The aftermarket auto parts industry is abundant with auto upgrades, entertainment items and vehicle flair. The aftermarket auto parts culture is deeply linked to youth, music and car customization. To decide on the auto aftermarket products and services to offer, it's important to understand the news and trends happening in the aftermarket car parts industry.

To offer the best aftermarket parts and services you need to be aware of the aftermarket parts news and trends in the aftermarket auto parts industry. To gather this information, you should:

1. Find aftermarket parts newsletters to subscribe to for industry information.

2. Read blogs dedicated to the aftermarket parts industry for the most up-to-date information available.

3. Subscribe to magazines dedicated to the aftermarket parts culture and industry.

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Consider aftermarket parts industry newsletters and white papers for information

Subscribe to industry, association and company newsletters for the latest information on the aftermarket parts industry available. These are a great resource for future product and service planning, as well as informative guides to share with employees to expand their knowledge base.

I recommend: The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association offers a variety of publications, including a CD-ROM or hard copy of their aftermarket industry research reports. AAIA offers Smart Brief, a newsletter to convey information in the automotive aftermarket industry.

Find aftermarket parts industry blogs for up-to-date information

Read aftermarket parts industry blogs by a variety of individuals and professionals in the industry. These are often updated daily or weekly for the fastest method of information delivery. Take time to share information with employees at meetings or leave print-outs in the breakroom.

I recommend: The writers at Car Craft Magazine host a blog with information on new aftermarket parts, performance parts projects and to answer reader questions. GM Performance Parts hosts a blog, GM Tuner Source, for GM tuner enthusiasts with information on GM parts and vehicles.

Read automotive aftermarket parts magazines for the latest in trends and news

Subscribe to aftermarket parts magazines to learn the latest news and trends on a regular basis. These publications will likely also offer advertising opportunities to help get your company name out to the industry.

I recommend: Aftermarket Business Magazine is the leading resource for aftermarket parts news and trends. The web site also offers an additional wealth of information ranging from specific aftermarket parts to aftermarket parts business practices. SEMA News is offers by SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) the leader in all things aftermarket. They offer a magazine to members with information about the trends and parts to come.

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Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remember all these avenues are tax deductible. Don't be afraid to invest in researching your aftermarket auto part industry to create the strongest, most competitive company you can.

The aftermarket auto parts industry makes it easier than ever to put your own stamp on a vehicle. Regardless of the car or truck you drive, you can add your own touch and style. Why have a vehicle just like everyone else's when, with just a few additions, you can have one that stands out from the crowd?

Although many people only think of aftermarket car parts for sports cars, classic cars or other specialty vehicles, any car can be customized with aftermarket parts. With the aftermarket auto parts industry, you can make your vehicle look more attractive, run better and feel more comfortable. Think about the many ways that you can customize your vehicle with aftermarket accessories.

1. Auto aftermarket body kits and aftermarket wheels make your ride look sleek and stylish.

2. Auto aftermarket turbo kits help you get the power and speed you want.

3. Aftermarket parts can add better sound and more comfort to the interior of your vehicle.

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Consider what aftermarket car parts would improve your vehicle

Although there are many aftermarket parts and accessories, you may find that some will work better with your particular vehicle than others. Consider your vehicle and the look, performance or function that you want to go for.

I recommend: MotorWeb has a wide range of aftermarket parts for your sports car or other vehicle.

Choose to buy from reputable automotive aftermarket distributors

Working with a reputable distributor can help ensure that you'll get quality parts and a knowledgeable staff in case you have questions. Ask for recommendations from other vehicle enthusiasts or at car clubs.

I recommend: Look for aftermarket parts at online retailers like Pro Street Online, Auto Parts Warehouse and All Discount Auto Parts.

Find a knowledgeable after market auto part installer

Depending on the aftermarket car parts that you buy for your vehicle, you may need to find an installer experienced with the part and your vehicle type. Making sure that you have an expert installer will help ensure that you get the result you want.

I recommend: Search for aftermarket parts dealers and installers with Street Performance's search function. Just select what you want to buy and where you are located.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before making any changes to your vehicle with aftermarket accessories, make sure that you know how doing so can effect your vehicle's warranty and insurance policy.

Whether you know it or not, you probably have experience with aftermarket car parts. If you've ever taken a vehicle to the repair shop or bought vehicle parts in a store, you likely paid for aftermarket parts and services. But just what are aftermarket parts? Are they as good as the parts your car manufacturer sells? Should you have any concerns about using aftermarket parts? And where can you buy them?

