If you are a fleet manager or operator who takes pride in the condition of your vehicles, but also value a good looking bottom line in the back office, you may often find yourself pondering aftermarket parts. No doubt, the market can be quite murky at times.
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You may find a part made by the same manufacturer, yet it will come in a number of different boxes. Same part. Different boxes. So what’s the deal? Unfortunately, packaging is only part of the problem. There is very little industry standardization when it comes to various parts and terms.
So if you’re a fleet manager getting heartburn as you try to figure out if a part is a factory replacement, aftermarket or private label, we get your pain. There are definitely myths and misconceptions regarding what parts you should use and when. Knowing how to cut through to the truth can help simplify your life.
One Does Not Equal Two
As you likely already know, just because a part – pun intended – looks “the part” doesn’t mean that it has the same quality as a genuine article. Getting the right fit and function simply cannot replace things like testing and engineering.
When you drill down to it, the differences between parts of various types has more to do with their individual specifications than it does to the application in which that part will find itself operating in.
What separates original from aftermarket types are variables such as tolerances and specific mechanical properties – such as the grade of metal used. A safe component is part of a safe system, and they work together. Significantly altering a component could threaten the safety of the whole system.
It’s About More Than the Part
Although the specifications and build qualities of the part are always of top importance, things like consistency and after sales support are also very important. These can be the distinguishing factors behind working with a partner you can trust or trusting the wrong vendor.
Also consider the level of support you will get in things such as warranties, training and technical support. Does the part supplier adequately document their parts list and transaction? Do they make their design standards available to you, the client? Things like manufacturing and quality control processes should be clearly laid out should the client request such information.
This is where branded manufacturers may stand out a little. They have invested a lot of money into that part and they generally back that up with extensive field and marketing support, training and ongoing research and part updates.
In this way, OEMs are less likely to shave corners to reduce cost. They create the part to ensure longevity, quality and performance of their part. All parts are not created equal. Just because specifications may match from one part to another, it does not mean they are the same part.
Aftermarket Expectations
While “value line” parts might be more attractive to the accounting department, it is important to remember that they generally are not made of the same materials. Nor do they go through the same rigorous level of testing and inspections that an OEM part may.
So you may be asking yourself why you should go with a value part. Well, it is about more than just cost. Aftermarket parts generally have a greater availability and can be obtained rather quickly. Always remember that cost is merely a component of value.
If you have been going with a tried-and-true supplier for years, then one comes along offering a part for $10 less, you need to evaluate the cost of going with the unknown against how much you may save on an annual basis going with the cheaper part. The fact is, if you aren’t replacing many, why jeopardize a relationship that is working?
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After all the safety and functionality of your equipment is at stake. Make sure to take all available factors into considering as you decide on which heavy duty part supplier to go with in your business.