Category: Maintenance

When something goes wrong with your car, a visit to the garage can be an expensive trip. Car parts are costly. If several things need to be replaced to get your vehicle back on the road, the cost can seem almost as high as when you purchased your car. In an effort to keep costs down, some repair locations will use aftermarket parts rather than original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. Before attempting to save money using aftermarket parts, there are some facts you need to know.

Original Car Parts vs Aftermarket

When you bring your car in for repairs at the dealership, you are more than likely to have original equipment manufacturer car parts installed in the vehicle. However, if you take your car to an independent auto body shop, they will use aftermarket parts for your vehicle. Like any car owner, you want to save some money on your repair bills. There are some benefits to selecting aftermarket parts for your car. In certain situations, you should add OEM parts to your vehicle. If you want to make an informed decision, you need to know the pros and cons of these specific parts. With this information, you can find a balance between quality and cost.

What Does Aftermarket Mean?

An aftermarket part is any part for a vehicle that was not sourced from the car’s original maker. Car manufacturers often contract with specific companies to build certain parts for your vehicle. In most cases, these aftermarket parts are produced in separate factories, and the companies often provide better quality components than the original products. These aftermarket parts are chosen because they provide the best fit for your vehicle. In addition to that, these parts have the same specifications that the manufacturer requires for their cars. If you use these direct replacement parts, they will not void your car’s warranty. It is estimated that about 80 percent of independent body repair shops will use aftermarket components. The other bright spot is that aftermarket parts are often less expensive than OEM products. For that reason, many repair businesses choose to use them for vehicle repairs.

Benefits of Aftermarket Parts

Aftermarket parts do have some benefits. Of course, the most obvious advantage is that they are less expensive than OEM products. In some cases, they may be significantly cheaper. However, the price will depend on the specific part or brand. Since the original part must come from the vehicle’s manufacturer, there are also more versions of aftermarket parts than OEM components. You can always shop around for the best price. If you want to be a savvy shopper, you might want to avoid those extremely low-priced parts. In some cases, the prices are too good to be true, and you should question the quality of those components.

Aftermarket parts often have an equal or greater quality than OEM products. In many cases, your repaired vehicle may have better parts than those original components. The manufacturers of aftermarket parts reverse-engineer these products, and they will work out any weaknesses of the parts. If you want to strike a balance between durability, noise level, cost, and performance, you might want to choose an aftermarket part. When you purchase an aftermarket part, you can find a product that provides you with all those qualities.

Along with that, you have a wide variety of choices with aftermarket parts. Some manufacturers specialize in specific parts, such as brake pads or spark plugs. You can also find many aftermarket companies that manufacture a wide selection of components for your car. In turn, you have a greater selection and a broader range of prices for your vehicle’s repair needs.

Finally, there is better availability with aftermarket parts. For the most part, you can walk into any gas station, local mechanic shop, or auto parts store and find a part that will fit your vehicle. If you need a specific part, it is readily available to install or repair that day. When you need an OEM product, you might have to wait a few days when you special order the part. If your vehicle is older, it may be challenging to find the correct OEM part you need. In that case, you will have to rely on aftermarket parts.

Some Concerns for Aftermarket Parts

As you can tell, there are plenty of benefits for aftermarket parts. However, a few things should be taken into consideration. Since many different manufacturers build the parts, the quality can vary. Some aftermarket parts are considered inferior because they use low-quality materials. You want to choose aftermarket brands that are known for their quality. If you are worried about choosing the right part, make sure to ask your trusted auto body shop for some recommendations.

With aftermarket parts, there is a large selection of products. However, with all these choices, the selection process can be overwhelming for many people. You might even run into the chance of purchasing a bad quality part for your vehicle. Several companies can manufacture a simple spark plug, but they are designed with numerous variations. If you are confused by these choices, make sure to consult your mechanic for advice.

Finally, while many aftermarket parts will not void your vehicle’s warranty, these parts might not have a guarantee attached to them. Some manufacturers sell aftermarket parts without a warranty. However, this is not always the norm for manufacturers. Many of these companies often have some type of warranty for their parts.

What Are OEM Parts?

Original equipment manufacturer parts are made directly by the original car manufacturer and not a third party. The manufacturers design these parts to fit the car’s particular make and model specifications. In many cases, these parts roll off the same assembly line as your vehicle. These parts will be a perfect match for your car. If you take your vehicle to a dealership, the repair department will use these products.

Benefits of OEM Parts

One of the most significant benefits of OEM products is quality. Quality can suffer from a larger selection of replacement parts. However, these original equipment manufacturer parts work precisely like the ones you are replacing. You will have some peace of mind with the replacement part’s performance. Aftermarket parts are often low quality, and there can be issues with their fit. In turn, those issues can cause additional problems in the future. You might have to spend more money on additional replacement parts over time.

