Whether you are doing the work yourself or taking your Acura to a garage, you can buy genuine Acura parts or aftermarket parts. Genuine parts are referred to as Acura OEM parts (original equipment), while aftermarket parts are labeled with the potentially confusing name of OEM replacement parts.
Where to buy genuine OEM parts
While you may be concerned that genuine Acura auto parts are too expensive, you have a number of shopping options. You can purchase parts at your Acura dealer; this will be your most expensive option, but you are also guaranteed that you will receive genuine Acura parts. Less expensive, and just as reliable, options include shopping at a local auto parts retail store or for Acura parts online. Acura provides a suggested retail price for all of OEM parts. Acura dealers, however, can set whatever price they like, often well above list price. Internet sellers and local auto parts stores generally try to undercut these prices, while still offering genuine Acura parts.
You can save money by purchasing parts online if you have time to wait for shipping; just make sure you are dealing with a reputable company. You can usually locate company reviews online to see if other customers have been satisfied or experienced problems.
Advantages of genuine Acura automotive parts
When you buy genuine Acura parts for your car, you know that the parts meet the same quality and specifications as the original factory parts. If you purchase OEM replacement parts, you take the risk of receiving lower quality parts or ones that are not exactly the right size or fit. Another advantage is that all genuine Acura parts and accessories are covered by Honda’s 12 month/12,000 mile warranty against any manufacturer defects.
Installing Acura parts
The ease or difficulty of installing the parts yourself will vary depending on the individual part, your experience level, and the tools you have available. Before buying parts, you should review whether you will be able to do the work yourself, or if you need to take your Acura to a dealer or other mechanic. If you begin a repair that is too difficult for you, you can often make the situation worse. Luckily, most local auto parts stores are available to answer questions, both before and after purchase, which should help you decide whether you should attempt the work. Also, online stores provide installation instructions that you can download prior to purchase. Review these carefully to see how complex of a repair job you are considering.
Taking your car to a mechanic
If you take your car to the Acura dealership, they will obviously use genuine OEM parts. However, if you want to save money by taking the car to another garage, they may give you the option of genuine OEM parts or OEM replacement parts. If they do not ask which you prefer, make sure that you ask them which they will be using. You don’t want to assume that they use OEM parts, only to find out you received OEM replacement parts. If you choose replacement parts, that’s each car owner’s decision; you just want to know which you have paid for.
Counterfeit parts
In recent years, there has been an increase in counterfeit auto parts. When you purchase OEM parts, visually inspect the product carefully. Compare it against the part you are replacing; if it looks or feels different, it’s probably counterfeit. If this happens, contact the retailer to tell them you suspect you received a counterfeit part. Reputable dealers will work quickly to resolve the situation. Although you can’t guarantee you won’t ever receive a counterfeit part, you can reduce the odds by dealing with reputable retailers. Also, working with an auto parts wholesaler can help, as they buy everything directly from the manufacturer.
