OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts
Should I choose OEM or aftermarket parts for my Volkswagen in Greenville, SC?
Does your Volkswagen need a new part? You can trust the experts here at Steve White Volkswagen to supply you with the exact part you need, whether you prefer to install the part yourself or have one of our team members do it for you. We pride ourselves in offering exceptional customer service and will make sure that your vehicle stays in excellent condition year round. But maybe you're wondering whether you should purchase an OEM part or an aftermarket part — let's break down the difference between these two types to help you decide.
What are OEM parts?
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are parts that are supplied by the same manufacturer that designed the same parts that your vehicle came with originally. You can purchase them online or through a dealership. We make it easy to buy new parts here at Steve White Volkswagen! While OEM parts are typically more expensive than aftermarket parts, you can buy them with confidence, knowing that they have been designed to be an exact fit for your specific vehicle. OEM parts also tend to be more reliable, and last longer, so you won't have to replace them as often as you would aftermarket parts.
What are aftermarket parts?
Designed and engineered by a third-party manufacturer, aftermarket parts aren't made by your automotive brand. They're also widely distributed on the Internet and auto parts stores, so while the variety can be helpful, oftentimes it's overwhelming to shoppers (especially if they don't know what they're looking for). Aftermarket parts are also cheaper than OEM parts, but since there's an inconsistency in quality, we wouldn't recommend purchasing a part that your auto manufacturer didn't produce. You'll also notice that some aftermarket parts don't come with a warranty, which means if the part doesn't fit or breaks, you're out more money.
Benefits of Choosing OEM Parts Over Aftermarket Products
Here at Steve White Volkswagen, we recommend choosing Volkswagen OEM parts for the following reasons. OEM parts are:
- Ordered and shipped exclusively by authorized dealers
- Backed by a manufacturer warranty
- High-quality
- Reliable
- Long-lasting
The quality of aftermarket parts varies, and some may not provide warranty coverage. There's also the risk of negatively impacting your vehicle's warranty coverage if you install an aftermarket part. OEM parts, on the other hand, offer consistent quality and will keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come.
Why Choose Volkswagen OEM Parts
Not only are Volkswagen OEM parts made with the same quality as the original parts your Volkswagen came with, but they're also backed by a one-year/12,000-mile Limited Warranty, giving you an extra layer of confidence when you need a replacement. You can count on our team to install any new part your Volkswagen needs with accuracy and in a timely manner. We'll make sure your Volkswagen continues to run like new with the parts that were designed specifically for your model.
Need a new part? Place an order online or schedule an appointment with our service techs today. And don't forget to check out our latest offers!
To find out more about the Volkswagen OEM parts we carry, contact us today or stop by our dealership at 100 Duvall Drive, Greenville, SC 29607 . We look forward to serving our customers near Asheville, NC, and Columbia, Spartanburg, Anderson, SC, and the Upstate.