Once you have had an accident or suffered body damage to your car, perhaps the largest decision that vehicle owners must make is whether or not to utilize the services of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or aftermarket components sources to restore a vehicle. While less expensive, aftermarket components lack important quality elements such as fit, finish, and function.
Here’s why OEM parts are the best option for anyone who cares about quality, safety, and the long-term well-being of their car.
1. Ideal Fit and Finish
OEM parts are manufactured by the same firm that constructed your vehicle, so you have an exact match in shape, size, and function. This creates an exact fit that preserves your vehicle’s original appearance and structural integrity. Aftermarket parts are produced by third-party firms and are designed to fit several makes and models. This “one-size-fits-many” mentality is more prone to cause misalignment, gaps, or alterations that can impact appearance and performance.
2. Reliable quality and safety
OEM parts undergo rigorous quality testing and crash testing to ensure they are just as safe and durable as the original equipment on your vehicle. They’re constructed with premium materials and designed to operate under strict conditions. Aftermarket parts are hugely inconsistent in quality; some will work flawlessly, but others will wear out quicker or even fail at the most inopportune moment, which could endanger your life and the lives of your passengers.
3. Preserves Vehicle Resale Value
By using OEM components, you protect the resale or trade-in value of your car since it maintains the car in as original factory condition as possible. Potential buyers—and dealerships—preferentially check cars that have OEM repairs, particularly if you’re driving a luxury or high-performance car. Aftermarket components can act as a warning, particularly if they lead to misalignments, paint mismatches, or reduced performance.
4. Protects Your Warranty
The majority of the manufacturers insist on OEM parts to maintain vehicle warranties. Using aftermarket parts will most likely invalidate parts of your warranty, leaving you vulnerable if something happens in the future. OEM parts, however, are usually covered by their own manufacturer warranty, providing you with peace of mind and additional protection.
Choose Exotic Motorsport in Simi Valley
For luxury car body repair with genuine OEM components, rely on Exotic Motorsport, a top rated body shop in Simi Valley. Their factory-certified technicians restore luxury, exotic, and electric cars.
As a Tesla Authorized Body Shop, Exotic Motorsport is qualified to repair Tesla vehicles to precise factory standards with only genuine Tesla parts. You own a Tesla, Audi, Porsche, or BMW? Their dedication to precision and quality means your vehicle is repaired the correct way—every time. Quality is the greatest priority in auto body repair. Hold to OEM parts, and let the experts at Exotic Motorsport safeguard your investment and your safety.