<p>When we buy our vehicles new they come with original parts, made specifically for that machine and when they break, we generally want to replace these parts through an authorized dealership with authorized parts; however there is another option, one that if you’re reading this has already crossed your mind. Aftermarket parts are built to the specifications of the original part or built to exceed those original specs. Depending on what you need or are looking for they can also be made of a variety of different metals and compounds for added strength and performance.</p>
<p>Unlike a dealer who sells you an entire vehicle which works because of a collection of parts, Aftermarket dealers find success from the parts you buy. Repeat business and word of mouth matter to the big guys too (your Yamahas, Hondas and Polaris’ to just name a few), but the vast majority of them have diversified portfolios (ATVs, UTVs, Motorcycles, Snowmobiles and sometimes Cars), while Aftermarket dealers specialize in certain vehicle types. </p>
<p>Generally, aftermarket parts exist as an alternative to dealership parts for 4 reasons: Cost, quality, convenience and performance. Without these 4 reasons dealerships would have a total monopoly on these new parts.</p>
<p><strong>1. Cost</strong></p>
<p>Those original parts you’re looking for, they are usually grossly overpriced. Manufacturers make scads of money off parts at your expense, but they’re coming from a brand name. The brand name gives you the peace of mind and feeling that this part will definitely fit in your vehicle. Basically, it’s no different from buying jeans, you can spend $20 or $100 and the $100 ones should last for as long as 5 pairs of the $20 ones should, usually that’s never the case. The name, like with any product, is usually what ends up being the most expensive component when buying parts.</p>
<p>The added value gained by buying aftermarket parts can also make it cheaper to diagnose problems. Parts often wear down prematurely because there’s something else out of whack in the vehicle and with these cost effective parts it can be economical to buy two, sometimes three of them before they cost the same as a dealer’s part. </p>
<p><strong>2. Quality</strong></p>
<p>Parts can break quick or slow depending on the environment they’re in, the way they’re maintained and finally how they’re used or abused. If you’re parts keep wearing out because of how you’re driving then it may be time to look at something built a little bit more solidly. We talk about the various aftermarket metals and their benefits in this post. (link) Basically, these metals move against the old adage that aftermarket parts are cheap, poorly produced and likely to fail more quickly than the manufacturers’. Just because something is less money doesn’t necessarily make it cheap. </p>
<p><strong>3. Convenience</strong></p>
<p>We can only speak for Partdiscounter.com on this, but when we say we have the part, we do. Dealerships are not as predictable and don’t always have every part you need in stock and ready to go, which can lead to ridiculously long wait times leaving you angry and jealous of all your friends who are able to ride. We make parts, that’s what we do, and they’re in stock-ready to ship.</p>
<p><strong>4. Performance </strong></p>
<p>Dealers sometimes offer big bores and some other performance parts, but there’s no comparison between the variety aftermarket part sellers offer and a dealer. Aftermarket parts truly make any vehicle customizable from look and power to utility and stability, tailoring your vehicle to your needs. Farmers will likely need more power in the bottom end to tow and drag around cargo, where as a racer will likely need more medium and top end power depending on the kind of race. Based on which modifications you want, this can drastically change the performance of your machine which is sometimes vastly different from what the manufacturers had in mind. </p>
<p>In the end the choice is yours. Don’t fall prey to the idea that if parts are more expensive it will save you headaches down the road. Have any favourite aftermarket modifications you’ve purchased or any questions about aftermarket parts? Please let us know the comments.</p>