If you’re currently in the market for truck parts, you may have heard a good deal about aftermarket parts. But you may not have a good sense of what ‘aftermarket’ means, and whether or not these parts could be a good fit for your needs. Today, we’re going to be giving you the basics of aftermarket truck parts. We’ll define what they are, their benefits, and their drawbacks. Then it’s up to you to choose whether or not they’re right for your truck.
Are aftermarket truck parts the right fit for you?
What Does ‘Aftermarket’ Mean?
All truck parts can essentially be broken down into two categories: OEM and aftermarket. OEM is an acronym that stands for “original equipment manufacturer.” The definition is in the name; OEM parts are those made by your vehicle’s manufacturer. It follows that aftermarket truck parts are those made by some third party. Most commonly, these are sold by independent shops. You might be tempted to think that they are inherently of lesser quality, but it’s not as simple as that.
Benefits of Aftermarket Parts
Let’s get this out of the way. Aftermarket parts are exceedingly popular among truck drivers for one main reason—their cost. Although this is not always the case, they tend to be cheaper than OEM parts. The quality of aftermarket parts can run the gamut. Some are of lower quality than their OEM counterparts. Others are virtually identical. Surprisingly, some can even be of higher quality. Generally speaking, quality is reflected in the price. If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. It’s up to you to be an informed consumer and ask the important questions.
Another benefit of aftermarket truck parts is their ubiquity. No matter where you are on the road, you can probably find aftermarket parts nearby. If you end up suddenly in need of parts while driving your route halfway across the country, there’s a good chance they will be the most readily available option.
Drawbacks of Aftermarket Parts
We touched on this earlier, but there is the chance that aftermarket parts can be of lower quality. OEM parts are made by name brands that you trust. A quality control issue among one of these companies is less likely, and if such a situation were to occur, you probably would hear about it. There is also the chance that they may not be exactly right for your vehicle, because your truck’s manufacturer didn’t make them.
OEM parts almost always have a warranty—typically for one year. Not so with aftermarket parts; if they come with any sort of warranty, it is likely to be limited. A well-made truck part should last quite a while. But if it doesn’t, having a warranty can do wonders for your peace of mind.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star for all Your Trucking Needs!
Whether you are looking to upgrade your fleet to tow trucks or simply interested in the latest trucking technology, you can rely on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. We have provided top-notch service for the trucking industry for 30 years and would love to assist you in buying a new top-of-the-line truck, finding the specialty parts you need, or repairing your truck. Give us a call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474, or contact us online. To find out more about what we are up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter,and Pinterest.