Are OEM Toyota Power Steering Pumps Better Than Aftermarket?
When it comes to maintaining your Toyota, choosing between OEM and aftermarket parts can seem like a difficult decision. This is true for maintenance parts like brake pads or spark plugs and also repair parts like power steering pumps.
It may seem like there is little to no difference, but there are definite advantages to using OEM parts, and they can also save you time and money. In this blog post, we will talk about those advantages and why, if you need a power steering pump, the OEM option is the best bet for your Toyota car, truck, or SUV.
OEM Parts Are Engineered For Toyota Vehicles
OEM parts, like power steering pumps, are specifically designed to fit your Toyota vehicle. This means they not only meet OEM specifications but are compatible with the specific make and model of your Toyota car, truck, or SUV. As a result, the power steering pump will be easier to install and perform better than the aftermarket equivalent. No modifications will be needed to make the part fit and function exactly as Toyota intended.
OEM Toyota Parts Are Better Quality
Opting for OEM power steering pumps means you're getting genuine Toyota quality. That also means the power steering pump is made with high-quality materials and undergoes rigorous testing and quality control measures to ensure it meets Toyota's tough standards. For this reason, the power steering pump will perform better and last longer than your average aftermarket pump. (Learn what poor power steering pump performance looks like here.)
With an aftermarket pump, you're gambling on the part's quality and reliability. Therefore, it may not perform as well or last as long as the OEM power steering pump made by Toyota. Aftermarket parts are often reverse engineered, a process that can't guarantee the same quality as OEM parts.
Toyota OEM Parts Warranty
Image Credit: PeterFinnTheCarDoctor
Aftermarket power steering pumps vary greatly in quality. They may or may not come with a warranty because there are typically very low standards for quality or reliability in the aftermarket industry. Even if it does have a warranty, it may be difficult to return the part, or you may have to pay shipping or a restocking fee.
All Toyota OEM parts, including power steering pumps, come with the Toyota manufacturer's warranty, which covers them for 12 months and unlimited mileage. If you ever have problems during the warranty period, just return it to your Toyota parts center.
OEM Toyota Parts Will Save You Money
Even though aftermarket parts may have a cheaper up-front price, you could end up spending more money in the long run. That's because OEM Toyota power steering pumps provide better value due to their quality, performance, and durability.
Aftermarket products may be cheaper to buy, but the potential for more frequent replacements and associated repair costs can quickly add up and cost significantly more over the life of your Toyota.
Olathe Toyota Has Genuine OEM Power Steering Pumps
At the Olathe Toyota Parts Center, all we carry are genuine OEM power steering pumps for your Toyota car, truck, or SUV. You can be sure you're getting the best quality at the lowest prices on parts backed by Toyota's 12-month, unlimited miles warranty.
We also offer several free online resources like Toyota paint code guides or our Toyota VIN decoder, and our helpful staff is always happy to find the right parts for your vehicle.
If you have questions about your Toyota's power steering or other systems, just contact us!