If you’ve ever had an issue with your Kia (rare, but it sometimes happens) you’ll no doubt have had that worry about cost crop up. If that problem warranted replacing a part, you’ll likely have done a bit of thinking about how you can save some money on that fix.
One of the more common ways to save money on getting a car fixed up is to shop around for third-party parts – car parts designed or manufactured by companies other than Kia themselves. But we’re here to tell you why you shouldn’t take that route, and why you should instead stick to genuine parts.
Dive in here to gain some clarity as to what you’re buying both when you shop third-party, and why you should stick to the tried-and-true Kia manufactured parts.
How do I know if a part is genuine?
The first thing to touch on is the difference between genuine and non-genuine. By non-genuine, we just mean any part that wasn’t designed and manufactured by Kia. We’re not saying that every third-party part is a rip-off, but simply that they aren’t designed in-house.
While doing your research, you’ll no doubt have come across the acronym OEM. It stands for ‘Original Equipment Manufacturer’, and generally it means pretty much that. OEM parts are those that were developed by the same manufacturer as the car they’re intended for. And while they aren’t the only parts that’ll do the job, they’re definitely the ones you want for your Kia.
What are the pitfalls of buying third party car parts?
There certainly are third-party parts that are well designed, manufactured well and made using quality materials. But those particular examples are the exception, rather than the rule. You’ll typically find that non-OEM parts were designed to undercut the price of genuine parts from the original manufacturer – and the way they find that gap in price is often suspect.
Non-OEM parts typically make use of a lesser material or cut corners in the design. They might even be made using different processes that reputable manufacturers have deemed unreliable. What this means is that you’re taking a gamble on the unknown when using third-party parts in your Kia, and potentially booking yourself in for headaches down the track.
Why you should always opt for genuine Kia car parts
Genuine OEM parts are not always going to be the cheapest option – but they are almost invariably going to be the best option for you and your Kia. We say this because we know the dedication that Kia has as an automotive manufacturer to producing reliable cars for their customers – and the parts they produce are vital pieces of that effort.
Using genuine Kia parts is also the surest way to maintain the warranty that protects you and your vehicle in case anything goes wrong. It only so rarely does, but using aftermarket parts will often be a sticking point for manufacturers worried about the effects of poorly designed third-party solutions.
Shop for genuine Kia parts with Phil Gilbert Kia
If you’ve been looking for the team to help you get your Kia up and running the way it should, then look no further than the team here at Phil Gilbert Kia. We deal exclusively in genuine Kia parts, and provide car servicing that will have you back out on the road in no time. Shop our online store today for a full range of genuines parts & accessories.Â
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