Buying An Expensive Radiator Is Not The Only Option Available to You!

A dealership service department is an assurance that when your car is taken in for repairs, it is safe to assume that the parts are from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM). on the other hand, an independent garage is more likely to provide aftermarket car parts. The questions that arise are, "is there anything wrong with that?" “Does a less expensive part necessarily mean a poorer one?” “What gives OEM an upper hand?” Is there a time when OEM parts should be used exclusively? 

Before we answer the above questions, it’s essential that we have a quick glance at what OEM and Aftermarket Radiators are respectively. 

OEM Radiators 

The manufacturer of your automobile produces original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. This implies that the OEM radiator will be a perfect mirrored reconstruction of the one that is already in your car. These are the same components that were in your car when it left the production facility. As a result, selecting an OEM part saves you time because all you need to do is go to your dealer and ask for a replacement. 

Aftermarket Radiators 

IAMs, or independent aftermarket radiators, are radiators that are not produced by the vehicle's manufacturer. Instead, a different business produces the component and markets it as an aftermarket component. This absolutely in no way qualifies aftermarket radiators as "used" or "second hand." 

The same specifications as OEM parts are frequently found in aftermarket radiators. In fact, if you compare the two, purchasing an aftermarket radiator can end up being a better choice than an OEM radiator. 

Furthermore, aftermarket parts are widely available. This is due to the fact that while seeking for a replacement car part, the majority of customers want to find a balance between quality and affordability.  

Many companies manufacture parts that are intended to perform similarly, or in some cases even better than the original. According to Tom Torbjornsen, host of a popular American TV show, roughly 80% of independent workshops use aftermarket components. It is crucial that the drivers are informed shoppers. You must first conduct research and comparison shop. Finally, make sure you're working with a trustworthy professional and inquire for genuine aftermarket components. 

Pros and Cons of an OEM Radiator 

PROS 

• Easy to choose: If you ask for any part at a dealership's parts counter, you'll typically get one type of answer. You won't need to bother about comparing the pricing and brands' quality. 
  
  
• Greater quality assurance: The OEM component should function exactly like the one it is replacing. It's the materials that the car was constructed with, and its performance and familiarity give you peace of mind. 
  
  
• Has a Warranty: Original equipment parts are usually covered under a 12-month warranty by automakers. Additionally, dealers typically offer assurances on their work when they fix your vehicle. 

CONS 

• Pricier: Compared to aftermarket radiators, OEM radiators are frequently more expensive. In general, OEM body parts are 60 percent more expensive than aftermarket ones. The parts and service departments must work more harder to boost a dealership's profits due to the underperformance of the sales departments. However, the gap might be narrowing. Dealers are currently attempting to rival independent stores. 
  
  
• They must be purchased from the dealership: Even though there are alternative options for purchasing OEM parts, most consumers choose to purchase their auto parts from a dealership. This limits the variety of retailers you can use. Your neighbourhood mechanic can provide OEM components for you, but the repair process can take longer. 
  
  
• Quality might not be better: In the hopes that it would be significantly superior to an aftermarket part, you spent the additional cost for an OEM item. That might not always be the case, though. Specific aftermarket components are comparable to or even superior to OEM components in some circumstances. As a result, it's possible that you are paying extra for the brand only. 

Pros and Cons of An Aftermarket Radiator 

PROS 

• Less costly: Aftermarket radiators are much more affordable than OEM radiators; the amount you save varies by brand. Compare prices to get an idea of what that part typically costs and to get the best deal. Ask questions regarding a part's quality if the price appears too good to be true. 
  
  
• Quality may be on par with or superior to OEM: In some circumstances, you might get a greater part than you did at the beginning. It is said that the aftermarket businesses reverse-engineer the item and fix the vulnerabilities.  For instance, when an automaker manufactures brake pads, it must balance performance, cost, longevity, and noise levels. An aftermarket pad might be your best option if you want better performance and don't mind a little extra brake noise (some brake pads squeak even when they are stopping the car successfully). 
  
  
• More options: Many businesses produce aftermarket parts. Only a few, like Dolphin, are experienced, trustworthy and have a global reach.  Some companies specialize in making particular parts. Increased selection and a wider range of prices result from greater variety. 
  
  
• Better accessibility: If you go into any gas station, auto parts store, or neighbourhood mechanic, they will almost certainly have a part that suits your automobile. As a result, you have more options for auto repair shops. 

CONS 

• Selection is too large: If you are unfamiliar with aftermarket manufacturers, the selection is too large and there is a danger that you will purchase a subpar component. Even a spark plug, which seems like a fairly straightforward component, is created by dozens of different businesses, and has various variations. If the price difference isn't too great, it is advised that you seek help of experts at Dolphin Catalogue.  
  
  
• May not have a warranty: Some aftermarket items may not be covered by a warranty in order to reduce expenses. 

When should you ask for OEM components? 

Make sure you use OEM parts for collision repairs because aftermarket body panels could not fit correctly or have adequate crumple zones. 

There are other financial factors to take into account if you lease your car. Using aftermarket components to fix your car's body may result in you losing some or all of your security deposit because they lower a car's book value. 

Is There Anything Wrong With Buying Aftermarket Radiators? 

Considering the above points, aftermarket radiators are an excellent choice given you only buy them from trusted sources. Aftermarket radiators are 

• Economical 
• Durable
  
• Available in Variety 
• Can be Bought Easily, Even Online! 

To answer the question, there is nothing wrong with buying an aftermarket radiator for your vehicle.  

Conclusion 

OEM radiators are unquestionably pricey, but you can be sure that they are of the same manufacturer as your vehicle.  On the other hand, the aftermarket offers the same component at a lower cost. High-quality aftermarket radiators can be purchased from a reliable supplier for a reasonable price, as opposed to certain copycat companies that compromise on safety and create radiators of lower quality. 

You may get more radiator for your money if you purchase one from Dolphin Catalogue. 

We provide a 1-year warranty on all radiators to ensure safety and guard against quality issues. 

Despite the brand or quality, it is always advised to do comprehensive research before buying any vehicle parts. It is not a good idea to rely blindly on a product just because it is expensive. As a result, anytime you decide to replace your radiator, be sure to do your homework and get assistance from the industry professionals.