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An aftermarket accessory is any additional part not originating from the manufacturer of a car. Original equipment (OEM) parts, if made by the manufacturer, generally still qualify as an aftermarket product. Therefore, if the OEM parts are genuine, they won’t void your warranty.
There are many manufacturers of aftermarket car parts, but the most popular are HON and Mopar. Many well known companies such as Acura, BMW, Chevrolet, Daewoo, Dodge, Ferrari, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, and Suzuki manufacture car parts by these very reputable names. Most of these manufacturers have websites where you can check out all the latest information on their current lineup of aftermarket car parts. You can also find aftermarket brands of parts produced by these same manufacturers, but with lesser popularity.
Some car manufacturers are known to have their own websites where customers can request parts and accessories online. Most aftermarket brands, however, do not have an official website. So, once you find a company that sells authentic OEM car parts for sale, you can request online for any specific model and year, and the company will ship the parts to your address. Or, if you don’t have internet access at your house, you can always call the customer support of the brand you are looking for and ask for their aftermarket parts catalogues or phone numbers. Or, you can visit the official dealership of the vehicle make and model you want to install the aftermarket car parts on. Sometimes, their aftermarket brands can also provide you with the authorized service providers and the repair centers.
For the most part, installing aftermarket auto parts in your car will require you to install them according to the instructions on the manual or the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the aftermarket brand. But, there are some instances when the aftermarket brand is not able to provide you with the necessary instructions, so it would be best if you take note of the exact part that you need to install and how to install it, as mentioned on the instructions that come with the aftermarket parts. Remember that different brands have different mechanics and you need to follow the exact procedures of each brand or model. And if in doubt on how to perform a certain procedure, better consult a professional mechanic first before doing it yourself. In this manner, you can ensure that the installation of the aftermarket parts will work as intended.
You can also buy some aftermarket parts that are not yet approved by the manufacturer of your vehicle make and model. These are commonly known as “factory seconds” and are usually non-functional and unstable. If you are not one hundred percent sure of what you are doing, then this might not be the best choice for you, especially if you have spent a lot of money for your car. You must be absolutely sure that you are buying an aftermarket product that is truly approved and certified by the manufacturer of your vehicle before you decide to purchase one of these aftermarket products.
There are also many aftermarket car parts that are known for their unique designs, topnotch performance and extraordinary materials and craftsmanship. Some of these types of car parts have been known to have a longer life span than their original counterparts. So if you are looking for the right tool for the job, consider aftermarket car parts. They will surely do the job that you are looking for. This is just another reason why it is a good idea to purchase car parts from a reputable and reliable online store.