What parts are used during repair can make a big difference in how long that repair lasts, how well that system performs when the repair is complete, and how much it will cost you. There are three major categories of parts to consider when repairing a vehicle.

OEM or Original Equipment Parts

First is the original parts the vehicle was made with, or OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) as the industry calls it. With OEM parts you can count on them fitting and performing as well as the originals. I suppose this could be a good or a bad thing, depending on how well they served you the first time. It does bring up the question, "If that part were so good, why am I replacing it?"

Another point to consider is much of the parts on a new car are not built by the car maker, they are outsourced. Automakers are in it the business to turn the most profit possible, so depending on the make of vehicle, quality may or may not be of prime concern. Profit however will be. OEM parts have the highest markup of all.

Manufacturer Direct or Aftermarket Parts

The second and most often smartest choice is quality aftermarket parts or manufacturer direct parts. Often these parts are built by the same companies who build OEM parts. So in some cases (not all) you're getting the same parts as OEM, but in a different box, without paying the steep dealer mark-up. Another trick these manufacturers do is make improvements on the original designs in an effort to "one up" their competition, or fix a problem that's shown up with the OEM version of the same part. 

Inexpensive Parts

The third group is "Inexpensive Parts" aftermarket. These are designed for the price sensitive customer in mind. They are made to get you by and not much else. In some cases using these parts is an okay alternative if you don't require the best for your application. Other times these parts can be a waste of money if you end up have to pay to replace them again when they fail.

What Does This Mean to You?

Over the last two decades I've worked in dealerships and independent shops both. I've seen the effects parts have on a repair. As a result I'm very picky about what parts get used on my customers vehicles. I spend time at trade shows talking with manufacturers about their products as well as parts store personnel to see what parts come back under warranty and what ones don't.

All this is done as an effort to provide you with the best repair and value possible. Parts matter to us because they matter to you, which is why we like to get to know you and how you use your vehicle. That way we can recommend the parts that will best fit your needs.