Genuine OEM Parts

While you will find an auto parts store on just about every corner, don't be tempted to save a few dollars on parts when it's time for a repair. Always buy OEM (original equipment manufacturer) from your O'Brien dealership. OEM or Genuine parts are those installed on an automobile at the factory, which carry the manufacturer's warranty. They meet all factory specifications for fit, finish, safety and crash worthiness and are sold over the counter at all of our new car dealerships.

Aftermarket or generic parts, on the other hand, are not produced by the vehicle's original manufacturer and are not subject to the same testing procedures. Hence, automotive technicians and collision specialists will tell you aftermarket parts are not of the same standard in quality to OEM parts and demonstrate decreased tolerances for corrosion resistance and lower crash resistance than factory-approved parts. Using aftermarket parts can lead to a variety of problems for your vehicle, and it can also make a simple repair much more difficult!

Here are three reasons to always utilize OEM parts for all maintenance and repair procedures.

  • Quality. An OEM part is designed to work exactly the same as the piece it is replacing. This gives you the peace of mind knowing that your car should perform the same as it did before.
  • Warranty. OEM parts usually come with a one-year warranty. Some OEM parts have a Lifetime Guarantee on such items as mufflers, shock absorbers, struts and strut cartridges/inserts. This means if you have any of these parts installed at one of our dealerships and the part fails, it will be replaced at no charge.
  • Simplicity. By sticking with OEM parts, you don't have to weigh the quality of numerous brands and worry about choosing the right one. You know the OEM part will fit and work the way it is supposed to.

When warranty coverage has expired, car owners who need replacement parts have the option of choosing a new car dealer or an independent shop. One reason consumers occasionally choose an independent shop is price. There is a common perception that all OEM parts and repairs are more expensive at a dealership than at an auto parts store or independent shop. That's not true.

Customers are often surprised to learn that the majority of OEM parts available at our Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Honda, Mitsubishi, Kia, and Nissan dealerships are competitively priced, compared to non-OEM parts available elsewhere. Plus, independent shops often call our service managers for specialized knowledge in diagnosing and installing replacement parts.

When using OEM parts you can be assured every part must pass strict manufacturer and industry testing to be certified for use on new vehicles. Aftermarket parts are not held to the same standards and may be constructed of lower quality materials that will likely not last as long as their original counterparts. By using only original parts you can be sure the part will fit correctly and provide your vehicle with what it needs to run right for a long, long time.

Another important reason to use factory parts is because you know they will fit properly. Many aftermarket manufacturers develop parts designed to fit multiple models of vehicles to allow broader mass production. This often leads to ill-fitting parts that require some sort of manipulation to get them to bolt on. Don't struggle with poor aftermarket parts and accessories, stick with what you know works, true OEM parts.

By utilizing OEM parts from your O'Brien new car dealership in Georgia, Washington, and Illinois you will maintain your car and warranty to the highest standard. In fact, there is a strong chance one of the stipulations of receiving the benefits of that warranty is that only OEM parts are used for all maintenance and repair services. This is because aftermarket parts may cause more harm than good in the long run.

For replacement items that fall under warranty protection, new car dealers are required by the manufacturer to use OEM parts. Installing non-OEM parts could jeopardize a vehicle's warranty in some cases. If you drive a leased vehicle, check your lease agreement before agreeing to any mechanical or collision repairs. Some lease agreements stipulate that lessees must use only genuine OEM parts; doing otherwise could result in financial penalties at the end of the lease agreement.

All vehicles require routine maintenance to remain safe and dependable on the road. During these maintenance services, including oil changes, fluid flushes, belt and hose inspections, etc., parts often need to be replaced. To ensure optimal performance and efficiency from your vehicle always use OEM parts. Remember, OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer and that means our trained mechanics always replace worn or broken parts with an exact replica of the part the vehicle had when it rolled off the assembly line.

For professional auto repair at surprisingly competitive prices with quality manufacturer parts in Bloomington, IL, Normal, IL, and Shelbyville, KY head to one of our seven O'Brien new car dealerships. We always use high quality replacement parts to ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle.