Your car’s power seats might not be something you think about every day—until they stop working. The unsung heroes of your driving comfort are the gears that keep your seats sliding, tilting, and reclining smoothly. If you’ve ever faced a power seat failure, you’ve likely wondered: should I stick with plastic gears like the previous OEM gears or upgrade to aftermarket steel ones? Let’s break it down.
Steel vs. Plastic: What’s Under Your Seat?
⚙ Steel Gears: Made from high-strength materials, steel gears are designed to withstand significant wear and tear. They’re known for their durability, precision, and reliability, especially in high-load applications like power seat mechanisms.
⚙ OEM Plastic Gears: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) plastic gears are standard in many vehicles. Manufacturers favor this lightweight and cost-effective solution to lower overall vehicle costs and improve gas mileage by reducing weight.
Saving Your Seat and Your Wallet
When your power seat breaks, you have three main options for replacement. The first is to visit the dealership, where the typical solution is replacing the entire seat assembly, which can cost between $800.00 and $1,000.00. Another option is sourcing parts from a salvage yard. While this might seem economical, it requires finding a suitable car, removing the seat assembly, and extracting the needed part—a time-consuming process to obtain a used part, with its own inherent limitations. Lastly, you can opt for an aftermarket part, which is brand new, easy to install, and designed to replace just the broken component. Aftermarket gear parts are available in both plastic and steel. At first glance, OEM plastic gears might seem like the less expensive option. But their shorter lifespan often leads to more frequent replacements, which add up over time. Steel gears, while a bit pricier upfront, offer unmatched durability and are the smartest choice overall.
Gear Up With the Right Choice
Steel gears deliver unmatched performance and durability, ensuring a more reliable power seat operation even under heavy use. Many drivers have experienced the benefits firsthand, sharing stories of peace of mind and how steel gears made their seats feel brand new again. Unlike OEM plastic gears or used parts from salvage yards, steel gears are cost-effective in the long run and provide a lasting solution. Upgrade today with Two Men One Garage and enjoy the comfort and reliability your vehicle deserves.
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