If you’re a dedicated DIY mechanic, you might be wondering whether it’s better to always get OEM parts for your vehicle.
Your local Buick GMC Service department will generally be well-stocked with OEM parts to repair your GM vehicle. But, is there really a huge difference between GM OEM parts and generic parts at a regular auto parts store? Let’s find out.
Aftermarket and Generic Parts
Some people will automatically buy aftermarket and generic parts simply because they tend to be cheaper than OEM parts. However, aside from a lower price tag, there aren’t a lot of benefits to using aftermarket and generic parts. The problem with generic parts is that they’re made by many different manufacturers and usually have a universal fit. This leads to quality control issues. It can also lead to the frustrating situation where you buy a part that supposedly fits your vehicle, only to find out that it doesn’t provide an exact fit.
For example, you might buy a part that says it fits your GMC vehicle’s generation, but it doesn’t allow for a slight change to something during one of the model years. This happens quite often and leads to frustration when you go to install a part that doesn’t quite fit.
Another problem is the longevity of aftermarket parts. You might buy a set of generic brake pads for a lower upfront cost, but then lose money in the long run when you encounter increased stopping distance and shorter brake pad life.
Why Buy OEM?
Your Buick GMC Service department is likely to recommend that you only buy OEM parts for your GMC vehicle. Why is that? One of the top reasons is that OEM parts are only made by one manufacturer. These parts are also constructed for a precise and perfect fit, which means you can fit your exact model’s specifications to the T. OEM parts also come with a quality guarantee and some type of warranty. GMC OEM parts are rigorously tested for safety and performance on the GMC models that they’re made for. As most aftermarket parts are universal fit, there’s no guarantee the parts were ever tested for quality and performance on your exact vehicle. If you want to make sure that your GMC vehicle runs like new for a long time, then it’s important to use the parts that were designed for your vehicle.
The best place to find the right OEM parts for your vehicle is to visit your local Buick GMC Service department. Even if you intend to make repairs in your own garage, it’s worth it to get the right parts the first time.
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