Loading... Please wait...
Blog
Recent Posts
OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts for a Diesel Vehicle
Posted by on
When completing almost any repair on a diesel vehicle, one of the first decisions that must be made is whether to use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or aftermarket parts. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and either one may be preferable in a particular situation.
OEM Diesel Parts Meet Manufacturer Specs at Premium Prices
OEM parts are guaranteed to meet all the specifications set forth by the maker of your diesel vehicle. These parts are manufactured by approved parts makers and built to the same standards as what was originally installed. The part will perform as expected, and the company that made your vehicle stands behind this part fully.
This level of assurance, however, comes at a price. OEM parts tend to cost more because they’re manufactured in designated facilities, approved by the vehicle manufacturer and only available through approved sellers. This is almost always the most expensive way to repair a vehicle – and sometimes the difference in cost is quite substantial.
There are times when the premium price is worth paying, though. When quality can’t be sacrificed, OEM parts are often the way to go.
Aftermarket Diesel Parts Provide Affordable Options
Aftermarket parts are manufactured by a variety of parts makers, and the quality of these parts can vary. Many aftermarket parts are built to the same standards as OEM parts, even though they aren’t tested or approved by the vehicle manufacturer. They may be built to a lower standard or not as thoroughly tested, however. In a few cases, aftermarket parts are actually made to a higher standard and fix design flaws in OEM components.
The most common advantage aftermarket parts offer is a lower price, and they often cost a portion of what OEM parts run. Because anyone can manufacture and sell these parts, competition drives down the price.
Price is obviously a major consideration in most situations, and there are often ways to address any quality control issues that come with these parts. By purchasing from well-established manufacturers that build to OEM specifications and offer guarantees, it’s frequently possible to get well-made aftermarket parts for much less than their OEM counterparts cost.
Work with a Diesel Repair Specialist
For help weighing the trade-offs of OEM and aftermarket parts, rely on a diesel repair specialist. A technician can give you knowledgeable advice based on the specific repair your vehicle needs, so you can make an informed choice between the two options.
To speak with a diesel repair specialist about your vehicle, bring it to J&S Diesel. Our technicians help drivers decide how to care for their diesel vehicles on a daily basis, and they have the expertise necessary to help you make a decision between these parts. As an independent diesel service center, we’re able to source OEM or high-quality aftermarket parts. Contact us at 702-736-8526 to learn more!
Things to Consider when Choosing a Diesel Engine Repair Shop
You shouldn’t bring your diesel vehicle to just any shop for service or repair. Instead, take it to a specialized and experienced diesel engine repair shop where the technicians will be able to take the best possible care of your car, van or truck. Here’s how to find such a service center:How to Find a [...]
How to Tell if You've Blown Your Diesel Head Gasket
Head gasket failure is a serious problem that requires immediate repair. For diesel owners, recognizing the signs of a blown head gasket is especially important because the problem is more common in diesel engines than in gasoline ones. Here’s how to tell if you’ve blown your diesel head gasket:Check if Your Engine Overheats If your engine [...]
3 Steps to Choosing the Right Replacement Diesel Engine
While rebuilding a failed diesel engine sometimes makes sense, replacing the engine may instead offer greater long-term reliability and value. You have to know how to find a good replacement diesel engine, though. If your vehicle needs a new engine, here’s how to find the best available replacement based on your needs and budget: Step 1: [...]
How Buying a Diesel Vehicle Saves You Money
Vehicles with diesel engines sometimes cost a little more than their gasoline-burning counterparts, but they usually more than make up the premium over time. There are four ways that buying and driving a diesel vehicle saves you money.4 Ways a Diesel Vehicle Can Save You Money 1. Save on Total Fuel Costs Diesel vehicles have lower total [...]
Get More Power to Your Engine by Upgrading Your Diesel Injection Pumps
There are multiple diesel engine upgrades and modifications that result in more horsepower and torque. One to consider if you’re looking to boost your diesel’s output is changing out the stock diesel injection pumps with higher-performing ones.Upgrading the Injection Pumps Results in More Power The diesel injection pumps deliver fuel to your engine and, in this [...]
The Difference Between an OEM and Aftermarket Diesel Fuel Injector
The fuel injector on a diesel vehicle carefully delivers the proper amount of diesel fuel into the engine for optimal performance. This involves a careful calculation that takes into account quantity, timing, atomization, and other parameters that you don’t want a low-quality fuel injector performing. An inferior part will, at best, lead to reduced performance [...]
Does Diesel Fuel Type Matter?
Diesel fuel comes in a couple of different grades, but drivers generally don’t need to worry about which grade they’re using, thanks to government regulations. What’s more important for your vehicle’s fuel injector and engine is the condition of the fuel you use. Grading Based on Type Just as gasoline is rated by how much octane it [...]
Keep Your Diesel Engine Cool This Summer with Routine Maintenance
As the summer heat sets in, keeping your diesel engine cool is absolutely essential. Overheating can leave you stranded on the side of the road, necessitate emergency repairs and even result in extensive damage to the engine block. Thankfully, keeping your diesel in good working order is simple with routine maintenance. Important Maintenance Tasks to Keep [...]
3 of the Top Diesel Engine Upgrades and How They Benefit Your Vehicle
Diesel engines today feature precise and advanced engineering, but they still run on the basic process of combustion. As air is mixed with fuel, the fuel burns to produce power that’s then translated to the vehicle. In many cases, increasing the air that flows through an engine will result in better combustion and more power. [...]