These original parts make it easier to choose the right product for your car. You never have to worry about selecting the correct part for the vehicle. Finally, most automakers will back up their parts with a limited warranty. Original manufacturer parts also stand by any labor associated with their products.

Certain Issues To Avoid

Like aftermarket parts, there are some issues with these replacement parts. OEM products do have a higher price tag than their aftermarket counterparts. You also need to purchase these parts directly from the dealership. In turn, this can limit the places where you can buy these products. If you request these parts from a local auto body shop, it may take longer to get your vehicle repaired.

In some cases, these parts might not be superior to those aftermarket components. Aftermarket products have worked out any problems, and their quality is often better than these original equipment manufacturer parts. You might be paying extra for the name on the box.

What Should You Choose?

If you want a part that is guaranteed to fit your car, you need to choose an OEM product. Not all aftermarket parts are created equal, but you can count on the original equipment manufacturer’s precise fit. However, this does have some advantages and disadvantages. Aftermarket parts save you some money on your repairs, especially if you know what parts you need and trust their quality. If you are not familiar with these aftermarket brands, you may want to stick to those original products. Some people do not mind paying for that extra peace of mind.

Find an Auto Body Shop Near Me

When it comes to replacing parts in your vehicle, OEM components are usually the best option. At Elmer’s Auto Body, we try to use OEM products whenever possible to complete your vehicle’s repairs. If you are having problems with your car, schedule an appointment today by giving the office a call at (856) 218-0202.

There will come a time when the shiny new car you purchased starts looking dingier. Over the years, the paint on your car will start to wear down, and you might play around with the idea of trading in one set of tired wheels for a new car with more luster. Or maybe you wish to sell your car privately and think giving it a coat of paint will increase the resale value.

A coat of fresh paint will undoubtedly do wonders for your vehicle. However, is getting the paint redone worthwhile, or will you be shelling out more money than it is worth?

There are considerations, such as whether the repainting will be done by a professional, where you take it, and the quality of the paint that determines the average cost of repainting a vehicle. We are going to go over these factors and much more today, so if you’ve been deliberating, keep reading.

Paint Job Price Ranges

If you have been searching for the answer to “how much does it cost on average to repaint a car” and are coming up short, it is because there is no simple answer. You may find someone who is willing to do a repaint job for a couple hundred bucks, but selecting the cheapest route is never a good idea—especially when it comes to cars. Plus, depending on the make and model of the car, as well as the exterior condition, a simple paint job might cost you thousands. Dents, dings, and scratches are all factored into the price, after all.

According to, a price-tracking website, the less you pay to repaint a car, the more unhappy you will be with the results. For instance, a job that totals around $560 is going to be a lot less satisfying than a repaint job that costs between $1000-$3500. That said, a “showroom quality” repaint costs $2500 on average. Those fancy custom paint jobs, on the other hand, average around $4975.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Repainting a Car

Here are some of the factors that affect the final bill:

Vehicle Size

Repainting a Cadillac limousine is going to cost more than repainting a Mini Cooper. This is based on the fact that there is a lot more surface area to cover with the Cadillac than the Mini Cooper.

Color

Looking to save a few bucks on the paint job? Then you should opt for the most common mainstream colors—shades of black, white, and gray. These paints cost a lot less than customized colors and detailing. But, if you really want that lime green or turquoise car, you will have to take it to a professional shop, where you will pay a premium for both the labor and the paint quality. Keep in mind that altering the color is also going to cost you more because door jambs and other places will have to be repainted as well.

Current Vehicle Condition

Never paint over problems. If you are looking to spruce up the exterior of your vehicle, you are going to need to pay for the repairs first. Otherwise, that expensive paint job is going to be ruined before you know it. For instance, painting over rust is not going to stop the rust from spreading. If there are dings and dents, those should be repaired before handing your vehicle over for repainting. In fact, new paint on old war wounds is just going to make them more visible—the exact opposite of what you want.

Paint Quality and Personal Preference

There are different levels of paint quality (we’ll explain below). The lower the quality, the less you pay. Any high-quality repaint job that combines bodywork is going to cost a lot more. Lastly, a multi-coat paint job and details, like racing stripes or custom graphics, will cost well above $5000.

Figuring Out The Right Course For You

Trying to decide what kind of paint job your vehicle needs? Take a look at the aforementioned factors and compare it to what you need.

Paint Types

First, you need to think about the four types of paint jobs: single-stage enamel, urethane paint, urethane sealer, high-quality paints and primers. These are usually referred to as Basic, Preferred, Premium, and Platinum, respectively.

