Car repairs necessitate deciding whether to go for manufacturer-approved (genuine) or aftermarket parts. Both have advantages and disadvantages, but generally, the use of manufacturer-approved parts often has a major edge in continuing to ensure the long-term performance and reliability of vehicles. It is especially important for prestige European car brands like Jaguar, which require a very high level of performance.
In this blog, we will explore why it is important to use manufacturer-approved parts, compare genuine vs aftermarket car parts, and discuss why it’s essential to use recommended parts for your vehicle repairs by experienced mechanics at car services in Melbourne.
Genuine vs. Aftermarket Car Parts
Here are the differences between genuine vs aftermarket car parts:
Genuine Car Parts (OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer)
Genuine car parts are made by the vehicle manufacturer or specifically approved by the manufacturer. These parts are designed to fit with your car model and maintain the manufacturer's performance standards. Genuine parts come with a warranty and are backed by the vehicle's manufacturer.
Benefits of Genuine Car Parts
- Proper Fitment and Compatibility: Genuine parts are designed specifically for your car and ensure a proper fitment while ensuring peak performance.
- Longer Life: While genuine replacement parts are built to the same standards as the original parts, they last longer and are more durable than aftermarket options.
- Warranties and Resale Value: Genuine parts are also the ideal option to keep your warranty intact and will certainly keep or increase the total sale value of your car.
- Reliability: Manufacturer-approved parts are tested and meet the necessary quality and safety guidelines to protect your vehicle.
Aftermarket Car Parts
If the parts have not been manufactured directly by the vehicle manufacturer, they are termed 'aftermarket.' Aftermarket parts come in different pricing bands, so be clear when choosing which one you are picking. Aftermarket parts may not always conform to the pre-decided specifications of the original parts, and quality fluctuates from part to part.
Pros of Aftermarket Car Parts
- Affordable: Generally, aftermarket parts are cheaper than genuine parts, which allows a vast spectrum of customers.
- Wider Options: Numerous kinds of aftermarket parts are made all at once, and they are based on a greater field of design and performance at variable costs.
- Consumer Options: Because older models and vehicles no longer have parts supplied by the manufacturer in stock, the aftermarket supply for such parts is abundant.
Cons of Aftermarket Car Parts:
- Inconsistent Quality: The quality of aftermarket parts can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer. Some parts may not meet the same high standards as genuine parts.
- Risk of Performance: Because aftermarket parts are not always made to the same precise specifications as OEM parts, they may not fit perfectly or perform as well.
- Warranty Concerns: Using aftermarket parts could potentially void your vehicle’s warranty if they are found to be subpar or cause damage to other parts of the car.
Why Is It Important to Use Recommended Parts?
Here are the reasons why it's important to use the recommended part:
1) Ensures Optimal Performance:
Installing recommended manufacturer-approved parts ensures your vehicle performs better. Prestige cars like Jaguars and other European prestige cars need certain parts to maintain performance. If non-recommended parts are used, it might worsen performance, leading to increased fuel consumption, inadequate handling, or wear on the engine.
2) Safety and Reliability:
Genuine parts are tested for kilometres and meet the best safety criteria. Using approved parts will leave such vehicles in a position to use their features safely while minimising the chances of accident-prone vehicles due to faulty components. For example, using correct brake pads, filters, and suspension parts will allow you to drive safely, protecting you and your passengers.
3) Warranty Protection:
Many vehicle manufacturers protect their warranty by requiring specific repairs to be done with genuine parts. The installation of aftermarket parts may void the warranty. This implies that you may spend more on future repairs or services. Manufacturer-approved parts thus reduce the risk of spending extra money on repairs.
4) Resale Value:
If you want to sell or trade in your vehicle at any time soon, using manufacturer-approved parts will help you maintain or slightly increase its resale value. Buyers usually want to see a well-maintained car with original parts: this assures them about the car's condition and longevity. It also reflects the fact that the car has been properly cared for, which is an advantage when selling high-performance and prestige cars.
5) Longer-term Savings:
Though manufacturer-approved parts come at a premium, they usually save you in repairs in the long run. Genuine parts are designed for longer service and better performance so that repairs and replacements will not occur frequently, resulting in lower maintenance costs and less stress for the driver.
Why Choose a European Auto Mechanic Near You?
When choosing a workshop for your European vehicle, such as a Jaguar, it’s important to look for a European car mechanic to get the Jaguar maintenance near you who will be easy to commute and understand the unique requirements of these high-end cars. These have access to the manufacturer-approved parts important for maintaining your vehicle’s performance.
Whether you’re looking for car repair in Melbourne, choosing a mechanic familiar with your car’s specific needs is essential. European car mechanics ensure that the repairs made to your car are performed with proper and appropriate parts and thus maintain the integrity of the vehicle so that it will last years down the line.
Take Away
Although it may seem that aftermarket car parts save money, the benefit gap that manufacturer-approved parts provide is much larger than the price gap separating the two. Genuine parts exert extreme levels of care to maintain functional, safe, and retained vehicle value performance. For car service in Melbourne or European car repair, go for a that works with mechanics or a workshop that has manufacturer-approved parts. This should help you safeguard your car's long-term condition and performance.
By ensuring that you source high-quality, manufacturer-approved parts, you stand to extend the life of your car, maintain its performance, and protect its value for years to come. Thus, when you next consider a repair, choose BCS Prestige as your nearby workshop, which uses manufacturer-approved parts for all the repairs and replacements.