OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts in El Dorado AR
Should you choose OEM or aftermarket parts for your ride in El Dorado, AR?
If your current Ford vehicle requires a part replacement or two, and you're concerned about affordability, then you’ll want to check out the guide below. We've listed the differences between aftermarket products and OEM parts from the manufacturer to help you decide which are right for you. So before you start buying aftermarket parts and installing them yourself, keep reading to learn how you may save your vehicle (and yourself) from incurring more costs than you expected!
What are OEM parts?
OEM parts (also known as “original equipment manufacturer” parts) are better described as parts distributed from the manufacturer itself. These parts are meant to function and look identical to the parts originally installed on your vehicle. You can place an order for OEM parts directly through a qualified distributor and then install them yourself, or you can request these parts from a dealership’s service center and have them installed by expert technicians instead. At first glance, these parts may seem more expensive than aftermarket products, but in the long run, you’ll fare better with a part recommended by your manufacturer.
What are aftermarket parts?
With all aftermarket products, you’ll find they are widely distributed by third-party manufacturers not related to your make or model. These products can be found on sites like Amazon and eBay and can oftentimes seem more affordable than OEM parts. But unless you are an expert at aftermarket part installations, you’ll want to avoid purchasing these parts for your vehicle. Although the price point is tempting, the damage that these non-warranted parts can cause your vehicle will cost you more in repairs in the future. These parts also won't last as long and you'll have to keep replacing them far more frequently than you would with OEM parts
Benefits of Choosing OEM Parts Over Aftermarket Products
There are tons of benefits to choosing OEM parts over aftermarket ones. For instance, OEM parts are:
- Ordered and shipped exclusively by authorized dealers
- Backed by a manufacturer warranty
- High-quality
- Reliable
- Long-lasting
You won’t get these same benefits from an aftermarket product since its quality is questionable. Also, aftermarket parts cannot be installed by a dealership and may void any current warranty held by the part you need replaced. So before you start taking your vehicle apart, check your manufacturer's warranty to see if the parts that need to be replaced are still covered. As for OEM parts, there’s no questioning their reliability. That's because they were made specifically to fit your vehicle and will keep it running smoothly for longer.
Why Ford OEM Parts are the Right Choice for Your Vehicle
Ford Motor Company offers a limited warranty on new Ford and Motorcraft parts sold to U.S. customers through an authorized Ford or Lincoln dealership or Ford authorized distributor.* This makes choosing Ford OEM parts the ideal choice for drivers looking to keep their vehicle covered just in case an emergency part replacement is needed.
Before you try and install Ford OEM parts yourself, if you’re not entirely confident, schedule your next appointment with our factory-trained service technicians at Karl Malone Ford where you can have the part installed for you. Trust our team and your vehicle will be in great hands!
To find out more about the Ford OEM parts we carry, contact us today or stop by our dealership at 1730 West Hillsboro Street, El Dorado, AR 71730 . We look forward to serving our customers near Magnolia, Smackover, Strong and Monticello.
*Check out this Parts Limited Warranty Statement from the Ford manufacturer for more information.