Things to Keep in Mind When Buying Semi-Truck Parts

Semi-trucks have a multitude of purposes, from transporting gas to different states to delivering food supplies and products. Whether you run a fleet business or are a trucker, you need to ensure your semi-truck is properly maintained to save yourself from the hassle of expensive repairs resulting from neglect. The right semi-truck parts will reduce downtime and the risk of breakdowns, so you can do business uninterrupted. So, if you want to grow your business and deliver a great customer experience, let's talk about what your truck needs.

Which semi-truck parts do you need to replace?

Get more information about what you will need to replace and the approximate budget. Now this will depend on the general wear and tear of your truck, the issue at hand and how well you have maintained it. While anything can happen to a semi-truck, some parts tend to wear out faster than others. For example, tires are the only part of your truck in contact with the road and are subject to the most abuse. Other well-used parts that may wear out quickly include the brake pads, clutch and windshield wipers. Ensuring these parts are replaced quickly will keep you, your drivers and other drivers safe while on the roads. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are the ideal option and often come with the guarantees you need to protect your truck business from future breakdown risks.

What does OEM mean for semi-truck parts?

An original equipment manufacturer or OEM part comes directly from the vehicle manufacturer. In simple words, these are the most trusted parts because they have been specifically designed for your vehicle and are the same quality as your original parts. There will be very little difference in the parts you replace, which delivers a consistent vehicle performance as well. They will also come with a guarantee from the manufacturer. OEM parts are the safest option for semi-truck owners. You won't even have to think twice when ordering them.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of buying OEM parts for a semi-truck?

Since OEM parts are straight from the manufacturer, you can trust the quality because they have been designed for your vehicle. They are a safe bet and often come with a guarantee from the manufacturer so you don't have to worry. The drawbacks are price and lack of options. You will not have a choice and have to take the options available at a higher price point. While some semi-truck operators are more than happy with this option because they are assured of quality, others want the option to shop around and choose parts that are close in quality to an OEM part but without the same expensive price tag.

What are aftermarket COMMERCIAL truck parts?

Another option available to you is aftermarket semi truck parts. The original manufacturer does not make aftermarket parts. Instead, a third-party company manufactures them, but they are designed to fit into your vehicle and deliver the same performance as the OEM parts they are meant to replace. One of the biggest reasons why this option is so appealing is the price. You can find aftermarket truck parts available for a significantly lower cost than OEM parts. This will require a bit of research to find parts that match the quality of an OEM part. Online forums, trusted mechanics and parts specialists are good places to start.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of buying aftermarket parts for a semi-truck?

The single biggest advantage of an aftermarket part is price. They are often significantly cheaper than OEM products and deliver the same quality (when the right part is chosen). Truck owners also have more options to choose from so they can shop around to get the best deal. However, the drawback here is that you need to do a lot of research as you can easily fall into a trap of buying cheap parts, which can cost your business more in the long run. With the right research and advice from experienced parts specialists, you may even be able to source options that are better in quality than the originals – a big advantage.

Aftermarket truck parts or OEM truck parts: What to choose?

When looking to replace parts for your semi-truck, you have the option of OEM or aftermarket. This can be tricky to choose between because both have their advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, there is no one size fits all answer here. While OEM is always a safe bet, you can get a great aftermarket part for a fraction of the cost. But is it worth the time spent researching or is your time better spent on growing your fleet? Only you can answer that for your business! But a little bit of conscientiousness at the start can make a difference over the long haul.

Who to buy your semi-truck parts from?

Make sure you do your research and choose a reputable provider whether you are opting for aftermarket or OEM commercial truck parts. Remember, it's always worth investing in quality parts in order to save time and money in the long run. Whether you're looking for OEM or aftermarket parts, contact one of our semi-truck parts experts today. You can also learn more about Birmingham Freightliner’s Parts Department and the parts you need to keep your truck on the road longer.