Automotive parts are the
different components (or spare parts) of an automobile. Every automobile owner
will have to shop for automotive parts sooner or later. Contrary to popular
belief, automotive parts are not manufactured only by the original
manufacturing company (of your automobile) but also by various independent
(engineering) companies that specialize in manufacturing and installing
automotive parts of a diverse range of automobiles of different makes and
models. Automotive parts (manufactured by the original manufacturing company of
your automobile) are expensive in most cases. When you factor in the repair or
installation charges you will have to pay at the workshop and cost of
alternative transport, you would realize that it will make more financial sense
to buy your automobile and purchase a new one.
Most car enthusiasts can and do
have a certain degree of technical know-how and generic tools that are useful
for basic repair work. If you have undertaken thorough research and explored
all the options before purchasing the automotive parts, you would probably have
purchased them at a reasonable price. A large number of car enthusiasts save
hundreds of dollars just because they have technical know-how and generic tools
that allow them to do basic repair work and installation of their vehicles at
home. Availability of automotive parts was a huge constraint some time back. Automobile
owners could buy second hand parts from their repair workshop or order them
from the original manufacturing company of their automobile.
Experts recommend investing in
original equipment manufacturer automotive parts despite the fact that they are
more expensive because they are superior in quality, more reliable and are made
for the specific make and model of your automobile. On the other hand, aftermarket
parts are manufactured for your car by companies other than the original
manufacturer and are designed (generically) for several (makes and models of)
cars. The performance of aftermarket parts is unreliable at best. Moreover,
because they are manufactured by relatively smaller (and unknown companies)
there are no guarantees for aftermarket parts available in the market. Thus
, do
not be lured by the substantially lower price of aftermarket parts because chances
are that they would make you spend more in the long run than original equipment
manufacturer parts! It should also be kept in mind that original equipment
manufacturer parts are not necessarily manufactured by your automobiles
manufacturing company but one or more other companies that have been authorized
to manufacture these parts by your automobiles manufacturing company.