Are OEM Toyota Wheel Speed Sensors Better Than Aftermarket?
If one of your Toyota's wheel speed sensors fails, it's important to replace it ASAP. Failing to replace it will result the malfunction of the ABS and/or traction control systems, which are very important in preventing accidents in slippery weather.
Before buying a replacement wheel speed sensor, you need to decide whether to get an OEM or aftermarket part. It's an important decision to make. It's because there are many differences between both types of sensors.
In this comparison guide, we'll determine which type of sensor provides the most value for your money. Let's go over the most important factors to consider when shopping for a replacement wheel speed sensor. We'll also see how OEM and aftermarket sensors stack up against each other.
1. Material Quality
Wheel speed sensors are mounted near the wheels. That means they get exposed to a lot of dirt, moisture, road salt, road grime, etc. If you install a wheel speed sensor that's built with inferior grade materials, expect it to corrode and fail early. This can happen as soon as a few months after purchase.
Brand new OEM wheel speed sensors are made with quality materials and rigorous testing standards. Toyota wants to ensure they function right for many years.
Aftermarket wheel speed sensors can be made with inferior grade materials. These materials won't handle corrosion as well as the higher-quality metals used in OEM sensors. Some aftermarket sensors are even made from bare aluminum, which is prone to corrosion.
2. Compatibility With The Vehicle's Electrical System
Vehicles with ABS and/or traction control systems rely on the signal from the wheel speed sensors to determine how fast the wheel is rotating. What happens if you install an aftermarket sensor that's not exactly compatible with your car's electrical system? It could affect the ABS and/or traction control systems' ability to function.
No company knows your vehicle's electrical system better than Toyota does. Because of that, you can be confident that an OEM wheel speed sensor will work with your car's electrical system.
3. Warranty And Reliability
The aftermarket parts industry is largely unregulated. That means there are little to no industry standards or best practices in place for quality assurance or reliability. Because of this, there are a lot more low-quality and unreliable aftermarket wheel speed sensors to choose from.
Toyota wants its customers to remain safe on the road, so the company offers a 12-month, unlimited mile warranty for OEM wheel speed sensors. Most aftermarket companies don't offer any warranty on their products.
Conclusion: OEM Wheel Speed Sensors Are The Better Investment
OEM wheel speed sensors are designed specifically for Toyota vehicles. It's because they're built with high-grade materials. They also undergo extreme testing processes to ensure that they're dependable and durable.
OEM wheel speed sensors are generally more expensive than aftermarket ones. If you're looking for a product that will last the test of time, however, OEM is still the way to go. You'll be glad you made that investment when your new sensor lasts many years. It's likely that the aftermarket ones you would have paid a fraction of the price for will fail after a short time.
But, you can score low prices for a replacement OEM wheel speed sensor. We're an online retailer of genuine OEM Toyota parts, including shocks, wheel speed sensors, oxygen sensors, and more. Our overhead costs are so low that we're able to offer deeply discounted prices. Look up your Toyota model in our catalog of genuine OEM wheel speed sensors and order yours today!