When you need a repair, the type of parts used significantly impacts the quality of the repair. There are two main types of parts: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket. As your Buick dealer, we want to tell you more about these parts and why OEM parts are the best choice for all your repairs.
They’re High-quality

OEM components are designed and built to the same high-quality standards as the original parts on your car. They come off the same production lines and are built by the same manufacturers. The only real difference is that OEM components were chosen as replacement parts rather than used to build another Buick. This also means they have an identical lifespan to the parts they replace.
Aftermarket parts aren’t made to the same standards. They are cheaper than OEM components, but the reduced price comes with hidden future costs. They’re made from lower-grade materials, reducing their potential longevity and making them more prone to break or fail than OEM components. If an aftermarket part fails, it can also lead to damage to other components.
They’re Safe
All the components in your Buick undergo rigorous testing to ensure they work correctly. OEM components meet these same national and international safety standards, which gives you peace of mind knowing they won’t let you down. They’re designed to work with all the other components in your vehicle, and they will always fit perfectly.
Aftermarket parts aren’t designed or built for your vehicle. They’re designed to fit a wide range of different vehicle makes and models. This means that compromises are made in the part’s manufacture so they can theoretically fit this range of vehicles. Aftermarket parts generally must be adjusted to fit your vehicle. These adjustments can lead to safety and reliability problems.
They Have Warranties
All OEM components carry warranties, and if an OEM component fails within its warranty period under normal usage, it will be replaced at no charge. This is possible because they’re built to recognized standards and have been extensively tested. We also provide a warranty on all our labor due to our technician’s high standards of training and experience. In the very unlikely situation of warranty repair, your Buick can be repaired at any Buick dealer.
Aftermarket parts don’t carry a warranty. As we’ve seen, they’re not specifically designed or tested to work on your Buick. This makes it impossible to estimate an aftermarket part’s longevity with real precision. A repair shop may give a warranty on their labor, but the repair would have to be performed by the original repair shop.
These are just some of the reasons why OEM components are the best choice for your repair. Contact us today at Earnhardt Buick GMC in Mesa, AZ.


