An after market car part is any component made by a supplier other than your vehicle’s original manufacturer, designed to elevate your car’s performance, aesthetics, or both.
For passionate enthusiasts, these parts—often precision-engineered in carbon fiber—unlock custom style, added strength, and advanced aerodynamics unmatched by stock options.
By choosing quality after market car parts, you get guaranteed fitment, innovative design, and the flexibility to upgrade your car on your own terms.
Selecting the right part can mean the difference between blending in or truly making your vehicle stand out.
Understand the Difference: After Market Car Part vs OEM Part
Car enthusiasts know performance and appearance rest on component choice. Swapping OEM for after market can completely change your driving experience, and how your car stands out at a meet or on the street. But what’s the real difference? Here’s the breakdown.
Key contrasts between after market and OEM parts:
- OEM parts come from the original maker. They guarantee the same fit and finish as factory. Best if you want stock performance and peace of mind.
- After market parts are built by third-party experts. These open doors to custom design, unique finishes, and performance boosts OEM never offers.
- You will save money with after market. On average, OEM can cost up to 60% more, making repairs or upgrades more expensive.
- Insurance companies often choose after market for cost and wide availability. That means your claim gets processed faster and more affordably.
- Premium after market brands, like us at ASM Design, engineer parts to strict standards. We use pre-preg carbon, precise ABS molding, and sculpt components for factory-level fitment. No loose tolerances, no cheap shortcuts.
- Quality matters. Lower-quality after market parts without certification (like CAPA) can impact safety and fit. Stick to trusted suppliers and well-reviewed brands to avoid issues.
For passionate drivers chasing something beyond “just stock,” after market parts unlock real choice, real savings, and real performance.
Why Choose an After Market Car Part for Your Vehicle
After market upgrades let you break free from limitations. Whether you want grip, style, or that extra head-turner factor, you need parts designed with passion, not just mass production.
What Sets After Market Apart for Enthusiasts
If you care about your car, choose upgrades that live up to your ambition.
- Product variety: Dozens of quality options for every model and generation. Even when OEM stops making parts, after market brands answer enthusiast demand fast.
- Rapid availability: Skip the long wait times for OEM orders. Most after market parts are at local stores or ship quickly from specialists.
- Custom fit: Many after market suppliers obsess over model-specific fit for seamless integration. Our team, for example, prototypes everything to match precise vehicle lines—no guesswork.
- Enhanced design: Enjoy innovative aerodynamics or modern gloss black finishes. Carbon fiber splitters and spoilers offer less weight, better strength, and sharper visuals. These features don’t come from the factory.
- Community and reputation: The after market is fueled by enthusiasts sharing tips, feedback, real-world installs. The result? Parts that evolve with trends, and upgrades built for real drivers.
How Quality and Craftsmanship Define After Market Car Parts
Your upgrade is only as good as the build quality behind it. It’s tempting to go cheap, but sacrificing the right material and engineering hurts not only looks, but safety and value.
What Premium After Market Really Means
At ASM, attention to fit, finish, and function separates us from the rest.
- Advanced materials: Pre-preg dry carbon means lighter, stronger, more durable upgrades. High-gloss ABS or carbon finishes mirror supercar quality.
- R&D focus: Each part is measured, modeled, and re-modeled for a true bolt-on fit. Guaranteed fitment is part of our promise, backed by real-world testing.
- Warranty and support: We’ve got your back with comprehensive warranties and a 24/7 expert team. You drive with confidence, not worry.
- Installation made simple: Detailed guides, fast shipping, and community support reduce the headaches and delays that can come from other brands.
- Endurance testing: We don’t just make aesthetic upgrades. Components go through stress tests to ensure they maintain safety standards, even at high speed or under track conditions.
Bolt-on upgrades done right multiply your pride in your car—and protect every dollar you invest.
What to Consider Before Buying an After Market Car Part
Ready to upgrade? Wise choices now mean more enjoyment and fewer regrets. Avoid the traps of poor fitment and hidden costs by planning ahead.
Key Questions Every Enthusiast Must Answer
- Purpose: Is your goal looks, downforce, or both? Narrowing your purpose focuses your search, making it easier to avoid distractions.
- Fitment: Double check compatibility for your model, year, and trim. Quality brands will provide fitment charts or direct help.
- Supplier trust: Read reviews, look for proven customer builds, and see if you can access install guides or real help. We put every guide and reference up front—because uncertainty wastes your time.
- Warranty impact: Some mods affect warranty terms. Always verify with OEM and check that your after market provider, like us, stands behind their promises.
- Long-term value: Don’t just buy for today. Choose parts and brands that add resale appeal and deliver durability, not just temporary style.
How After Market Car Parts Impact Performance, Aesthetics, and Value
After market car parts change the way your car feels, drives, and even how much it’s worth. Smart choices reward you every day, from the street to the resell offer.
Why Upgrades Make an Immediate Impact
- Performance: Carbon fiber splitters and spoilers increase both grip and speed, reducing drag while adding downforce. You corner harder, accelerate faster.
- Styling: Gloss black trims and carbon upgrades give your ride a modern, aggressive look—no factory package comes close.
