The Complete Guide to Purchasing VW Parts

Volkswagen cars are among the most reliable and stable vehicles on the road. Their compact builds and efficient engines make them durable and fast, a combination that's solidified their reputation through the years.

However, as with many other foreign cars, finding reliable car parts for these vehicles can be tricky and expensive. If you take your Volkswagen to the auto shop, they'll likely charge a pretty penny for new VW parts. 

Fortunately, the internet has expanded the world of car maintenance in extraordinary ways. For the first time, you can find foreign parts with relative ease and greatly reduced costs. 

In this blog, we'll give you a guide to finding reputable and reliable parts for your Volkswagen. Let's get started!

Terms To Know

In most cases, auto part stores and dealerships categorize replacement parts in three ways. If you learn these categories, the results can save you volumes of cash.

The first category to know is Genuine. This category means that the part comes from the vehicle's original manufacturer. You can identify a genuine part by whether it comes with the sticker or label of the vehicle manufacturer. If it doesn't, then it's not genuine. 

The second category is an acronym called OEM. This acronym stands for "original equipment manufacturer," meaning that the original part manufacturer created this replacement part as well. 

VW OEM parts differ slightly from Genuine parts. Their certifiability comes from the part manufacturer rather than the vehicle's original maker.

Lastly, there's the Aftermarket category. These parts don't come from any of the original vehicle or part manufacturers. However, third-party companies craft these parts with the same machinery and processes as the original and part manufacturers.

When To Buy Genuine and OEM VW Parts

Depending on your situation, you may not need genuine or OEM parts for your Volkswagen. If all you need to replace is a broken tail light, you can probably afford to buy a generic part. 

In other situations, however, authentic parts become a necessity. For instance, if you experience issues with your car battery, you're better off taking your car to the Volkswagen dealership. When dealing with such essential VW parts, authenticity is your best approach.

Similarly, if you need replacement tires, you'll likely find OEM tires work best for your vehicle. With OEM replacement tires, you can rest easy knowing that your vehicle uses tires designed for it. You won't have to worry about them being a poor match. 

Variations In Prices

At last, we've arrived at the chief concern for many buyers: cost of parts. Aftermarket parts almost always save you money compared to Genuine or OEM parts. In many cases, they even provide similar quality. 

However, OEM parts come with extra reliability. You know these parts will perform well with your vehicle, as they share the original parts' manufacturer. Moreover, OEM parts usually come with one-year warranties, which Aftermarket parts don't always provide.

Find Your Best Parts Today

If you love your Volkswagen vehicle, then invest in the best VW parts available to you. If you're not sure where to begin your search, check out our website! We have several parts compatible with a wide variety of vehicle models. Visit us today to learn more!