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By APF
When selecting parts for a car repair, it pays to know the differences between original and aftermarket parts. Whenever possible, get estimates for both.
Choosing between original and aftermarket car parts — and even used parts of either type — is all about squaring your priorities with your budget.
You’ll have different options depending on the part and the shop. And the best choice will depend on whether you’re trying to keep repairs cheap, restore your car’s appearance after a wreck or soup up your ride.
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Before we get into that, here are the key differences:
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts match those that came with your car, and are of the same quality as its original parts. They’re also the most expensive. Aftermarket parts are cheaper, and made by other manufacturers — often several, giving you more options. Used parts may have a bit of wear and tear, but should be inspected or rebuilt to ensure they’ll work. These are the cheapest option. Choosing between aftermarket and OEM parts
Your decision will depend on the type of repair and the quality and price of the parts. Always look for parts that come with a warranty, even if they’re OEM, so you’ll be protected in case they fail.
Auto body repairs
Some aftermarket parts may be OK for
link hidden, please login to view, but others won’t be as good, says Michael Calkins, manager of technical services at AAA. “There’s a lot of variation in quality.” For example, he says, aftermarket parts often don’t have the same level of rustproofing as original parts, fit and finish don’t match, or panels don’t align properly. If OEM parts are used in auto body repair, the car should look and work exactly as it did before the damage, because everything will match up. OEM parts are also crash-tested, unlike many aftermarket parts.
Aftermarket parts come at varying price points and levels of quality, but because they are cheaper, insurance companies often prefer them. If you want OEM parts but are dealing with an insurer that wants the shop to use aftermarket parts, ask to pay the difference.
“There’s also the option of used parts, depending on the age of the vehicle,” Calkins says. “It may be cheaper than an aftermarket part but still have all of the original quality.”
Mechanical repairs
A used part, whether it’s OEM or aftermarket, can really save money on repairs under the hood, so long as it’s inspected first and warrantied. And some aftermarket companies reverse-engineer their products to be even better than OEM versions.
For example, many car buffs will tell you that you can get heavy-duty shocks and struts or brake pads that are made of stronger materials. Scan some reviews online, or talk with your mechanic if you’re not sure whether an aftermarket part could be an upgrade.
Adding some extras
If you’d like to modify your ride by adding something like a backup camera or back-seat TV screen, you’ll probably be looking for aftermarket parts. Certain aftermarket upgrades could increase
link hidden, please login to view. This is especially true for improvements like a better sound system or alloy wheels, rather than mechanical repairs. Who provides OEM or aftermarket parts?
The options you’ll have for parts depends on the nature of the repairs and what type of shop you take your car to:
Dealership repair shops will offer only OEM parts — they have no reason to offer a cheaper product from a competitor link hidden, please login to view may be able to offer you a choice between OEM and aftermarket parts Independent garages that specialize in your type of vehicle will likely have both, but with quicker access to OEM parts, including used OEM parts, which can really save you Auto body shops can offer both, but if your collision repair is part of an insurance claim, the insurer will likely prefer aftermarket parts to save money Depending on the job, the cost of OEM versus aftermarket parts varies. Whenever you’re given the choice, ask to see estimates for both so you can weigh your options.
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By Counterman
MAHLE showcased its full-service portfolio of products at AAPEX. The company said it aims to position itself as a “one-stop shop” for technicians, shop owners and drivers. Key offerings highlighted at this year’s AAPEX show included
link hidden, please login to viewgaskets, engine components, filters and thermal management solutions as well as the company’s battery diagnostic systems, A/C units and latest shop equipment. “Our goal is to further expand MAHLE Aftermarket’s leading role in the global market with attractive offers for repair shops and trade,” said Eduardo Spilla, general manager,
link hidden, please login to viewAftermarket North America. “We are particularly focused on electrification, digitalization, and sustainability in order to help create the future of transportation and do our part in providing high-quality solutions to customers around the world.” More information on MAHLE can be found online or by contacting MAHLE local sales representatives.
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By APF
Advance Auto Parts today announced with their Q3 release a new strategic plan that includes a reduction in U.S. footprint:
Store operations Reduction in U.S. asset footprint - closing 523 Advance corporate stores, exiting 204 independent locations, and closing four distribution centers. Standardization of store operating model and improving labor productivity. Acceleration in pace of new store openings. Merchandising excellence Strategic sourcing to improve first costs and bring link hidden, please login to view to market faster. Assortment management to enhance availability of link hidden, please login to view. Pricing and promotions management to improve gross margin. Supply chain Consolidation of distribution centers to operate 13 large facilities by 2026. Opening of 60 market hub locations by mid-2027. Optimization of transportation routes and freight to lower costs and improve productivity.
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view announced the launch of link hidden, please login to view, a new automotive aftermarket distribution platform. The launch coincides with Driven Distribution Group’s acquisition of the auto parts and accessories distribution business of Chicago Parts & Sound, following the recapitalization of Tri-State Enterprises, Inc. in November 2023. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. By bringing together CPS and Tri-State under the Driven Distribution Group umbrella, HCI said it “aims to establish a leading platform in the automotive aftermarket industry by equipping its brands with shared resources, strategic vision, investment and advanced technology to enable its companies to deliver best-in-class customer service.” Both CPS and Tri-State will continue to operate under their respective brands, while benefiting from the shared resources of the Driven Distribution Group platform.
“We are thrilled to welcome the CPS team to the Driven Distribution platform. Consistent with our original platform thesis, CPS represents a geographically strategic beachhead in the Midwest and is a great complement to Tri-State’s existing product categories. We look forward to working together to achieve our shared vision for growth,” said Scott Gibaratz, partner at HCI.
Chicago Parts & Sound, based in Elk Grove Village, IL, with additional locations in Illinois and Wisconsin, is a warehouse distributor focused on automotive aftermarket parts, batteries, consumables, and accessories. The company serves auto dealerships, independent repair shops, municipalities/governments and company fleets.
Bob Lederer, co-owner of CPS, said, “the growth of Tri-State Enterprises parallels that of CPS – just in a different part of the country. Opportunities to combine businesses of such similar backgrounds, culture, and customer focus make tremendous sense for all stakeholders in each company.”
“We are extremely impressed with the stellar business and established market reputation Bob and Jackie Lederer have built over the past 22 years. The combination of CPS and Tri-State as part of the Driven Distribution Group platform will enable us to expand our resources and capabilities to better serve our employees and customers,” said Tristan Taylor, CEO of Tri-State.
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