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By APF
When selecting parts for a car repair, it pays to know the differences between original and aftermarket parts. Whenever possible, get estimates for both.
Choosing between original and aftermarket car parts — and even used parts of either type — is all about squaring your priorities with your budget.
You’ll have different options depending on the part and the shop. And the best choice will depend on whether you’re trying to keep repairs cheap, restore your car’s appearance after a wreck or soup up your ride.
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Before we get into that, here are the key differences:
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts match those that came with your car, and are of the same quality as its original parts. They’re also the most expensive. Aftermarket parts are cheaper, and made by other manufacturers — often several, giving you more options. Used parts may have a bit of wear and tear, but should be inspected or rebuilt to ensure they’ll work. These are the cheapest option. Choosing between aftermarket and OEM parts
Your decision will depend on the type of repair and the quality and price of the parts. Always look for parts that come with a warranty, even if they’re OEM, so you’ll be protected in case they fail.
Auto body repairs
Some aftermarket parts may be OK for
link hidden, please login to view, but others won’t be as good, says Michael Calkins, manager of technical services at AAA. “There’s a lot of variation in quality.” For example, he says, aftermarket parts often don’t have the same level of rustproofing as original parts, fit and finish don’t match, or panels don’t align properly. If OEM parts are used in auto body repair, the car should look and work exactly as it did before the damage, because everything will match up. OEM parts are also crash-tested, unlike many aftermarket parts.
Aftermarket parts come at varying price points and levels of quality, but because they are cheaper, insurance companies often prefer them. If you want OEM parts but are dealing with an insurer that wants the shop to use aftermarket parts, ask to pay the difference.
“There’s also the option of used parts, depending on the age of the vehicle,” Calkins says. “It may be cheaper than an aftermarket part but still have all of the original quality.”
Mechanical repairs
A used part, whether it’s OEM or aftermarket, can really save money on repairs under the hood, so long as it’s inspected first and warrantied. And some aftermarket companies reverse-engineer their products to be even better than OEM versions.
For example, many car buffs will tell you that you can get heavy-duty shocks and struts or brake pads that are made of stronger materials. Scan some reviews online, or talk with your mechanic if you’re not sure whether an aftermarket part could be an upgrade.
Adding some extras
If you’d like to modify your ride by adding something like a backup camera or back-seat TV screen, you’ll probably be looking for aftermarket parts. Certain aftermarket upgrades could increase
link hidden, please login to view. This is especially true for improvements like a better sound system or alloy wheels, rather than mechanical repairs. Who provides OEM or aftermarket parts?
The options you’ll have for parts depends on the nature of the repairs and what type of shop you take your car to:
Dealership repair shops will offer only OEM parts — they have no reason to offer a cheaper product from a competitor link hidden, please login to view may be able to offer you a choice between OEM and aftermarket parts Independent garages that specialize in your type of vehicle will likely have both, but with quicker access to OEM parts, including used OEM parts, which can really save you Auto body shops can offer both, but if your collision repair is part of an insurance claim, the insurer will likely prefer aftermarket parts to save money Depending on the job, the cost of OEM versus aftermarket parts varies. Whenever you’re given the choice, ask to see estimates for both so you can weigh your options.
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By Alex
1. Know what part of the wiper blade you'll need to change. In general, windshield wiper blades are made with three basic parts: 1. The lower metal arm is the part that extends from the base of the windshield; 2. The wiper blade is the part attached to the metal arm; and 3. The rubber blade is the part that actually wipes the snow, rain or dust off the windshield glass for you.
2. Look at the shape of the blade. Many modern cars have curved windshields, so the blade needs to curve too, to make good contact as it wipes. There are many brands of wiper blades with various kinds of packaging, some of which you can see through and some of which you can't. Straight wiper blades are suitable for car with a flat windshield, while slightly curved wiper blades may be more suitable for car with streamline windshield.
3. Measure or look up the length of the blades that are used on your car’s driver seat and passenger seat sides. You can measure the length of each blade yourself, but in general, most places that sell wiper blades provide a manual where you can look up the lengths for your car make and model..
4. Check for adapter options. Many wiper blade brands include more than one adapter type in their packaging. These are designed to make the blades compatible with various types of metal arm.
5. Consider cost. Different kinds of wiper blades can range in price dramatically. Do a little comparison shopping to figure out what wipers fit your price range and are still of good quality.
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By Counterman
As the 2025 NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series heats up, Advance Auto Parts and NASCAR announced a new collaboration. The Advance NASCAR partnership will support local short track racing through “Advance Auto Parts Night at the Races” in 17 markets.
The program aims to boost support for local tracks, drivers and their communities throughout the season. During select race weeks, fans from Colorado National Speedway to Seekonk Speedway will experience special events. These will happen both at the tracks and at Advance Auto Parts retail stores nearby.
