Do dealerships do aftermarket parts?
As a seasoned auto service provider, I often encounter questions about the types of parts used in vehicle repairs, particularly regarding dealerships and aftermarket parts. Understanding the differences between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts and aftermarket parts is crucial for car owners when making decisions about repairs and maintenance. In this article, we will explore whether dealerships utilize aftermarket parts and the implications of such choices.
What Are Aftermarket Parts?
Aftermarket parts are components made by companies other than the original manufacturer of the vehicle. These parts can vary in quality, price, and performance. They are often less expensive than OEM parts, making them an attractive option for many vehicle owners.
Do Dealerships Use Aftermarket Parts?
Generally, dealerships primarily use OEM parts for repairs and maintenance. However, there are instances where they may opt for aftermarket parts:
- Cost Considerations: In some cases, dealerships may choose aftermarket parts to offer more competitive pricing for certain repairs.
- Availability: If an OEM part is not readily available, a dealership might resort to using an aftermarket alternative to expedite the repair process.
- Specific Repairs: For non-critical repairs or older vehicles, dealerships may recommend aftermarket parts as a cost-effective solution.
Pros and Cons of Aftermarket Parts
When considering aftermarket parts, it's essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages:
- Pros:
- Lower cost compared to OEM parts.
- Wider availability for various makes and models.
- Potential for enhanced performance in some cases.
- Cons:
- Quality can vary significantly between manufacturers.
- May not always meet the same standards as OEM parts.
- Using aftermarket parts can sometimes void warranties.
Conclusion
While dealerships predominantly use OEM parts for repairs, there are circumstances where aftermarket parts may be utilized. As a vehicle owner, it's important to discuss your options with your service provider and understand the implications of using aftermarket parts. Whether you choose OEM or aftermarket, ensuring quality and compatibility with your vehicle is key to maintaining its performance and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own parts to a dealership?
Dealerships almost universally refuse to put parts on a car if they didn't sell them. In order to maintain warranty coverage (and to avoid compromising their franchise agreement) they're obligated to use factory parts in most cases.
Do aftermarket parts devalue a car?
Aftermarket Can Affect Resale Value
While these may enhance the performance and appearance of a vehicle, they typically reduce the vehicle's resale value. Most buyers aren't going to be looking for custom wheels. Rather, they're happy with the factory wheels.
Do mechanics mark up parts?
Typically, a shop marks up parts in one of three ways: 1. Doubling Parts Price: What we see in shops with this strategy is a 42% to 44% parts margin. This strategy is limiting and will NEVER get you what you need financially.
Can you put aftermarket parts on a financed car?
If you have a loan on a car, you should be able to modify it since your payments go toward paying off the vehicle. That means that you can probably keep shopping for bigger wheels, aftermarket lighting, and a leather upholstery upgrade. A car with a loan is like a house with a mortgage.
Do dealerships install aftermarket parts?
It also depends where you go for what car. Some dealers would ask you if you want the cheaper after market, and it also depends what the issue your trying to get fixed is. For something crucial they usually don't put aftermarket but for something that doesn't affect the car they might put after market.
Do auto shops use aftermarket parts?
Pairing the Right Parts With the Right Shops
Dealerships typically use OEM parts to ensure factory-recommended repairs. Specialty shops, however, may offer both OEM and high-quality aftermarket parts, depending on their focus–performance enhancements, restoration of classic cars and hot rods, etc.
Is AutoZone an aftermarket?
For more than 43 years, AutoZone has been committed to providing the best parts, prices and customer service in the automotive aftermarket industry. We have a rich culture and history of going the Extra Mile for our customers and our community.
Do dealerships make money on parts?
Cars are generally marked up from three to five percent over the invoice price the dealer paid for the car, which is not the same as the MSRP (Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price) on the window sticker. They make money on everything -- that includes parts, service and the car sale.
Will a mechanic install parts I bought?
Many mechanics will, on the strict agreement that there is no guarantee on that job, install a customer-supplied part, but don't expect it and it's rude to ask.
Are OEM parts better than aftermarket?
Quality. OEM parts offer greater assurance of quality than aftermarket parts because they are the same as the parts on new cars and offer the same level of performance. Aftermarket parts, however, vary greatly in terms of quality, so there is a higher level of uncertainty concerning the quality of aftermarket parts.
