There’s a mind-boggling number of individual parts that go into the construction of a motor vehicle.

So, when replacement parts are needed, where should they be sourced from?

Price, quality and availability will all be factors that influence the choice.

Vehicle manufacturers need to be able to supply as ‘genuine parts’, through their dealer network, virtually all parts for all the models and variants they currently produce along with many previous models.

However, there’s also a flourishing industry supplying after-market parts, typically popular service parts (e.g. filters, belts, hoses, brake pads etc) and other frequently required mechanical or electrical parts and even some body panels.

Many items won’t be available in the after-market though – this would include items that are less commonly required, items that are very complex to manufacturer and designs that have some form of legal protection.

Some genuine parts are supplied to the vehicle maker by a third-party original equipment manufacturer who may also sell a part of identical specification and quality into the aftermarket parts supply chain.

Many people think after-market parts are always cheaper than genuine parts, but that isn’t necessarily true, especially with common service parts.

So do your homework and check first.

There are many quality after-market parts available.

However, most vehicle owners are likely to find determining the quality of parts from different sources almost impossible.

Brand, reputation and the seller’s recommendation might be the only guide.

In many cases, owners will be relying on the judgment of repairers to select suitable replacement parts.

Don’t be afraid though to discuss with them what type of parts will be used and their pros and cons.

Genuine parts from an authorised dealer offer a dependable choice as they have been manufactured and tested to meet the vehicle’s original specifications, quality, safety, reliability and performance standards.