Vendor Customized ESXi Image and critical patching

Hello.

I would like some advice and guidance on the scenario below...

Scenario:

ESXi Vendor Customized Image installed on hosts

Updates to this customized image are released by the vendor on approx a 6 monthly basis

I would like to capture any critical patch releases by VMware and apply them immediately using vUM (not waiting for the Vendors release)

Question:

Can I apply the critical ESXi patch releases from VMware to the Vendor Customized install safely using vUM? I.E. The update will not over-right or delete any drivers installed by the vendor release?

My preference is to use vUM rather than a command line update if possible.

Thanks for your help!