Your Guide to Selecting the Right Aftermarket Performance Parts
As of 2021, the global automotive aftermarket industry was worth a staggering $408.5 billion. With a CAGR of about 3.3%, it’s only growing bigger by the day.
While shopping for car accessories isn’t rocket science, shopping for aftermarket performance parts can be complicated. With so many parts and vendors, it’s hard to tell whether you’re getting a bang for the buck. Not to mention the plethora of counterfeit parts that have flooded the market.
If you’re in the market for aftermarket performance parts, we’re here to help you buy the right parts for your budget. That’s because today’s post is the ultimate guide for buying aftermarket performance parts.
What Are Aftermarket Car Parts?
The aftermarket is the secondary market of the automotive industry, dealing in vehicle parts and accessories. Aftermarket car parts are manufactured by companies other than the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). OEM parts are those that come installed on your vehicle when you buy it from the dealership.
Aftermarket performance parts, on the other hand, are car upgrades designed to improve car performance. That could be in the form of better acceleration, handling, braking, or even aesthetics.
Where to Buy Aftermarket Performance Parts?
There’s no shortage of aftermarket vendors in the US. However, there are three main types of aftermarket performance parts vendors:
- Online retailers
- Brick-and-mortar stores
- Local tuning shops
Online retailers offer the widest selection of aftermarket parts. That’s because they’re not limited by physical space constraints. They also tend to be more affordable than brick-and-mortar stores.
Brick-and-mortar stores, on the other hand, offer the benefit of being able to see and touch the product before you buy it. This is especially helpful for aftermarket parts that are harder to install, such as turbochargers.
Local tuning shops are a great option if you’re looking for installation services and advice from experts. Keep in mind that they tend to be more expensive than the other two options.
Tips for Buying Aftermarket Performance Parts
As mentioned earlier, buying aftermarket performance parts isn’t as straightforward as most people think. Here are a couple of tips for making the right choice when buying aftermarket parts.
Know Your Car Inside Out
You need to have a good understanding of your car before you start shopping for aftermarket parts. This includes knowing which parts are compatible with your car and which ones aren’t.
You also need to be clear about what you want to achieve with the aftermarket part. Are you looking for better acceleration, handling, or braking? Or are you looking for something that will improve your car’s aesthetics?
Once you know what you want and which parts are compatible with your car, it’ll be much easier to find the right aftermarket part.
Only Buy From Credible Vendors
There are a lot of aftermarket parts vendors out there, but not all of them are credible. That’s why it’s important to only buy from vendors that have a good reputation.
Customer reviews speak volumes about a vendor’s credibility. If the vendor has mostly positive reviews, then you’re in good company. However, if there are more negative reviews than positive ones, you’d best find another vendor.
Check the Vendor’s Return Policy
Even if you do your due diligence, there’s always a chance that the aftermarket part you receive is defective. That’s why it’s important to check the vendor’s return policy before making a purchase.
A good return policy will give you peace of mind in knowing that you can get a refund or replacement if something goes wrong. Steer clear of companies that don’t want to close their return policies. They may not have your best interests at heart.
Check for Warranties and Certificates
Warranties and certificates are especially important for expensive car parts or parts that are difficult to install.
Vendors may unknowingly sell you a defective part that won’t do you any good. A warranty will give you some financial protection in case the part turns out to be defective.
A certificate, on the other hand, is proof that the aftermarket part meets certain standards. This is especially important for safety-critical parts, such as brakes and suspension components.
When it comes to aftermarket performance parts, doing your research goes a long way. By following the tips above, you can be sure that you’re buying the right part for your car.
Explore All Vendor Options for the Best Prices
As with most things in life, you usually get what you pay for when buying aftermarket performance parts. However, there’s no reason to overpay for a part when you can get it for a fraction of the price from another vendor.
Do your research and explore all vendor options before settling on a purchase. You may be surprised at how much you can save by shopping around. Look around to find the best deals on performance parts.
Talk to an Expert If Necessary
If you’re unsure about which aftermarket performance parts to buy, don’t hesitate to talk to an expert.
There are many experts out there who can offer helpful advice and guidance. This is especially useful if it’s your first time buying that specific part.
Local tuning shops are a great option if you’re looking for installation services and advice from experts. Keep in mind that they tend to be more expensive than buying the part online and doing it yourself.
Don’t Overlook the Specifications
When looking at aftermarket performance parts, it’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetics. However, the visual shouldn’t distract you from the important stuff, the specifications.
The only way to ensure that the aftermarket part you’re considering is compatible with your car is by reading the specifications. Otherwise, you might waste your money on an incompatible part.
Shopping for Aftermarket Performance Parts Simplified
Ultimately, selecting the right aftermarket performance parts comes down to doing your research and knowing what you want. By following the above tips, you can be sure that you’re making the best choice for your car. Just remember to find a credible vendor that offers genuine parts at a reasonable price.
There’s plenty more from where that came from. For more informative reads, check out the other posts on the site.