Single-stage enamel paint jobs are best for older cars that need retouching. These are usually guaranteed for a year. Urethane paint is similar to a single-stage enamel paint, but it is much more resilient and comes with a 3-year warranty.

Premium and Platinum level services are pricier because the job is done in more than one stage. Multiple layers are used, making it a time-consuming task.

Body Shop vs. Dealership

If there is one thing we want to make very clear, it’s that you should NEVER repaint your car by yourself. Most people have neither the tools nor the knowledge to do it properly. If you mess up, it can cost you thousands of dollars just to fix the mistakes. So, that leaves you with two options: a body shop or a dealership. But here’s the catch—dealerships usually outsource painting jobs.

As you would with any other vehicle-related, shop around for some quotes. Do your research on who provides the best service for a competitive price. Pick the place with high ratings and a mid-range price.

Need Your Vehicle Repainted?

Hopefully, this article has helped you choose which side of the fence you are on. Getting your car repainted can be a worthwhile investment if you plan on hanging onto it for many more years or selling privately; getting it repainted to trade-in, though, is not as smart. Remember, having a car repainted is going to take time, and that new paint job is not going to solve other problems.

Looking to have your vehicle repainted? Give Elmer’s Auto Body a call or fill out the contact form. Our professional team is happy to consult with you about your needs. We are devoted to quality auto services, and no job is too big for us to tackle.

You cringe when you look at your hood, roof, trunk lid and all the other vulnerable spots on your vehicle that have taken a brutal beating from the sun. You see the cracks, buckling, paint chips and flakes that fly away in the wind only to make your vehicle appear more ready for the junkyard than your driveway. You know constant exposure to the sun can damage the paint on your car, but how do you protect it from repeated exposure? You also want to know why it happens and what to do about it. Here are some reasons sun exposure ruins the paint on your car and some ways you can combat it.

What Sun Exposure Does to a Vehicle

Car paint damage happens because of ultraviolet or UV rays that penetrate the paint on a vehicle’s surface. Years of exposure to this invisible and powerful form of sunlight speeds up a strong infusion of energy that produces heat, and a breakdown of molecular bonds in paint that results in oxidation. The longer exposure to the ultraviolet rays occurs, the more chances that the paint on a vehicle reflects less and less light and becomes duller and duller. The transference of light diminishes outwardly, which means less noticeable paint color on a vehicle.

Ways to Protect your Car Paint

There are preventatives in decreasing the sun damage to your car while protecting it at the same time. Here are some suggestions.

1. Keep your vehicle in a covered space such as a garage, carport, portable carport, a large shade tree or other areas away from the sun. Besides keeping your vehicle undercover, look for parking areas that provide shelter when you are working or just out and about. Anytime your vehicle is away from the penetrating rays of the sun, you can protect the paint, headlights, rubberized trim and other areas of your vehicle that readily absorb heat.
2. Wash your vehicle as often as possible in a shaded spot. Rinse your vehicle first and then use a cotton cloth and a mild automotive cleanser that removes dirt, grease, and other debris. If there is an accumulation of mud or bird droppings, try using an automotive clay bar to gently remove the stains without harming the paint. Once you have removed the stains, thoroughly rinse your car to clear any remaining residue.
3. Hand dry the exterior of your vehicle with a soft cotton cloth after washing it or after a rainstorm. Hand drying helps prevent the accumulation of any chemicals or other substances found in water that can cause a chemical reaction when exposure when exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
4. Wax your vehicle with a quality product after washing and hand drying it. Waxing prevents ultraviolet damage to the paint on your car, plus it deters dirt, grit and environmental pollutants from sticking to your car. Also, waxing is a good way to hinder pitting.
5. Apply a paint protection film to your vehicle. There are now many coatings or film kits that cover the exterior of a vehicle and protect its paint while allowing the color of a vehicle to show through. They are available in both spray and protective film, which you can apply yourself or you can go through a professional film specialist.  You can cover an entire vehicle and the headlights that can show wear, pitting and yellowing over time through exposure to ultraviolet rays.
6. Use a car cover to protect your vehicle’s paint from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. If you have no other way to protect your vehicle, a car cover can be a quick and handy way to protect your car without having to find enclosed parking. Car covers today easily fit most car models. They are durable, weatherproof, windproof, dustproof, biodegradable and made to endure the elements.  There are even disposable plastic car covers that you can use in a pinch to dodge the rain, other weather, and messy street situations.

Protecting your car’s paint from the sun is important. There are several ways to protect your paint job and following the information here is a good start but if you need further help in protecting it, fill out the online contact form and an expert will get back to you with the advice you need to protect your vehicle from the damaging rays of the sun.