Advance NASCAR Partnership Fuels Local Track Engagement
“
link hidden, please login to view has been a tremendous partner in raising the profile of short track racing across the country for the past several years, and this is an exciting next step in working together to grow motorsports on the local level,” said Joseph Dennewitz, managing director of NASCAR Regional. “This is a great opportunity for NASCAR and Advance Auto Parts to show appreciation to our race fans who cheer on their favorite drivers at local short tracks each week, as well as support some of the best venues and racing in NASCAR.” Dominion Raceway in Woodford, Virginia and South Boston Speedway will launch the new program in April. Grandview Speedway in Pennsylvania will close the season in September.
Advance Stores Host Fans and Drivers
Each “Advance Auto Parts Night at the Races” will include activities at a local Advance Auto Parts store. Stores will host driver autograph signings, giveaways, and other fan-friendly experiences.
“As NASCAR’s Official Auto Parts Retailer, we’re thrilled to further enhance fans’ experience and ignite their excitement both at our stores and at local tracks where people are passionate about racing,” said Jason Hand, senior vice president of U.S. Stores. “Advance Auto Parts is all about being your community store, so we’re excited to support local tracks, dedicated NASCAR fans, and our customers in their own backyard.”
Visit the
link hidden, please login to view to find fan events and race dates near you. Full Schedule of 2025 Advance Auto Parts Night at the Races:
April
19 – Dominion Raceway (Virginia)
26 – South Boston Speedway (Virginia)
May
10 – Bowman Gray Stadium (North Carolina)
17 – Seekonk Speedway (Massachusetts)
24 – Berlin Raceway (Michigan)
31 – Jennerstown Speedway Complex (Pennsylvania)
June
7 – Elko Speedway (Minnesota)
13 – Wake County Speedway (North Carolina)
13 – Limaland Motorsports Park (Ohio)
21 – Langley Speedway (Virginia)
July
26 – Riverhead Raceway (New York)
30 – Hawkeye Downs Speedway (Iowa)
August
9 – Salina Highbanks Speedway (Oklahoma)
9 – Colorado National Speedway (Colorado)
15 – Lee USA Speedway (New Hampshire)
30 – New Smyrna Speedway (Florida)
September
6 – Grandview Speedway (Pennsylvania)
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By Counterman
SmartParts has announced the launch of DR!VE+ in North America at the 2025 NEXUS Business Forum in Abu Dhabi. This marks a major step in its global expansion. The launch follows strong growth in 2024 for the exclusive global aftermarket brand for NEXUS members worldwide. The first phase of the North American aftermaket expansion will introduce a 13,700-part Chassis range, with additional product lines to follow. DR!VE+ will serve as the unified brand for NEXUS North America members. SmartParts also introduces a new DR!VE+ battery range, reinforcing its commitment to a comprehensive aftermarket offering.
NEXUS Accelerates North American Aftermarket Expansion
To capitalize on growing market opportunities, NEXUS said it decided 18 months ago to speed up the deployment of the DR!VE+ brand. The aging car parc and transformation of the aftermarket are driving demand. The first phase of the North American aftermarket expansion will focus on the Chassis range, offering 13,700 part numbers. A roadmap will introduce multiple additional product lines over the next 18 months.
“This joint initiative marks a key milestone in the history of NEXUS North America,” said Robert Roos, president of APSG and NEXUS North America.
2024 Growth and 2025 Plans for SmartParts
SmartParts welcomed over 20 new
link hidden, please login to viewmembers and increased revenue by 50% in 2024. This success expands its reach to more than 80 members and customers in 50 countries, the company said. SmartParts aims to further increase its turnover in 2025. The company added it will fast-track expansion into North America, India and Asia. New DR!VE+ Battery Range to Meet Market Demand
SmartParts is unveiling its all-new DR!VE+ battery range at the NEXUS Business Forum. The lineup targets both light vehicles and heavy-duty applications. It is segmented into four categories—DR!VE+ Platinum (AGM), DR!VE+ Performance (EFB), DR!VE+ Essential (SLI), and DR!VE+ Access (Commercial Vehicles only). This range includes 61 part numbers, covering 99% of market demand and catering to older vehicles, hybrid models and commercial applications.
Future Growth and Global Expansion
The
link hidden, please login to view portfolio expanded by more than 1,100 part numbers in 2024. This brings the total to over 11,000 part numbers. SmartParts will continue expanding the range in 2025. The company remains committed to strengthening its position as the global aftermarket brand exclusive to link hidden, please login to viewmembers. “2024 has been an exceptional year for SmartParts,” said Pascal Popis, CEO of SmartParts. “With sales more than doubling compared to last year, this growth reflects the strong commitment of NEXUS members, the power of the DR!VE+ brand and the dedication of our team.”
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