Why Using OEM & High-Quality Parts Matters for Your Car’s Health

A Real Lesson: When Cheap Spark Plugs Break the A/C

A technician working on a 2021 Toyota Tundra was chasing a confusing A/C compressor problem. The truck kept shutting off the A/C or refusing to engage it. The shop replaced the A/C amplifier… then the compressor… twice — but nothing solved it.

After hours of diagnostics, phone calls, and frustration, the surprising cause was finally uncovered:

The spark plugs were cheap aftermarket units purchased on Amazon.
Once they were replaced with OEM spark plugs, the A/C system worked perfectly. All fault codes cleared instantly.

Even though the truck ran “fine,” the poor-quality spark plugs were disrupting idle signals and crankshaft performance just enough to trigger the A/C logic faults.

This real-world example shows how a single low-quality part can cause:

• False trouble codes

• Expensive misdiagnoses

• Wasted time

• Unnecessary parts replacements

• Customer frustration

And all because of one inexpensive, non-OEM part. When Spark Plugs Fix the A_C _ …

What Are OEM Parts?

OEM parts are made by the same manufacturer that built your vehicle. They match your car’s exact:

• Specifications

• Material quality

• Fitment

• Performance standards

In other words: OEM parts are the parts your car was designed to run on.

Why High-Quality & OEM Parts Are Worth It

Here’s why we insist on quality components at Burbank Motor Works:

1. Reliability You Can Trust

OEM and premium aftermarket parts are engineered to last. Cheap parts often fail early — costing more in the long run.

2. Perfect Fit, Every Time

No modifications. No guesswork. No “it should work.”
OEM parts fit exactly like the original.

3. Better Engine Performance

Faulty ignition parts, sensors, and filters can cause:

• Misfires

• Poor fuel economy

• Rough idling

• Incorrect sensor readings

• Electrical issues

As the Tundra example proved, even “simple” parts matter.

4. Protects Your Vehicle’s Value

Using quality parts helps preserve resale value and service history.

5. Prevents Misdiagnosis

Cheap parts often create new problems that look like something else — leading to long diagnostic sessions and unnecessary repairs.

6. Safety Comes First

Brakes, suspension, and steering components must be high quality. There are no shortcuts when safety is involved.

What About Aftermarket Parts?

Not all aftermarket parts are bad — some are excellent or even better than OEM.
But cheap, no-name parts (especially from online marketplaces) are risky because they may:

• Be made from inferior materials

• Provide inconsistent performance

• Cause system malfunctions

• Trigger error codes

• Lead to safety issues

We evaluate each part and only use trusted, proven brands.

Why Burbank Motor Works Uses OEM & High-Quality Parts Only

When you bring your vehicle to us, you can expect:

• OEM and premium parts

• Honest repair recommendations

• Skilled diagnostics

• Reliable, long-lasting work

• No cheap shortcuts

We treat every vehicle like it’s our own — and that means quality in every bolt, plug, and gasket.

Quality Repairs You Can Trust

Using the right parts is one of the easiest ways to ensure your car runs safely, efficiently, and reliably. Whether it’s spark plugs, brakes, sensors, coils, or full engine components, quality matters — and we never compromise on it.

Bring your vehicle to Burbank Motor Works for repairs done right, with parts you can trust.

Located in Burbank, CA
Call us today to schedule your service!