Convinced to stick with OEM after an alternator let me down

I always bought aftermarket alternators to save cash, thinking they were just as reliable. But last month, one died on a customer's car during a long trip, leaving them stranded. Seeing the hassle and cost of the tow changed my mind. Now I only use OEM for critical components, even if it costs more.

3 comments

3 Comments

olivers2828d ago

Last winter, my wife's car died on the highway because of a store-bought alternator. We had to call a tow truck in the middle of a snowstorm, and it cost us over two hundred bucks just for the tow. That moment made me realize saving fifty dollars on a part isn't worth the risk of being stuck somewhere dangerous. Now I always go OEM for things like alternators and water pumps. Why do we even bother with the cheap stuff when it causes so much trouble?

fionacraig28d ago

Two hundred just for the tow in a snowstorm? How bad was that store alternator anyway?

charles_cooper12d ago

Ugh, that's the worst! Getting stuck in bad weather is scary. Totally agree that the extra cost for a good part is worth it for peace of mind.