Pick Up Truck

Original Parts VS Aftermarket Parts

Many debate whether or not original automobile parts or aftermarket parts are better when a vehicle must be repaired. Some may believe that the original parts are better since they are made by the manufacturer, but others claim that the aftermarket parts are equal to or even better than the original parts. So which is it? Is it just a matter of opinion or is there fact to either one of these claims?

There may be one factor that affects whether or not a repair shop may use the original or aftermarket parts and that is state regulation. Each state has different regulations regarding which parts can be used on a vehicle. This is because the state regulates the insurance industry and if the state allows, the insurance company you are with may allow the use of aftermarket parts, which could play to your advantage. You may or may not be asked permission, depending on your state. Then again, there are situations in which you can make the decision yourself, especially if the insurance company is not involved.

Original parts

It is fair to say that some original parts are up to par and some are not. Many times a vehicle breaks down because of something that is wrong with the original parts. This is also true when a recall occurs. This may deter an automobile owner from using the original parts if they have that choice. If it is a recall that is leading to the replacement of the part, the dealership making the repair or replacement will use what they are instructed to use.

But when you go to a local parts store, you are usually given options as to which parts to use. They will more than likely quote you the price of an economy part that will save you money, the original part that is just like the part you are replacing, and a more expensive part that costs more because it is of a better quality. Some people may go for the original part since it was made by the manufacturer, but is that always the best way to go?

Aftermarket parts

Let's look at the other two parts: the economy part and the part that is more expensive. These are aftermarket parts. There are many aftermarket parts at the economy price that perform well and sometimes this performance can be equal to or better than the performance of the original. Then there is the more expensive aftermarket part, which more than likely performs better than the original. You can possibly get a longer life out of that aftermarket part than you can the economy part or the original. It may cost more, but the cost is usually not a significant amount more than the original part.

What it comes down to is that the price difference becomes worth it because you will not have to replace the part as quickly as you did the original part on the car. These parts also frequently come with guarantees or lifetime warranties so that you can have the part replaced for free if it prematurely fails.

The benefits

So it is fair to say that purchasing an aftermarket part is more cost-effective than buying the exact same part that failed. Unless modifications have been made by the manufacturer to keep that part from failing in the same way, you can count on the part failing in the same manner as it did the first time. You can save yourself many headaches by investing in the aftermarket part that has made improvements on the failures of the original.

Our Aftermarket Parts department has access to over 15,000 body repair parts and specialty parts for domestic and imported cars and trucks. We also offer quality used auto parts and accessories.


Three Chevy Minicar Concepts Unveiled

The ongoing New York International Auto Show is hosting some of the most captivating concept vehicles. The countrys largest motor show is the best place to unveil concept vehicles which are designed to be loaded with advanced features that will be integrated to production vehicles in the near future.

Car manufacturers have gathered at the event to showcase their developed concept vehicles. One of the major brands in the U.S. auto scene has even unveiled not just one but three concept minicar concepts at the said event.

Chevrolet, the most popular and the best selling marque of General Motors, has unveiled three minicar concepts at the New York International Auto Show . These three are the Chevrolet Beat, the Chevrolet Groove, and the Chevrolet Trax. All of these three concepts are characterized by good-looking exteriors which are designed to be coupled with a good fuel economy. These three vehicles were designed at General Motors design studio located in Inchon, South Korea. The said facility is known for designing small cars and has been tapped to provide a concept vehicle that may soon hit the U.S. auto market.

Ed Welburn, the Vice President of GM Global Design, has this to say during the unveiling of the three concept minicars: The Chevrolet Beat, Groove and Trax concepts highlight the strength and diversity of GMs Global Design capabilities, as well as the ability of our Global Product Development team to anticipate and quickly meet the evolving needs of our diverse markets around the world. The diversity of GMs Global Design is exhibited in the fact that while the three vehicles were designed in South Korea, the Beat was built in India while the Groove and the Trax are built in Michigan.

Welburn also emphasized on the design teams zeal to provide fun minicars in urban centers around the world. The design team was so enthused about being given the assignment to develop the perfect small car for urban commuters that they created not one, but three interpretations of how this car may be developed for Chevrolet customers around the world, says Welburn.

While these vehicles have one common aim, they are being pitted against one another in a poll by Chevrolet. The car manufacturer urges consumers to vote for their favorite concept minicar at the web site www.vote4chevrolet.com. The result of the poll will help the company determine which features they will include in a future production minicar for the United States.

The Chevrolet Beat is a micro import tuner designed for fun-loving individuals. It has a front wheel drive configuration. The Beat is a three-door hatchback loaded with entertainment and technology features. It features a state-of-the-art navigation system and top of the line stereo system. The Beat is powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine coupled to an automatic transmission designed to give smooth gear changes. It is also equipped with amenities found in other Chevrolet production vehicles like power windows powered by Chevy window motors.

The Chevrolet Groove on the other hand is designed to look aggressive, bordering on sinister even. Its dark finish gives the Groove concept that luxury vehicle look. Its short hood and extended cabin makes it look longer than it really is although it gives adequate interior space. Its power comes from a 1-liter diesel engine. It is one of the best choices for those who are looking for a cool looking vehicle without sacrificing fuel efficiency although interested consumers will have to wait if General Motors will indeed put the Groove into production.

The third concept minicar is the Chevy Trax and it is designed for tough driving conditions. The crossover concept is equipped with features that allow it to handle off-road terrains quite respectably. The Trax looks strong enough to tackle harsh terrains due to the fact that it employs design concepts one can find in a full size SUV like the Traxs one-piece bumper. Just like large SUVs, the Trax concept also features a rear-mounted spare tire and a roof rack. The Traxs power comes from a relatively small 1-liter gasoline engine.

Katie Jones writes for a local newspaper and her beat involves the latest updates in the automotive industry. She is also working on her book on cars during her spare time.


Ford V. Chevy: The Battle Rages On

As much as auto critics love to wring their hands over GMs and Fords misfortunes the two automakers are locked in a perpetual battle for the coveted big pickup truck category. The Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F Series continue to duke it out for the number one spot. There is more at stake here than meets the eyeand just what would that be?

For 28 years running the top selling vehicle in the US has not been a car, rather a pick up truck. Thats right, Americas love of pick ups extends to the point where the Ford F Series traditionally outsells the bestselling car by a factor of nearly 2 to 1 [the Toyota Camry is the best selling car, FYI]. Indeed, the second best selling truck for most of that time has been the Chevy Silverado, nemesis of the Ford.

If you are a GM fan, your immediate thought is to cry foul over the whole matter. In reality, Chevrolets parent company -- General Motors -- sells more full size pick up trucks than Ford year in and year out. However the general markets its truck under two different nameplates: Chevrolet and GMC. So, what appears to be a long running streak for Ford is just not that. At least according to GM fans.

Beyond the pick up truck sales, the matter of who is number one is a source of pride for the big automakers as they have been beaten and bruised over the years by increased competition. Asian automakers continue to take away sales, as even Toyota and Nissan are now building full sized pick up trucks. Dodge, too, has grown in size and influence ever since its redone Rams hit the market in the early 1990s. So, the last area of dominance for Ford and GM is also being chipped away and no one wants to be the first to admit defeat.

If you want to influence the battle, you have only one month to make a difference. Both manufacturers are certain to have amazing end of the year clearances, so shop smartly and you will come out as a winner no matter whose product you choose.

Copyright 2005 -- Matthew Keegan is The Article Writer who writes on a variety of topics including: advocacy, automobiles, aviation, business, Christian themes, family, news, product reviews, travel, writing, and more. Samples from his portfolio are available right online.

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