them from a Toyota Service Center, where expert technicians will complete the installation. While it seems more cost effective to use aftermarket products, you’ll find that OEM parts are the better financial choice in the long run.
What are aftermarket parts?
Aftermarket parts are distributed by third-party suppliers not affiliated with your vehicle’s manufacturer. These parts are available on websites like Amazon and eBay. Drivers are drawn to the affordability of aftermarket products; however, if you’re not an expert in aftermarket product installation, it’s best to avoid buying these components for your car. The low cost of these parts may catch your eye, but the damage they can cause to your vehicle over time will cost you more in repairs. Additionally, compared to OEM parts, aftermarket parts don’t last as long and will need to be replaced far more frequently.
Benefits of Choosing OEM Parts Over Aftermarket Products
There are several benefits to choosing OEM parts instead of aftermarket ones. For example, OEM parts are:
- Ordered and shipped exclusively by authorized dealers
- Backed by a manufacturer warranty
- High-quality
- Reliable
- Long-lasting
An aftermarket product will not offer you the same quality that an OEM part will. Also, Toyota Service Centers like ours will not perform replacements with aftermarket products. It’s important to note that using aftermarket products in your car may void any warranties still intact on your ride. We encourage you to check your manufacturer’s warranty before attempting any DIY repairs — you may find that the part that needs to be replaced is still covered. When it comes to OEM parts, there’s no doubt that they are reliable — they were designed for your vehicle and will keep it running smoothly for years to come!
Why Toyota OEM Parts are the Right Choice for Your Vehicle
When you buy a Toyota OEM part, you can benefit from the Toyota brand’s limited warranty on all new parts sold by an authorized Toyota dealership or distributor.* When you choose an OEM part, you’re saying yes to peace of mind and protection if an emergency part replacement is needed.
To avoid the hassle of replacing parts yourself, schedule an appointment with the friendly team at Sand Mountain Toyota. With their experience and know-how, you’ll be back on the road in no time!
To find out more about the Toyota OEM parts we carry, contact us today or stop by our dealership at 9167 US Highway 431, Albertville, AL 35950. We look forward to serving our customers near Boaz, Guntersville, Scottsboro, Rainbow City and Gadsden.
*For complete details about Toyota’s warranties, please refer to the applicable Warranty & Maintenance Guide or see your Toyota dealer.