Why should you buy genuine Chevrolet or OEM GM car parts instead of third-party or generic car parts?  The short answer:  only Chevy car parts are custom made to fit specific Chevrolet models.  Each car part and corresponding part number fits a specific Chevrolet model code exactly - this means a Camaro LT and Camaro 2SS can have very different parts.  Why trust a generic, all-encompassing car part that isn't made to fit your specific Chevy?  Is the couple pennies saved worth a potential disaster down the road?  That's like driving around without insurance, and in our opinion the saved money isn't close in value to the potential risk.

Here's another few reasons why it's important to buy OEM, genuine Chevrolet parts.  For more details, check out our full parts frequently asked questions page.

Do I need to buy a Chevrolet car part for my Chevrolet repair?
Of course not.  You are more than welcome to, as mentioned above, save a few bucks and go for the cheaper, non-Chevy or GM-branded part.  So why don't we recommend it?  Aftermarket parts, while seemingly the same, generally suffer from either a lower quality composition, a "one size fits all" mentality, or at the worst of times both.

Chevrolet's car parts and General Motors car parts (which includes Saturn and Pontiac parts mind you) are engineered out of the best materials possible and they fit like nothing else - for lack of a more eloquent term, they fit like a glove!

What about used parts?  Are they okay?
One of the benefits of buying new Chevrolet car parts in VT from Handy Chevrolet is that many components come with a factory warranty of some kind.  Used car parts obviously will not.  As for car parts that have no form of warranty, what sets a new car part apart from a used version is the simple wear and tear factor:  how long can you trust a used pair of windshield wipers?  If you payed 60% of the price of a new set and they last 25% as long at only 40% performance from day one, what's the value there?

Is it bad to buy add-on accessories that aren't Chevy-branded?
This question we hear a lot, and it's a tough one to answer.  Generally speaking, if there is no authorization from Chevrolet or General Motors, the part could damage your vehicle, cause injury, and even void your warranty.  In these cases we of course say no!  However some aftermarket parts are approved by Chevrolet Motors and General Motors.  In these cases, you are more than welcome to put them on your new or used car, and it's also likely we can get them for you at a competitive price.  As for genuine Chevrolet add-on accessories, that's a no-brainer, and the best way to go if you're looking for a way to differentiate your Chevrolet from another.

For more details on genuine Chevy parts and accessories, check our genuine GM parts and accessories page or email parts manager Bob Hilliker.

Call our parts department directly, toll-free at 888-316-6471.  You can also try our live chat program during normal business hours to instant message a Handy Chevy representative.