If you’ve ever received a car repair estimate from a dealer or local mechanic to replace a broken headlamp, or price-shopped online for replacement parts for common products like fenders or bumpers, you’ve probably encountered what are known as aftermarket parts. Rather than parts branded by automakers, aftermarket parts feature independent labels offered by alternative suppliers. Aftermarket parts can often be found at both dealerships as well as independent repair shops, providing choice that benefits everyone.
Choice means savings
Alternative parts can be up to 50% less expensive than original manufacturers’ prices. And these cost savings don’t come at the expense of quality, either. In fact, both automakers and alternative suppliers use the same processes to produce auto parts. In many cases, alternative parts are often made by the same manufacturers that produce automaker-branded parts. The point is clear: alternative suppliers provide consumers with quality choices and better prices when it comes to car repairs.
Choice supports jobs in our communities
In California, the automotive repair industry employs about 73,000 people. That’s more car mechanics than there are nurses, electricians, or bartenders in the Golden State. Many of these jobs are at independent repair shops, which rely on aftermarket parts. Nationwide, the automotive aftermarket industry generates approximately $400 billion in annual revenue, supporting more than 4.7 million jobs.
Choice contributes to local economies
Car repair shops, two-thirds of which are family-owned in the U.S., benefit from offering consumers a selection of parts to choose from. On top of that, these family-owned businesses bestow a number of benefits on their communities, such as gainful employment and financial support for local organizations and initiatives.
From supporting affordable repairs and jobs to empowering small businesses, the aftermarket parts industry brings reliability and choice to communities across the country. Unfortunately, repair restrictions are narrowing options for many repair shops and consumers. Learn more by downloading our toolkit.
