It may be tempting to buy aftermarket parts for your Ford, whether to save money or try for a performance boost, but these parts can reduce the vehicle’s lifespan. OEM parts are the same parts you’ll find factory-fitted when the car or truck is new, and a Ford dealer will use them when servicing your vehicle. To keep your Ford running smoothly for many years, it makes sense to maintain it with original components.
The Importance of Genuine Parts for Longevity
Using genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts helps preserve your Ford’s longevity. That’s because the vehicle is designed with specific parts in mind, whether they’re pre-existing or made specially. The suppliers make these parts to exact specifications and within tight engineering tolerances. They have strict quality-control procedures, so the product meets a reliable standard.
If you buy cheap aftermarket parts, there’s a strong chance they won’t have been made to the same precise specifications, or they’ll be made to loosely fit a range of cars or models. Ford uses many trusted brands to make car parts, including its own Motorcraft subsidiary.
How Aftermarket Parts Can Harm Performance and Reliability
Aftermarket parts can potentially harm your vehicle, adversely affecting performance and reliability. The humble air filter serves as an example. If this fits poorly into its housing, unfiltered air loaded with dust and debris can damage the engine over time, eventually causing serious issues like reduced power output, poor acceleration, rough idling, engine stalling, decreased fuel efficiency, and increased emissions.
Some aftermarket parts that are designed to tune performance, like an ECU, can ultimately cause problems. An aftermarket ECU may be incompatible with existing vehicle systems, for instance, and it often creates hurdles with emissions testing through a lack of OBD2 communication. Other aftermarket “upgrade” items that could hurt performance include suspension parts, brake components, or intake and exhaust systems.
Maintaining Your Warranty
One way to maximize your Ford’s lifespan is to comply with the conditions of your Ford warranty from the outset. If an aftermarket part doesn’t harm your vehicle, you won’t invalidate your warranty, but it’s a different story if that part causes problems. You cannot void the warranty with correctly installed OEM components.
Let a Ford Dealer Service Your Ford
When a Ford technician services your vehicle, you know it’s being serviced with original parts. This way, you don’t compromise on performance, safety, or reliability. You’ll maximize your Ford’s lifespan and gain invaluable peace of mind.
Contact Banister Ford of Marlow Heights in Suitland, MD to schedule a service for your vehicle using original Ford parts.
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