Car Parts: OEM vs Aftermarket

Author: becky

Jul. 08, 2024

Car Parts: OEM vs Aftermarket

Not all auto parts are created equal

Many people don't realize the array of auto parts that are available to them until they find themselves inconvenienced by the need for a vehicle repair. When it comes to auto parts, you need the highest quality part available to return your faithful vehicle to top condition because part quality can vary greatly. With today's busy schedules, it is important to your family's safety to use parts that will solve the problem and last a long time. Buying the best part is vital to returning your vehicle to top-notch condition.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Truck Spare Parts Manufacturers. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

When faced with a vehicle repair, you are almost immediately faced with a decision regarding which of the many available parts you should purchase: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts or Aftermarket parts. Let's take a closer look at what each of these terms mean.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are made by the vehicle's manufacturer, whereas aftermarket parts are often produced by a different company than the vehicle manufacturer.

At first glance, it sounds very simple, but it gets more complicated on further inspection. The manufacturers that make vehicles today very often don't make many of the parts they use to assemble their vehicles.

Car makers buy many parts from a large network of vehicle component manufacturers who design and make car parts to meet the specifications of the car companies. This confuses our definitions above, since OEM parts, which most of us think are made by the car maker may, in fact, be made by a component manufacturer. The OEM parts may or may not be sold in packaging having the car maker's brand name and logo.

Aftermarket parts are a little simpler to explain.

The overall quality of aftermarket parts has improved dramatically in the past decade or so, and continues to improve.

According to Edmunds, the quality of today's aftermarket parts may be as good as, or better than, OEM parts. Focus groups found that branded aftermarket parts offer consistent quality and performance, but that generic aftermarket parts without a known brand name were very unpopular with professional auto technicians due to their unpredictable quality.

Regardless of the age of your vehicle, research the available aftermarket brands before making your decision.

 

Learn more about quality auto parts, find your car part, or find a local car repair shop today.    

The content contained in this article is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be used in lieu of seeking professional advice from a certified technician or mechanic. We encourage you to consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered herein. Under no circumstances will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.

OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts: What's Better?

OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts: What&#;s Better?

One saves you money, the other saves you hassle.

Benjamin Hunting   |  

Nov 18,   |  

2 min read

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General Motors

When getting a vehicle repaired or serviced, you may be presented with the option of using Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts or aftermarket parts. As its name implies, OEM replacement parts are tested by the automaker that installed them on your car or truck at the factory when it was new. &#;Aftermarket&#; describes parts that perform the same function, but are produced by a third party.

Which parts are the right ones for your vehicle? Here's a look at the differences between OEM and aftermarket car parts.

Cost Can Be a Factor &#; But So Can Quality

It's not uncommon for third-party auto parts to be less expensive than those offered by the manufacturer.

Cheaper aftermarket parts sometimes save on cost by cutting a few corners. Third-party body panels, for example, might not use as much steel or aluminum as the originals, which means they may not resist corrosion or wear as well.

Other times, however, the cost savings result from volume, as an aftermarket company can serve many different automotive brands at once, reducing production costs that are then passed on to the buyer. Competition from other providers &#; not something an OEM supplier faces &#; also works to keep prices lower than what you'll find at the dealership.

There are even aftermarket car parts that are considered &#;direct replacements&#; that match or exceed the original specification. These components are sometimes even used in warranty repairs, and function identically to their OEM equivalents, despite costing less.

Going Above and Beyond OEM

Many people install aftermarket parts to improve a vehicle's performance. When a car or truck leaves the factory, the automaker has made compromises to balance durability, reliability, comfort, and cost. If an owner wants to improve a specific aspect of an automobile's performance and isn't as concerned with increased wear (as with more aggressive brake pads or tires), noise (exhaust systems), or comfort (stiffer suspension components), they can turn to the aftermarket for a more focused solution.

Which is Better?

More affordable aftermarket parts appeal to your pocketbook but require research. With so many brands available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming, and often requires the assistance of a trusted mechanic with experience using multiple suppliers.

OEM parts are guaranteed to fit and almost always come with a manufacturer-backed warranty. They may cost more than what the aftermarket offers, but the trade-off is a likely simpler purchase process.

If you're looking for a fast, simple experience and don't mind paying extra, OEM is often the way to go. If you prefer to improve on the performance the originating factory delivered, or if you'd rather dig into your options and save some money by selecting a quality replacement, aftermarket components can be more appealing.

Written by humans.
Edited by humans.

This site is for educational purposes only. The third parties listed are not affiliated with Capital One and are solely responsible for their opinions, products and services. Capital One does not provide, endorse or guarantee any third-party product, service, information or recommendation listed above. The information presented in this article is believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but is subject to change. The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of the product. The material provided on this site is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any Capital One product or service to your unique circumstances. For specific advice about your unique circumstances, you may wish to consult a qualified professional.

This site is for educational purposes only. The third parties listed are not affiliated with Capital One and are solely responsible for their opinions, products and services. Capital One does not provide, endorse or guarantee any third-party product, service, information or recommendation listed above. The information presented in this article is believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but is subject to change. The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of the product. The material provided on this site is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any Capital One product or service to your unique circumstances. For specific advice about your unique circumstances, you may wish to consult a qualified professional.

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