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By Clifford Auto Parts
When it comes to modern vehicles, the performance and reliability we expect are largely due to the integration of sophisticated electronics and systems. One such essential component is the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Control Module. These modules play a critical role in the functionality of a vehicle, ensuring that everything from engine performance to safety features is operating at its best. But what exactly are OEM control modules, and why are they so important?
What Are OEM Control Modules?
OEM control modules are electronic units that control and monitor various functions within a vehicle. These modules are designed and produced by the vehicle’s original manufacturer, which ensures that they meet the highest standards for performance, durability, and compatibility. These modules are responsible for managing crucial systems in a vehicle, such as the engine control system (ECM), transmission control, and braking systems.
Unlike aftermarket parts, which are produced by third-party manufacturers, OEM control modules are specifically designed to match the vehicle’s make, model, and year. As a result, they offer a precise fit and functionality, ensuring the highest level of performance and reliability.
Why Are OEM Control Modules Important?
Enhanced Vehicle Performance: OEM control modules are engineered to interact seamlessly with the other systems in a vehicle. When these modules are working properly, they ensure that the vehicle runs at optimal efficiency, offering better fuel economy, smoother driving, and reduced emissions.
Guaranteed Compatibility: Since OEM control modules are made by the vehicle’s original manufacturer, they are guaranteed to be fully compatible with the vehicle’s systems. This eliminates concerns about compatibility issues that might arise with aftermarket parts, making the replacement or upgrade process much simpler and less risky.
Durability and Reliability: OEM control modules are built to last. They are designed using the same high-quality materials and manufacturing processes used for the original vehicle components, ensuring they offer long-lasting performance. When you choose an OEM module, you're investing in quality that won't let you down.
Warranty and Support: Many OEM control modules come with a warranty, providing peace of mind that any defects or issues will be covered. Additionally, support from the vehicle’s manufacturer ensures that if there is an issue with the part, you have access to reliable customer service and troubleshooting.
Improved Safety: OEM control modules are directly connected to critical safety features in your vehicle, such as airbags, antilock braking systems (ABS), and traction control. Ensuring these modules are in top working order is essential to maintaining the safety of the vehicle.
The Role of OEM Control Modules in Modern Vehicles
Modern vehicles rely on multiple control modules to ensure that everything from the engine to the infotainment system is functioning correctly. Some of the most common OEM control modules include:
Engine Control Module (ECM): This module manages engine functions such as fuel injection, ignition timing, and emissions control, ensuring that the engine operates efficiently. Transmission Control Module (TCM): The TCM controls the vehicle’s transmission system, adjusting shifting patterns for smoother performance. Body Control Module (BCM): This module is responsible for non-powertrain functions, such as lighting, door locks, and interior comfort features. ABS Control Module: This module manages the anti-lock braking system, preventing wheel lockup during heavy braking and improving vehicle stability. These are just a few examples, but in today’s vehicles, the integration of electronics in the form of OEM control modules is essential for ensuring everything functions smoothly.
Choosing the Right OEM Control Module
When it comes to replacing or upgrading an OEM control module, it's essential to choose one that fits your specific vehicle model and requirements. Working with trusted auto parts suppliers, like Clifford Auto Parts, ensures that you get a quality OEM control module at a competitive price. It’s always a good idea to check with an expert to ensure you're selecting the right part to suit your vehicle’s needs.
Conclusion
OEM control modules are integral components of modern vehicles, offering superior performance, reliability, and compatibility. Whether you're replacing a faulty module or upgrading your vehicle, choosing OEM parts is the best way to ensure your car or truck continues to run at its best. With their long-lasting durability and guaranteed fit, OEM control modules are a wise investment in the future of your vehicle. Always choose quality and reliability by opting for OEM when upgrading or replacing essential control modules.
By understanding the importance of OEM control modules, vehicle owners can make informed decisions that ensure their vehicle performs optimally for years to come.
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By Counterman
As winter rolls in and the temperature drops below freezing, it’s important for vehicle owners to choose the right motor oil for such conditions. A synthetic oil with the right viscosity can improve engine protection and performance in the cold winter months. Sean Nguyen, Pennzoil’s technical scientist and automotive lubricant specialist, told Counterman that it’s important to consider an oil’s ability to flow effectively in cold temperatures.
