When you visit your local auto repair shop for repair or maintenance, you want to make sure you're getting good service and confident that the parts being used for your vehicle are of high quality. After all, your car's performance and safety largely depend on its parts' quality.

A short-term savings on a less expensive, low-quality auto part can put your car back in the shop sooner than you expected—and cost you more down the road. Christian Brothers Automotive explains why choosing quality auto parts for your vehicle is important.

Types of Auto Parts to Choose From

Auto parts fall into two categories: original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket. Car parts made by a specific car manufacturer are classified as OEM car parts, and aftermarket parts are defined as any vehicle part not sourced from the car’s maker.

Both groups of auto parts offer pros and cons—either can be a good choice, depending on the particular situation and part type.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts

When you choose an OEM auto part, the selection is straightforward—directly from your car’s maker. You can also count on greater quality assurance overall and a full warranty. However, OEM parts are traditionally more expensive. It’s a common myth that OEM parts can only be purchased through a dealership – auto shops like Christian Brothers Automotive can also supply these parts.

Which Auto Parts Should Be OEM?

While aftermarket parts can sometimes be an option, there are specific critical components where sticking with OEM is strongly recommended. These include:

• Safety-Critical Parts: These include parts that directly affect how well your car protects you in a crash, such as airbags, brake pads, and parts of the steering and suspension systems. Since these parts are crucial for your safety, it's important to get parts that are designed and manufactured to meet your car's exact specifications.
• Parts That Affect Performance or Longevity: Engine components like pistons, valves, and the timing system parts are important for how well your car runs and lasts. Using OEM parts for these can help ensure optimal performance and avoid compatibility issues.
• Body Panels: For collision repairs, it's important to use OEM body panels to ensure a proper fit and preserve the crumple zones designed to absorb impact force. Aftermarket panels may not match up exactly or may not have the same safety features.

Choosing OEM parts for these crucial components helps ensure your vehicle remains safe, reliable, and performs at its best, ultimately saving you time and money on future repairs.

Aftermarket Auto Parts

Aftermarket parts are typically less expensive, and the quality has the possibility of being equal or greater compared to an OEM part when you choose a trusted brand. Aftermarket products are also more widely accessible than OEM parts, which can be an advantage when you need to get back on the road quickly.

Which Parts Can Be Aftermarket?

Aftermarket parts are an excellent option for non-critical components. These include:

• Wear and Tear Items: These include things like brake rotors, spark plugs, and air filters. Aftermarket parts for these can be just as good as OEM parts, and can sometimes be more affordable or offer performance upgrades.
• Replacement Parts with Known Improvements: There are cases where aftermarket manufacturers have identified weaknesses in OEM parts and designed improved replacements. Researching online can help you determine if there are better aftermarket options for specific parts on your car.

Choosing aftermarket parts can be a cost-effective option for non-critical parts. Still, it's important to research and choose reputable brands to ensure quality and compatibility with your vehicle.

Do After-Market Parts Come With a Warranty?

The availability of warranties for aftermarket parts depends on the brand and supplier. Some aftermarket parts come with warranties, while others do not. It's essential to check with the specific brand or supplier to determine if a warranty covers the part you are purchasing.

If you opt for a direct replacement part designed to fit and function just like the original, it shouldn't void your vehicle's warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. However, if the aftermarket part causes damage or contributes to a failure, the manufacturer may deny warranty coverage for that specific issue.

Should Auto Parts Be Bought Online?

With the convenience and cost savings of online shopping, purchasing auto parts online is tempting. However, be cautious when considering this option. While you may find a lower price, there's no guarantee that the part will be of good quality or even compatible with your vehicle.

Purchasing from a reputable local repair shop not only ensures you're getting quality parts but also the expertise and support of experienced mechanics who can help with installation and any potential issues.

Choose Christian Brothers Automotive for Your Auto Part Repair

To minimize this risk of any potential issues, it’s best to seek trusted professionals like Christian Brothers Automotive when looking for quality auto parts and installation. With our experienced mechanics and high-quality parts, you can trust that your vehicle will perform at its best after any repair or maintenance service.

We'll also back things up with our Nice Difference® Warranty, offering 3-year or 36,000-mile protection on most parts and labor. This gives you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is in good hands and that we stand behind the quality of our work and parts.

Trust Christian Brothers Automotive for all your auto part needs. Locate your nearby auto repair shop to get started today!