- Investment: Premium parts raise curb appeal, but only if installation and fitment are perfect. Poorly fitted or unbranded parts do the opposite, costing you value at trade-in or sale.
- Insurance and resale: Document your upgrades, use trusted installers, and keep receipts. That way, your hard work adds value instead of raising questions.
An after market part isn’t just a swap. It’s a statement, a leap forward, and an investment—when you choose the right source.
What Insurance and Warranty Providers Say About After Market Car Parts
Turning your car into something exceptional comes with practical questions: How will upgrades affect insurance? Does your OEM warranty still count? The answers matter. Let’s get specific about what to expect.
What to Know Before You Modify
- Insurance premiums may go up if your parts improve performance or make your ride more appealing to thieves. Some safety-oriented upgrades might help reduce your rate instead.
- Most manufacturers will deny warranty claims if an after market part causes the problem. Always check your car’s warranty and keep your receipts handy.
- While choosing CAPA-certified parts gives you an edge, sticking with trusted brands—and professional installation—reduces claim hassles and legal headaches.
- Documentation is key. If you want a smooth insurance process after an accident or theft, provide proof of purchase and photos of your installed upgrades.
- Local laws and your provider’s policies may influence whether you get an OEM or after market part in a claim. Know your coverage before you make your next move.
Declaring your upgrades and keeping thorough records gives you more leverage when it matters.
How to Identify High-Quality After Market Car Parts and Avoid Pitfalls
Not all upgrades are created equal. Strong materials and expert engineering separate pro-level parts from quick fixes that cause regrets down the line.
How to Spot the Best and Dodge Mistakes
- Look for detailed specs, clear quality marks, and guarantees on fitment. At ASM, every component comes with transparent data and a real warranty.
- Choose parts with customer support, fitting instructions, and a clear return policy. We back our claims with 24/7 help and straightforward returns.
- Avoid rock-bottom prices and unbranded items, which often mean poor construction, unreliable fit, or even safety hazards.
- Always verify certifications—like CAPA or ISO—when possible.
- Community reviews and success stories highlight which brands consistently satisfy enthusiasts and professional installers.
If you trust what works, you’ll spend less time fixing mistakes and more time enjoying real results.
How to Install After Market Car Parts: Professional vs DIY
Installing after market parts is a rush—when you do it right. Poor installation wastes money, risks safety, and can take away from your car’s value. Here’s the playbook.
Professional Install or DIY? How to Decide
- Complex upgrades—carbon splitters, spoilers, aggressive body kits—demand pro skills. Use a certified installer for these, and you maximize both performance and warranty support.
- Minor mods or accessories? Detailed guides and clear instructions let experienced enthusiasts handle it themselves, especially with the right tools.
- At ASM, we make it simple: Access fitting guides online, and get direct support. Our installer network ensures your investment gets the finish it deserves.
- Always document your install, take photos, and use OEM-grade hardware where required.
- DIY can save money, but only if you follow expert advice precisely. For anything affecting structure or safety, play it safe and go pro.
Trust experience for the big jobs. Quick results today mean fewer problems tomorrow and more confidence every mile.
Frequently Asked Questions About After Market Car Parts
You’ve got questions. We answer them every day. Here are the ones that matter most.
- Will after market car parts void my factory warranty? Sometimes—especially with performance mods. Always ask your dealer and check our warranty details before installing.
- Are after market car parts safe for daily or spirited driving? If you choose top-quality, tested parts, yes. Our carbon fiber components get track-tested and stress-tested for real-world conditions.
- What’s the difference between carbon fiber and ABS plastic? Carbon fiber delivers superior strength and lighter weight for demanding performance; ABS is cost-effective and good for simple styling.
- Can I return or exchange after market parts? With ASM, yes—if it doesn’t fit, reach out. We make sure you get the right component for your specific model.
- Do after market upgrades affect insurance? Usually, yes. Tell your company, keep your documentation, and be clear on your policy coverage.
We keep everything up front, so you make clear, confident choices.
Real Stories: Transforming Cars with After Market Car Parts
Every day, fellow enthusiasts push their builds further. We witness these transformations firsthand, from subtle styling moves to full carbon fiber body kits.
Check out the all-carbon BMW G82 M4 in our gallery—a perfect case of boosted handling, bold presence, and flawless fit. Same-day shipping meant no waiting around, and our install resources turned an intimidating project into a total knockout.
Our customers rave about getting support at midnight when they run into a snag, and how our precise pre-preg carbon matches OEM standards but delivers extra attitude. Every finished project isn’t just a car; it’s a headline.
Real success stories aren’t about luck—they come from smart upgrades, rapid shipping, and relentless support.
Conclusion: Unlock Your Car’s Full Potential with the Right After Market Car Part
You want your car’s look, capability, and feel to match your ambition. Smart after market upgrades provide that edge. From fitment to finish to service, every decision counts.
Do the homework. Choose premium brands. Use expert installers. Explore ASM’s carbon fiber and gloss black parts—backed by fast shipping, real guarantees, and genuine support.
Ready for the next level? Reach out, check your options, and make your next upgrade your best yet.
