If your car is in an accident and needs to be repaired, the choice of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) body panels or aftermarket parts will need to be made.

Knowing the difference between the two might not only help you in making an educated decision but might save you a considerable sum of money on your repairs.

OEM Parts Defined

OEM parts are those which have been produced either directly by or for the car manufacturer, and which therefore correspond to the parts originally fitted to the vehicle when it was produced.

Advantages include:

* Exact same factory specification
* Perfect fit and finish
* Branding of the manufacturer

The disadvantage lies with the price of the panel which is often significantly higher compared to aftermarket alternatives.

Aftermarket Body Panels Defined

Aftermarket parts are manufactured by companies specializing in producing such body panels, which will fit specific makes of cars. Reputable aftermarket suppliers manufacture parts which are made for great fit and long lasting  performance at a significantly lower price.

Advantages of Aftermarket Parts

Choosing good aftermarket body panels will give you:

* Lower price of repair
* Good availability of parts
* Quick delivery
* Good price for insurance or private repair
* Wide range of vehicle applications

Many independent garages and accident repair centers often use aftermarket parts wherever necessary, as the choice allows the right balance between quality and price.

Are Aftermarket Panels Good Quality?

The quality of the panel depends on its manufacturer and the supplier itself. The purchase from an experienced specialist will ensure that you get panels made to fit properly and last for a long time.

Which Choice to Make?

For some specialized repairs or warranty repair, you might prefer OEM parts. For many other repairs, however, you can find an excellent solution in choosing premium aftermarket body panels.

Why Choose Dial4Panels?

Dial4Panels has supplied aftermarket crash repair parts throughout the UK for over 40 years. We offer an extensive selection of parts covering thousands of vehicle applications and help you to find great replacement panels easily and with certainty.

Not sure if you should choose OEM or aftermarket panel? Our team will gladly assist.