With trucks moving roughly 71.5% of all United States freight, maintaining your rig is important to ensure that you stay productive and on schedule. Truck replacement parts can be readily found; however, if you’re looking to buy aftermarket reliable truck parts, there are a few myths to consider. To help clear the air and better understand aftermarket selections, here are the top three myths explained.

1. All Parts are Equal

While a part may look the same, it won’t always function as you’d like. Because parts of the original manufacturer are tailored for your specific make and model, you can always trust that the part will work as advertised. Aftermarket parts can be more finicky, requiring greater investigation before settling on the one best for you. While you can find many replacement parts online, it’s important to read reviews and testimonials from previous customers to ensure you’re not buying a dud. When it comes to finding great truck replacement parts, not all are created equally.

2. A Higher Price is Better

Just as you can’t judge a replacement part based on how it looks, you also shouldn’t judge based on pricing. While the lower cost of aftermarket parts is what draws many people in, you shouldn’t assume that the higher-priced items will automatically be better. Often times customers find that the middle ground is best when it comes to pricing. Not too expensive upfront but not priced low enough to compromise quality. Overall, as with the above, reading previous reviews can give you insight into part buyer’s experiences. For instance, if you want to buy the lowest priced option, but find that reviews indicate it failing sooner than usual, you might end up spending more overall due to the cost of more frequent replacements.

3. Brand Name Parts are More Reliable

While many people put their trust in brand names and hold them up as the gold standard, oftentimes you can find aftermarket parts that work just as well, if not better. The only difference is you will have to do some digging. Lesser-known companies will often offer competitive pricing as they try to stand out, making them solid investments for truckers looking for affordable quality parts. If you’d like specific recommendations, speaking with a local mechanic or auto parts shop can offer you insights into the most respected aftermarket brands that you otherwise wouldn’t know about.

If you need truck replacement parts, don’t be fooled by the myths surrounding the aftermarket industry. While it does require research to find the most reliable parts, in the end, you can stand to save money without compromising on quality. If you would like more information about aftermarket options, don’t hesitate to reach out to local experts or the aftermarket manufacturers themselves. With a bit of research, you can find the best aftermarket parts for your rig, ensuring that you can get back out on the road fast.