February 26, 2019

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Trust Factory-Approved Accessories for Your Volkswagen

At Archer Volkswagen, we've seen just about everything when it comes to adding things on a vehicle after it's left the dealership. Often, these upgrades are installed with more thought given to the looks than how the aftermarket accessory will affect the vehicle and its performance. Below, we look at five of the most important reasons why you should trust the engineers who designed your Volkswagen and stick to the accessories they have approved. We believe it's important for our customers to have the facts. So, if you have any questions, please contact us online, over the phone, or in person in our factory-authorized VW service center at 10400 Southwest Frwy, Houston, TX 77074.

5. Know That You're Getting a Quality Volkswagen Accessory

Now, we're not going to blow smoke at you and suggest that you can't get a quality part unless it comes from Volkswagen. The aftermarket does offer quality products in some cases. However, there are also a lot of aftermarket parts out there that aren?t worth the paper their receipt was printed on.

It may not seem to matter much when it comes to dress up accessories like valve stem covers or shiny exhaust tips, but that's not always the case. Take the valve stem covers for instance. They may look just fine, but if the threaded part cracks because finger-tight is just a bit much for it, then you're no better off than before buying the accessory.

The matter of quality is why Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts and accessories are backed by a 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty. You typically won't find this level of confidence behind aftermarket parts.

4. Why Take the Risk of Installing Aftermarket Parts?

This is closely related to #5 on this list. You see, while there are quality parts available in the aftermarket, you almost have to be an industry insider and avid enthusiast with a lot of wrench time under your belt to know the difference. That means there is a lot of risk when choosing aftermarket parts. What's more, the price of the parts is simply not a good indication of the quality you'll be getting. If you do manage to find the high-quality parts or accessories in the aftermarket, there's still a risk that they may cause issues with other factory components on your vehicle.

3. Aftermarket Parts Are Not Always Cheaper

Sure, you may be able to save a few bucks with those aftermarket side steps for your Volkswagen SUV, but that won't mean much if they come loose and put a huge gouge in the side of your ride. This is just one example of the potential aftermarket parts have of becoming much more expensive than simply going with VW genuine accessories. Of course, there's also a good chance that the cheaper aftermarket option stops working as it should, which means you'll have wasted your money.

2. VW Genuine Accessories are Guaranteed to Fit

The aftermarket automotive part and accessory market is big business, and the way they make as much money as they can is by making parts and accessories that fit as wide a range of vehicles as possible. Imagine finally getting that aftermarket VW accessory that you ordered last month only to find that you'll have to make major modifications for it to fit your model. Instead, factory-approved Volkswagen parts and accessories are designed and engineered specifically for your model. That way, there's no doubt that it will fit and function properly for the long road ahead.

1. VW Genuine Accessories & Parts are Backed by a Warranty

It's never good when things go wrong. However, if a part or accessory for your Volkswagen does have an issue, it's nice to know that it's backed by a warranty. At least, it will be if you stuck with genuine VW parts and accessories. Few aftermarket car products come with a warranty.

Though, this really isn't the most important part of a warranty. What the warranty on genuine VW accessories tells you is that one of the world's largest automotive manufacturers is confident enough in the quality of their work that they stand behind it with a warranty. That not only makes it more affordable if something goes wrong, but you'll have the peace of mind that comes with a product that's designed to last.