When you are not so familiar with how the mechanical components of a car work, there is little chance that you will try to tackle an auto repair job on your own. This means that you will likely have to spend a lot of money on mechanic or auto repair visits during the ownership of your vehicle. Even though it may not be important to you to get familiar with the parts of your car, it can be helpful to understand specific terms when it comes to auto parts. These descriptive terms can mean a major difference in price or quality of what is used to make necessary repairs and adjustments.

• Aftermarket Auto Parts - Aftermarket parts are vehicle components that do not come from the original manufacturer if the vehicle. Aftermarket parts may not always be built to the same specifications.
• OEM Auto Parts - If a mechanic tells you that he or she will be using OEM parts during an engine repair, the parts were made by a company who was contracted by the original manufacturer. Therefore, there will be no changes in the original design.
• Warehouse Discounted Auto Parts - Many mechanics have access to surplus and warehouse discount auto parts. In some cases, the parts may have slight cosmetic flaws or discrepancies, but will usually function just fine. Some mechanics use warehouse discounted parts to save money on your overall costs.
• Salvaged Auto Parts - If the mechanic mentions using a salvaged part in a repair, it means that they plan to use a vehicle component they have pulled from a salvaged or junk vehicle. In some cases, this is a good thing because it will save you money, but not all parts are good to salvage and use because they can see compromise much more quickly than what it would be with new parts.
• ODM Auto Parts - ODM stands for original design manufacturer. Instead of building parts according to their own plan and design, ODM companies use a different companies specifications to create auto parts. In many cases, ODM parts are cheaper than OEM or aftermarket, but are usually made with the same materials. This is because a specific manufacturer may have easier access to certain materials used in the production process.

If you have a difficult time understanding technical jargon associated with automobile parts, it is best to at least understand some of the most basic descriptors that are used. If an auto repair service uses words that you are not familiar with, be sure to ask for clarification. If you're looking for an auto repair service in your area, visit Oak Hollow Tire Car Care Center Inc.