Do I need to use genuine parts for my car?

When repairing or replacing car parts, it’s important to get the best parts for your car's performance, safety, and longevity. A common question we hear is: “Should I use genuine parts for my car?”

If your car is still under warranty, using genuine parts is the best choice. Using non-genuine parts could void your warranty. In other cases, we use high-quality and certified OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. As a rule of thumb at Andrew Dodds Autocare, we never use cheap aftermarket parts.

When you book your car into our Ayr car garage, we will use your registration number to order the correct parts for your vehicle’s make and model and provide you with a quote.

The difference between genuine and OEM parts

There are two types of car parts available at Andrew Dodds Autocare: genuine or OEM. We never buy or fit cheap aftermarket parts.  

Genuine car parts

Genuine car parts — the best choice for cars under warranty — are what the vehicle manufacturer (i.e. Toyota, BMW, Ford, etc.) installed in your car originally. They will be branded by your manufacturer and will usually be more expensive than other options. They have excellent fit, performance, and durability as they are made specifically for your vehicle.

If your car is still under warranty, we will only use genuine parts, never OEM parts. If your car has exceeded its warranty, we will only use genuine parts if you have specified them. Otherwise, we will use certified OEM parts.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)

OEM parts are made by the same companies that produce genuine parts for the manufacturer, but are sold under a different brand. These parts are identical to genuine parts in terms of quality and fit, but they come in different packaging and are usually more affordable.

Well-known companies like Bosch, Brembo, and MANN-FILTER manufacture OEM parts that meet manufacturer standards. They will be cheaper than genuine parts, but they may void your car’s warranty — we will always double-check this and only use them if your car has exceeded the warranty. Otherwise, they will also offer excellent fit, performance, and durability.

Why using genuine or OEM parts matters

While genuine and OEM parts may be more expensive, they can be the best decision in the long run. First of all, they are safer and more reliable, so your vehicle operates as it is intended. You’ll likely experience fewer malfunctions, lowering the risk of things going wrong while driving.

Genuine and OEM parts are also designed to fit seamlessly with your vehicle and function extremely well, improving their longevity and reducing wear and tear. For the best performance, we recommend choosing a genuine or OEM part.

Choosing a genuine or OEM part can keep your warranty valid. We will always check this for you and let you know what you think.

Oil matters too

As well as using genuine parts, it’s important to use the right engine oil for your car’s make and model. Different vehicles require specific grades and types of oils to ensure optimal performance and longevity. At Andrew Dodds Autocare, we only use the manufacturer-recommended engine oil for your car. We never use multi-purpose oil.

Modern engines are highly specialised. There is no one-size-fits-all engine oil. For example, modern engines need thinner, low-viscosity oils to enhance fuel-economy potential, protect high-performance components, and reduce friction for smoother operation.

An appropriate engine oil will minimise wear and tear, preventing chemical reactions that can degrade engine parts. This will protect the car’s functionality and reduce unnecessary emissions. Choosing the right oil specification protects your engine and extends its lifespan.

What OEM parts does Andrew Dodds Autocare use?

While we offer genuine parts if your car is under warranty or you’ve specifically requested it, in all other cases, we use certified OEM parts. The brands we trust and use include Bosch, Brembo, Pagid, MANN-FILTERS, Castrol and Shell.

It’s important for us to use well-known manufacturers with good reviews and industry certifications. For example, many Audi, BMW, and Mercedes parts originally came from Brembo, making the replacement parts identical to the original genuine parts.

Genuine components for a smooth, safe journey

Genuine and quality OEM parts are the best for your vehicle's safety, performance, and resale value. At our car garage, we never recommend or fit out cheap aftermarket parts.

The professional team at Andrew Dodds Autocare in Ayr is always available for a consultation before making decisions about replacement parts. We will do our best to source genuine parts that keep your warranty valid and honour your budget requirements. Contact us for more details.