Before you make any repairs or changes to your vehicle, it's a good idea to understand aftermarket parts basics. Fortunately, the topic isn't complicated, and by the time you're done reading this guide, you should have a good grasp of it. You'll learn:

1. What the auto aftermarket is,

2. Whether aftermarket accessories and parts are of good quality,

3. And where you can purchase automotive aftermarket parts.

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Understand what the aftermarket auto parts industry is all about

Aftermarket parts (sometimes called 'after market parts') are replacement parts--sometimes used for enhancement, sometimes used for necessary repairs--that are not OEM (or from the 'original equipment manufacturer'). In other words, they are parts that are not made by the vehicle's original manufacturer. Performance parts are almost always aftermarket, as are enhancements like chrome wheels.

I recommend: Read "What Are After Market Auto Parts?" at WiseGeek for an explanation of aftermarket parts and their uses. "What Are Performance Car Parts" at Crutchfield explains what performance parts are and how they can enhance your vehicle.

Determine if your aftermarket auto part is safe

When you take your vehicle into a repair shop, aftermarket parts are often used. Such repair parts are up to 70 percent less expensive than OEM parts, yet experts argue they are the same part. Car manufacturers don't make their own auto parts; they buy them from the same companies making aftermarket parts. Therefore, aftermarket parts are generally just as good as OEM parts.

I recommend: "Deciding Between Aftermarket, OEM, and Genuine Auto Parts" at BestSourceAutoParts.com is a frank discussion of the quality of aftermarket parts. Visit Hot After Market Car Parts for helpful articles about aftermarket parts, including a discussion of when OEM parts might be better. It's not legal for mechanics to use aftermarket parts in all states; to find out what your state's laws are regarding aftermarket parts, visit the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Buy auto aftermarket accessories and parts

Aftermarket parts are available almost anywhere auto parts are sold. Your local auto parts shop almost certainly carries them, and so do most online vendors. For ease of shopping, try an online search engine geared entirely toward aftermarket parts.

I recommend: ModSearch allows you to easily search the Internet for aftermarket auto parts. 1A Auto allows you to search for aftermarket parts by either vehicle type or specific part.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While some performance aftermarket parts are easy for amateur mechanics to install, anything complicated--especially if it will affect the way the vehicle runs--should be left to a pro.

After-market auto parts are anything that a consumer purchases for a car after the initial purchase. This could mean parts for repair but also means accessories or modifications that the consumer wants. If you need to get into the after-market industry, there are a number of key terms that you should know. You wouldn't want to confuse a body kit with a turbo kit, for example, or try to sell after-market parts to a customer who wants only OEM parts.

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Body kit

A body kit is used to make modifications to the appearance of a car's body. These could include fender flairs or hood scoops, for example.

I recommend: View examples of body kits for any type of car through Body Kits.

Turbo kit

A turbo kit blows more air into the engine so that it is able to perform better. A car with a turbo kit has more 'power,' but it's important to make sure that the car has the type of engine to support the extra power burst.

I recommend: Andy's Auto Sport answers questions about turbo kits.

Performance parts

Performance parts are after-market parts that you can buy to improve the performance of your car or truck. This could include getting more power or even improving gas mileage. Typical performance parts include air filters and free-flowing exhausts.

I recommend: Learn more about performance parts from Crutchfield.

Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) versus after-market parts

Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are, like the name implies, parts that are made by the original manufacturer. After-market parts are made by a different company, but are designed to fit and act like OEM parts. After-market parts are often less expensive.

I recommend: TheParts Bin discusses the difference between after-market and OEM parts.

Specialty Equipment Market Association

The Specialty Equipment Market Association, or SEMA, is a professional organization that allows companies in the after-market industry to interact with each other. Members are involved in both repair parts and vanity parts.

I recommend: Learn more from the Specialty Equipment Market Association.

'Right to repair'

The 'right to repair' has become a significant issue recently. Some automobiles require the owner to use the dealer's or manufacturer's repair services, which are often more expensive than other mechanics. This has led to a right-to-repair movement, promoting the idea that consumers should be able to choose when and where they repair their vehicles.

I recommend: Watch a video from the Right to Repair Coalition 2009. You can also read a statement about the issue from the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association.