Most vehicles will need at least one part replaced during their “lifetime.” Depending on the part, there may be a lot of options available. There are OEM parts (OEM stands for “original equipment manufacturers”) and aftermarket parts. OEM parts are made by the vehicle manufacturer and are specific to the make and model of the vehicle. Aftermarket parts are made by third party companies—sometimes it’s the same distributor that makes OEM parts but they sell under a different brand, and sometimes it’s a completely different company. In this article, we’ll discuss the major differences between them and when you should consider using them.
Differences in Parts
There are a few notable differences between OEM and aftermarket parts. They are the price, the availability, the quantity, the quality, and the warranty.
The Price
Depending on the reason for your part replacement, the price of the part may sway you towards either OEM or aftermarket parts. Aftermarket parts are generally considered to be the more affordable option. This isn’t always the case, of course, and sometimes you get what you pay for. If the aftermarket brand is one that you’re familiar with, or one that a trusted mechanic recommends, it might be the better option. If the price seems too good to be true, though, make sure to do some research. Sometimes spending a bit more up front can save you from bad parts (and more replacements) in the long run.
The Availability
Like we said earlier, OEM parts are made by the manufacturer for specific vehicles. This means there are limited places that you can find them. Most of the time, you’ll need to either visit a certified dealership or request the OEM from the manufacturer. This can sometimes take a while and may slow down the repair process. Aftermarket parts, however, are not made for specific vehicles. They’re intended for use in multiple makes and models. You can find them at auto parts stores, gas stations, and other places that sell car parts. This may speed up the repair process because you won’t have to wait on the manufacturer for the part you need.
The Quantity
Similar to the previous point, the quantity of OEM parts versus aftermarket parts differs greatly. There are limited amounts of OEM parts because they’re tailored to the vehicle. There are a variety of aftermarket parts, though. And while this can be good for the price and availability of parts, it can also be a challenge to sift through the quality of the options.
The Quality
The quality of an OEM part is almost guaranteed to be the same as the part currently in your vehicle. It’s made by the manufacturer for that make and model, meaning it will perform like it did when it came out of the factory. Some aftermarket parts will be the same quality. Some may be better, and some may be worse. This is where things like quantity can muddy the waters. More options and cheaper prices don’t always outweigh better quality.
The Warranty
The majority of OEM parts come with at least a one-year warranty. This can help to provide peace of mind, especially for more expensive parts. Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are not guaranteed to come with a warranty. Some do and some don’t. Again, depending on the part, you may prefer to have a warranty available.
When You Should Use What
As you can see, the pros and cons of OEM and aftermarket parts are fairly similar. The quality of an OEM is more predictable, and it comes with a warranty. Aftermarket parts may be more readily available and more affordable. Sometimes the decision between them comes down to the cost. Other times, it may be more obvious which one you should choose.
In cases of collision repair, and especially body work, it’s often recommended to use OEM parts. Car insurance companies may prefer aftermarket parts if they are cheaper, but OEM body panels are guaranteed to fit and to meet crash test standards. It’s also important to consider OEM parts if you’re leasing a car. Using aftermarket parts may void the warranty of the leased vehicle or may bring down the book value. This can lead to a loss of part or all of your security deposit.
Call Restored Auto, LLC for your next part replacement.
In most cases, the difference between OEM and aftermarket parts comes down to personal preference. If there isn’t a huge difference in cost or quality, it may not matter as much. The mechanics at Restored Auto, LLC can help you decide which option is better for your vehicle. All of our parts installed come with a 3-year, 36,000-mile parts and labor warranty. Call us today to schedule an appointment and have your part replaced.
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