“In the winter, that’s when the oil is the slowest or the densest, and it takes time for the oil to get from the reservoir, from the oil pan to get up to the cylinder heads,” explained Nguyen. “Those times are precious. 90% of wear happens in the first 90 seconds of an engine start.”
When your customer is looking for motor oil in winter, you’ll want to suggest high-performance synthetic multi-weight oils such as Pennzoil Platinum. These oils, with a SAE 0W-xx or 5W-xx rating, are specifically formulated to remain fluid at low temperatures. That ensures quick lubrication during the cold start, which comes in handy for vehicles exposed to the elements without the protection of a heated garage.
Conventional oils, especially those designed for warm temperatures, often contain impurities and waxy substances that can make them less effective in winter weather. Nguyen said synthetic oils are more homogeneous and better refined, allowing them to flow more efficiently in extremely cold temperatures. That cuts down on the time an engine spends running without proper lubrication.
A common misconception among customers is that thicker oil performs better in winter. They assume using a higher-viscosity oil, like 5W-30 or 10W-40, will help their engine perform better because it seems logical that thicker oil would be more durable in extreme conditions. Nguyen says this is not the case.
“Make sure that second number (the oil’s viscosity at normal engine temperature) is correct. Don’t go to a thicker number because you think it is going to make the oil in your engine work harder.
For example, I recommend that you use a SAE 0W-20 all year round for engines that call for a 5W-20. The 20 gives you the protection that you have all year, winter or summer, because the engine is going to see whatever temperature it sees based on the thermostat, while the 0W will flow much better in those cold morning starts.”
link hidden, please login to viewSean Nguyen, Pennzoil technical scientist and automotive lubricant specialist Nguyen adds that it is vital for drivers to let the engine idle for 30 seconds to a minute before driving, especially in cold temperatures. This warm-up time ensures the oil flows effectively, protecting the engine from wear and tear during those dry starts. That, along with thinner oil weight, will provide faster oil flow to critical areas of the engine.
The challenge for counter professionals: How to effectively communicate the benefits of low-weight synthetic oils for winter? Nguyen says simplifying the technical language and connecting it to a customer’s needs can go a long way. He suggests highlighting the long-term savings and benefits of synthetic oils, like an improvement in fuel efficiency, maximized engine protection and excellent performance offered by oil like Pennzoil Platinum. It also doesn’t hurt to explain how the composition of synthetic oil keeps it stable in cold conditions, improving overall longevity and performance.
“Do you want to keep your car longer?” Nguyen recommends asking the customer. “Do you want it to perform when you want it to? High quality synthetic oils will do that.”
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By Counterman
Bosch Mobility Aftermarket announced the re-launch of its passenger car and light duty truck battery offering, now known as the Bosch Premium Battery Program. The company said this revitalized program embraces a new name emphasizing its exclusive focus on premium batteries and includes new stock-keeping units (SKUs) for the Bosch S5 Premium Power Flooded Batteries and the Bosch S6 High Performance AGM Batteries.
“This emphasized focus on premium batteries, with 90% market coverage, guarantees shop owners and end-users alike will confront less complexity in our battery line, while enjoying greater inventory efficiency,” said Dennis Krob, senior product manager at
link hidden, please login to view. “We’ve been listening to customers and understand these two areas are critically important in today’s market. We’re proud to be refreshing our offerings at a premium level to meet these demands, while helping drive business and streamline operations.”
link hidden, please login to view said it will expand its portfolio of S5 Premium Power Flooded Batteries by 13 new SKUs. These batteries boast a three-year warranty and provide dependable starting power, a long service life and reduced risk of acid leakage in newer car models with high electronic demand. The new program also includes three new SKUs for the Bosch S6 High Performance AGM Batteries. According to the company, these batteries promise a lifespan up to two times longer than conventional alternatives and provide consistent, optimal power for start-stop vehicles and models that use regenerative braking. The S6 batteries offer a warranty guaranteeing free replacement for four years after the date of purchase.
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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 johnwilliam
Hi everyone! 👋
I’ve been thinking about getting a GPS tracker for my car and wanted to know what you all think. They seem great for real-time tracking and keeping cars safe.
Have you used a car GPS tracker before?
What features do you think are the most useful?
Any recommendations for a good tracker?
I’d love to hear your thoughts and tips! 😊
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