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Car Replacement Parts: When You Should or Shouldn't Buy OEM Parts

Has your car broken down and you are now wondering about the best kind of replacement parts that you should buy? Read on and discover some situations under which the most prudent approach to take is going with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. You will also learn when it may not be necessary for you to buy those OEM parts.

When OEMs Are the Best Choice

Crash repairs. It is usually advisable for you to insist on using OEM parts as your car is undergoing body repairs after a crash. Why is this important? You cannot be certain that aftermarket parts will be an exact fit for your vehicle. Aftermarket car body parts may also lack sufficient safety features to protect you during an accident. It is therefore better for you to buy OEM parts, like actual Nissan parts, for crash repairs.

Leased vehicles. You may be better off buying OEM replacement parts in case you are repairing a leased vehicle. This would be your best option because the market value of the vehicle may be lowered in case you use aftermarket parts during the repair. Consequently, the leasing company may withhold a significant portion of the deposit that you left with them once you turn the vehicle in at the end of your lease. Using OEM parts can salvage your security deposit.

Adequate insurance cover. There is no reason why you should not use OEM parts if your insurer will cover the cost of those repairs fully. OEM parts offer the best guarantee of quality and performance since the car will be restored to the performance parameters set by its manufacturer.

When Aftermarket Parts May Suffice

Superior quality. Some aftermarket parts are better in quality and performance when compared to OEM parts. For instance, some aftermarket exhaust systems are made from materials that are more durable than the materials that are often used to make OEM parts. In such a case, you would be better off opting for the aftermarket replacement parts.

Lack of access to dealerships. You may use aftermarket replacement parts in case it is going to be very hard for you to have the replacement parts shipped to you from a dealership far away. In such a case, aftermarket parts can get your car back on the road quickly.

Buying aftermarket parts requires a degree of skill and experience so that you can identify the exact part that will fit. The huge variety of aftermarket parts often makes it hard for some people to select the best option in terms of quality. It is therefore advisable for you to ask an experienced mechanic to help you to decide whether it would be better to buy OEM or aftermarket parts for the specific repairs that are being done to your car.


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