Are Chevy OEM Park Assist Camera Systems Better Than Aftermarket?
Has the park assist camera system on your Chevy failed? If you're ready to replace it, you may be trying to decide between an OEM or aftermarket replacement. This OEM vs. aftermarket comparison guide has some information you may find helpful.
In this guide, you'll learn why OEM park assist camera systems are a better investment.
OEM Chevy Camera Systems Are Built With High Quality Materials
OEM manufacturers have higher quality standards than many aftermarket manufacturers. This blog post has more details. It's because auto manufacturers, including Chevy, compete with each other over quality. And, they offer a warranty. As a result, OEM Chevy camera systems are designed and built with the best materials.
In contrast, aftermarket replacements may contain inferior materials. In some cases, these parts may not be as durable as the factory equipment they're replacing. You'll also find that many of these products lack OEM's attention to detail. This results in parts that are not as aesthetically appealing.
The lens on an aftermarket camera system may be made of plastic, for example. OEM Chevy camera systems come standard with high-quality glass lenses. This means that the lens is more durable and less likely to get scratched. It's also common for aftermarket camera systems to come with low quality wiring connectors. That can make it difficult to install the system.
OEM Chevy Camera Systems Are Designed To OE Specs
Chevy designs its OEM cameras to work with their corresponding vehicle systems. The systems are carefully calibrated. It's so the camera provides drivers with useful information in a form they can understand. For example, instead of providing an image of what's behind the vehicle, an OEM Chevy camera system will also show you how far away the object is.
Aftermarket camera systems may not be designed to the same specifications. This can create a less safe driving environment. You also may not get the same level of quality as an OEM system. For example, an aftermarket camera system may not provide a camera feed in color. That, or the camera feed may be blurry or glitchy.
OEM Chevy Camera Systems Are Supported By Dealer Service Departments
When an OEM product fails, it will be covered under warranty if it's still within the warranty period. The dealer service department will work with Chevy to replace it under their standard repairs and warranties policy.
An aftermarket part is a "knock-off" of a genuine Chevrolet or GMC part. Which means that faulty parts won't be covered by the warranty. If the aftermarket part fails, you likely would have to buy a whole new replacement.
In some cases, faulty aftermarket camera systems may affect the vehicle's electrical system. When that happens, you'll need to take your car to a dealer service department to have it fixed. In either case, using an OEM part is always the best choice.
OEM Chevy Camera Systems Are Compatible With The Vehicle's Electrical System
When you're replacing a part in your vehicle's electrical system, it's always important to get a compatible part. Let's say you get an aftermarket camera system that draws too much current, it may drain your car battery. It's also common for the wiring in aftermarket systems to be cheap and thin, making it easier for the wiring to break over time.
A Chevy OEM park assist camera system is always compatible with your vehicle's electrical system. It's because Chevy designed the part to work with your vehicle's electrical system.
OEM Chevy Camera Systems Come With Perfect Fitment
When you're installing a park assist camera system, fitment is really important. The replacement system needs to be a perfect fit. Otherwise, you'll have issues with installation. The wiring needs to be the correct length. The camera module needs to have the right dimensions. The connectors need to be in the correct places. And so on.
Aftermarket parts may not fit well in your vehicle because they're not always designed to OEM specs. That's why it's always best to invest in an OEM Chevy park assist camera system.