Tips for Servicing Your Vehicle: OEM vs Aftermarket Replacement Parts

Every car owner dreads the day they have to take their vehicle for regular servicing. Cars have many serviceable parts that need regular replacement, which can be expensive. However, there are ways you can reduce the cost of car maintenance without sacrificing quality or performance!

Below is a list of 5 tips to help you save money on car maintenance. 

Tip #1: Change Your Oil Regularly

One of the easiest and cheapest ways to ensure your car stays in good condition is by changing the engine oil regularly. Most manufacturers recommend changing the oil every 3,000-7,000 miles (5,000-12,000 km). This is usually indicated on your vehicle owner’s manual. Changing your oil too late can cause a lot of damage to your engine as well as increase future maintenance costs. 

Changing the oil yourself saves you money in the long run, with most basic oils costing around $10-20. If you are unsure about how to do it yourself or want to learn more about car maintenance, consider taking an auto mechanics course at your local community college or vocational school. You can save even more money by doing it yourself, but if you are not confident in your ability to do so, consider hiring a professional mechanic. 

Tip #2: Perform Regular Maintenance on Your Car

Another way to save money on car maintenance is by performing regular maintenance tasks yourself. There are many websites that provide information about common repairs and how to perform them. You can also ask an experienced mechanic for advice on how to tackle certain repairs. When performing any type of vehicle repair or maintenance, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Tip #3: Keep Your Car Clean

Besides keeping your car clean on the outside, you should also keep it clean on the inside as well. A dirty engine can cause problems with fuel efficiency and even prevent oil from circulating properly. Keeping your car clean will help to prolong its life and save you money in maintenance costs. 

Tip #4: Use Quality Parts When Replacing Vehicle Components

It is important that you only use the highest quality parts when replacing worn-out or damaged car components. If you use cheap replacement parts, it can cause more damage and cost even more money in repairs later on down the road. It is always best to purchase your vehicle from a dealership that offers good warranties on their products. You should also check online for reviews of different brands of auto parts before purchasing them. 

Tip #5: Get Your Vehicle Serviced Regularly

It is important that you get your car serviced at least once a year, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you do not get your vehicle serviced regularly, it can lead to more serious problems later on and will cost more money in repairs.

These five tips will help you save money on car maintenance. By following these tips, you can reduce the amount of time and effort it takes for you to perform any necessary repair work on your vehicle. It is also important that you educate yourself about how different parts of your car work. You can learn more by reading books or magazines on the subject of auto repair, or taking a class at your local technical college.

OEM vs Aftermarket Parts

Car parts are categorised as OEM and aftermarket. OEM parts are original equipment manufactured parts. These are the same parts that came with your car when it was brand new, only they have been replaced by you during a repair job or when you purchased the vehicle used. OEM parts will always be more expensive than aftermarket parts because they are of higher quality and durability.

Aftermarket parts are those that are not produced by the manufacturer of your car. They are usually cheaper than OEM parts and can come in different colours and sizes to suit individual needs. For example, if you have a red Honda Accord but want to replace your front grille with one in black, then an aftermarket part will be more suitable than an OEM part.

Aftermarket parts can also be found at online auto parts stores and online stores such as Amazon. Although they are cheaper than OEM parts, they are still of good quality and durability. You should always check the reputation of the seller before purchasing car parts from online auto parts stores. Most sellers on Amazon offer customer service and delivery services so that you don’t have to go through the hassle of getting them yourself.

There are many benefits to having original equipment manufactured (OEM) parts instead of aftermarket ones. OEM parts are produced by the manufacturer of your vehicle, which means they are made with precision and care. They will not only fit perfectly but also look great on your car. Aftermarket parts may seem like a good idea because they are cheaper than OEM parts. However, they are not as durable or precise in their design so they may not fit correctly and can cause damage to your car. The only time you should purchase aftermarket parts is when the original parts are no longer available or they don’t come in different colours, sizes and materials that suit individual needs.

Another reason why it’s important to use OEM parts is because of safety issues. If you have a faulty part on your vehicle and replace it with an aftermarket one, then this could cause more problems as well as endanger other road users around you.