Aftermarket Parts Versus Original Equipment Manufacturer Parts

When you need an auto part for your car or truck, time is of the essence. The sooner you can find the right auto part, the sooner you can get your ride back on the road and where you need to go. At the auto parts store in Indianapolis, you will be asked to choose between aftermarket auto parts or OEM auto parts. The distinction is just as important as your decision, but in either case, you probably can’t go wrong. So, if they are both quality options for new auto parts, which one do you choose for your vehicle? It almost all cases, it comes down to personal preference. But if you are making a claim, it is possible that your insurance carrier will make the call for you.

Learning more about the aftermarket parts and OEM parts can help you make a decision. Continue below for a basic comparison of both and where you can buy them in Indianapolis.

Auto Parts Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484
Auto Parts Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

New and Used Car Parts

Before deciding between aftermarket and OEM car parts, you must first figure out if you are buying new or used parts. Used auto parts that have been formally refurbished are excellent options for car parts and components that are very expensive when purchased brand new, like engines, engine blocks, cylinders, transmissions, catalytic converters, alternators, and camshafts.

Auto parts that are integrated with modern technologies, like air flow sensors and fuses, are best bought brand new. Buying new might also be necessary when replacing unique or high-end parts, like wheels, rims, bumpers, fenders, roof grates, hoods, and so forth. Ultimately, the choice to buy new or used for any auto part is based on personal preference, or as many like to call it, budget.

Let’s review some fundamental facts about OEM part and aftermarket parts to help you understand what you are putting in your car:

Facts About Aftermarket Parts

Aftermarket parts are automotive parts that are made by a third-party manufacturer separate from your vehicle’s make and model.

Aftermarket parts are a viable option, but they are not made to your vehicle’s exact specifications and fittings. They are essentially generic or universal auto parts that are manufactured to fit the masses of a particular maker.

As the generic option, aftermarket car parts are also cheaper. Their inexpensive costs make them quite desirable, especially to insurance companies.

Aftermarket parts generally perform well, but they are known to sometimes be slightly off or ill matched since they are not made specifically for one make and model vehicle.

Aftermarket auto parts are regulated and inspected.

Facts About OEM Parts

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) automotive parts are made by the vehicle’s manufacturer.

OEM parts are custom, made specifically for your vehicle’s make and model. Their parts are made to fit their cars perfectly.

Because OEM car parts are custom made for your car, they are more expensive than aftermarket parts.

Original Equipment Manufacturer car parts are backed by the manufacturer and known to perform very well and for a long time.

Just like aftermarket parts, OEM parts are also inspected and regulated.

Are you wondering where you can buy new or used auto parts in Indy? Contact Zore’s Indy at 317-247-8484 to learn more about our auto parts store in Indianapolis, and how to get started with car part delivery, locally and nationwide! Choose from OEM and aftermarket parts!

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Where to Find an Auto Part Number

Do you need a replacement catalytic converter or muffler, but have no clue where to find the auto part number for it? Well, you will be happy to learn that there are many ways to locate the auto part identification number for your specific vehicle, and they are all pretty simple! Continue below to find out how.

OEM Auto Parts and Used Auto Parts 317-244-0700
OEM Auto Parts and Used Auto Parts 317-244-0700

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Do you know your car’s VIN? This is known as a vehicle identification number, and if you have it, you can find any auto part you need. It is basically your car’s genetic code. Not only does the VIN confirm the exact make and model vehicle you have, but it also provides critical information about the specific car engine. Locating your vehicle identification number (VIN) is the first place to start when you need an auto part number, regardless of which part you need.

Your VIN will verify all auto part compatibility with your vehicle. Generally, you can find your vehicle identification number on the inside of the door jam on the driver’s side. It appears as a series of 17 digits, both letters and numbers. The digits represent the country of the auto manufacturer, vehicle type, vehicle details, check digit, year, assembly plant, and production number. That’s right; a VIN can reveal all of this information and more, just like human DNA!

If You Do Not Know Your VIN

Locate your owners’ manual if you can, and confirm your car’s make, model, and year. Then learn your engine size. Not all vehicles that match your car have the same engine, so this is a critical piece of information when looking for replacement auto parts. Take this information and give it to your Indianapolis auto parts dealer, and they will be able to find the proper parts for your car. Also, a mechanic can hook up their laptop to your vehicle’s onboard computer to get the VIN, but this is usually not free.

OEM and Aftermarket Car Parts

When you are replacing a car part for your vehicle, you will have the option of choosing between an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part, or an aftermarket car part. Oppositely, aftermarket car parts are compatible with your car, but manufactured by a third-party auto parts maker. OEM parts are the exact parts used when your car was assembled, while aftermarket ones are separate, but compatible. Although aftermarket parts are cheaper, OEM are always encouraged for optimal vehicular performance.

How to Find New or Used Car Parts

► First locate your vehicle identification number (VIN).

► Get in touch with an Indianapolis auto parts store.

► Choose between new parts, used parts, or refurbished car parts.

► Compare prices to nearby auto part retailers.

► Move forward with your top choice!

Buy New OEM Auto Parts and Used Auto Parts in Indianapolis

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 to buy quality new OEM parts and used auto parts in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our inventory includes a vast selection of used auto parts, new auto parts, OEM auto parts, domestic and foreign auto parts, late model parts, and new model parts at the most competitive prices in town. All of our used auto parts come with a FREE 90-Day Recycled Auto Part Warranty! Zore’s Inc. also recycles junked auto parts, so bring us your old or broken car part, and earn cash credit for a new or used replacement auto part! Contact us to speak with a friendly sales representative about your auto part needs, today.

Zore's Inc. 317-247-8484
Zore’s Inc. 317-247-8484