We are going to clarify a common misconception that car owners and even some car repair shop owners have when it comes to buying a part replacement for a vehicle.
LKQ auto parts are not Aftermarket parts.
Yes, these two terms are often misused, especially at small auto repair shops. Some online brands also have it backwards and still call LKQ parts “Aftermarket”, but this is not surprising even when Google participates in spreading this misinformation.
When you type “What does LKQ stand for ?” Google tells you that it stands for Like Kind, Quality, which is correct, however, it proceeds to falsely explain that the most common name for LKQ parts is Aftermarket parts. And unfortunately this is also true, because most people call LKQ parts Aftermarket parts, even though they are not the same thing.
We are going to change that today! At least for you, so you can school your friends or co-workers at the repair shop with your newly acquired knowledge.
LKQ parts are actually recycled/refurbished parts or simply, used auto parts. Technically LKQ parts are still OEM parts, the only difference is that they are not brand new and are also not going to burn a hole in your wallet when you buy them.
On the contrary, Aftermarket parts are replacements made by third party manufacturers, which are not the same manufacturers that built your vehicle. This means the parts are very cheap compared to OEM versions of the same part, however they do not have the same fit or finish as the original ones.
So now you know what LKQ and Aftermarket mean, but we are going to give you some more tips to guide you in your next auto part purchase.
Choose LKQ Over Aftermarket & OEM Parts
When choosing the type of part you want to use for your vehicle it all comes down to the price.
LKQ parts prices are on par with aftermarket. Especially LKQ used auto parts, which can be even cheaper than an aftermarket replacement part made by a third party manufacturer.
Because aftermarket parts are not made by the manufacturer that built your vehicle, these usually do not have the same fit or finish as the original parts; in result affecting the quality of your work, or making it more complicated and harder to install.
These flaws are most prominent on Aftermarket auto body parts which usually do not have the exact same sizes and tolerances as LKQ body parts, which causes gaps on the exterior parts when installed on a vehicle.
For example: An LKQ hood will fit perfectly, and an aftermarket one will usually leave a bigger gap between the hood and the fender on one of the sides, this will look poorly on any auto body shop, or yourself when you take your awesome car to the car meet.
This may seem minor but these are only exterior parts.
If you use an aftermarket mechanical component such as a catalytic converter, you will have to make so many modifications to your exhaust system in order to install it: Making the money you saved almost not worth it compared to the extra hours you spent installing it. Also buying a new OEM one which usually runs in the $1,000 plus range will hurt your budget. And that is what we are trying to avoid in the first place.
The Benefits of LKQ Parts
- Ease of installment: LKQ used auto parts require no modifications to install. This is great if you are not a professional mechanic and just want to DIY your car repair. A great resource with hundreds of car repair guides and video tutorials to help you do this is called YouCanic.
- Maintaining value: Another benefit of LKQ parts is that these will maintain your car value, unlike some Aftermarket parts which usually do not come with a long warranty.
Furthermore, in some cases it will even help you not to Betray Your Old Car, or on the other hand help you sell it faster. By installing an LKQ engine or an LKQ transmission with less mileage you are extending the life of your vehicle so it can keep serving you for many more years to come.
- Helping our planet: Finally, a bit more of a “feel good” perk is that you are helping the planet by using recycled parts. These are fully functional auto parts that could not fulfill their full life cycle.
Where Do I Get The Best LKQ Used Auto Parts?
We just showed you how great LKQ parts are, however you shouldn’t buy used auto parts from just anyone.
If you buy used parts from an individual, you have no guarantee that they will not break a couple days from installment, or will be completely functional. It is also a bit of a hassle to have to go pull it yourself from a junkyard near you.
So if you are an auto body shop looking for an auto body parts supplier, an individual that wants to repair their own car at home, or an enthusiast looking for LKQ engines for sale, to swap that project car sitting in the garage; then My Auto Store is the place for you.
My Auto Store has the best quality LKQ parts inventory in the East Coast. All our used car parts go through 4 different levels of quality control and come with a 6 months warranty. Browse through hundreds of LKQ parts online at our fully mobile optimized website, from LKQ engines to LKQ transmissions and LKQ wheels. My Auto Store has it all.
Now don’t waste time and check out our used engines and transmissions online! If you think of something you have been looking for in your own car, or that your client needs, we can help with that too. Give our team a call, when you Contact Us, one of our parts experts will do everything they can to get you the car part you need.
Go, spread the knowledge! And look no further now that you have the best resource to get the most affordable and high quality LKQ parts in the market! Every part, Every time.
