OEM or Aftermarket Auto Parts: What's the Difference?
All cars, trucks, and SUVs, no matter how much they initially cost or who the automaker is, eventually require maintenance and even replacement of individual parts. A key question for a vehicle owner when it's time to replace a piece is if it's best to go with OEM, known as "original equipment manufacturer," or aftermarket auto parts. Knowing the difference between OEM and aftermarket parts will save you both time and money.
Aftermarket Parts
At their simplest, aftermarket auto, truck, and SUV parts are replacement parts that aren't made by the original equipment manufacturer. Perhaps your vehicle came equipped with an air conditioning compressor made by your automaker. OEM parts are OEM because the same company that made your car also made those parts. However, an array of parts companies make most of the same components made by OEM makers. They also make those items available through suppliers, online warehouses, and retail auto parts stores.
Quality Matters
Is there a significant difference between an aftermarket or non-OEM component and one that's OEM? Truthfully, there are few differences between an aftermarket part and an original equipment part. Aftermarket equipment meets typical original equipment specifications and stacks up well against it, in other words. Aftermarket parts makers also know their markets and the needs of buyers within them. So they work hard to produce high-quality replacement offerings that meet or exceed OEM parts in most instances.
An added benefit for aftermarket parts is that the Certified Automobile Parts Association, or CAPA, also issues guidelines to aftermarket parts makers. Companies that produce items under CAPA guidelines deliver products considered the gold standard for safety due to CAPA's quality testing and rigorous production standards.
Price Matters
We have already established that aftermarket auto parts deliver the same quality, durability, and safety as OEM parts. Think of an OEM part as a prescription drug and its aftermarket alternative as a generic equivalent. You'll receive the same effectiveness as the brand-name pharmaceutical. The generic drug will cost you less money, and sometimes significantly so.
OEM is Expensive
Suppose the car you drive to work every day and need breaks down or is involved in an accident with another vehicle. Repairing your vehicle could end up becoming an expensive proposition should you decide to go exclusively with OEM parts. According to various OEM industry sources, original equipment manufacturer parts are about 65% more expensive than their aftermarket siblings. With quality just as high, it makes sense to consider aftermarket rather than OEM parts if possible.
Insurance Considerations
In cases where an insurance company will be paying to repair your vehicle, your auto policy's language may also require you to go with aftermarket parts. However, your insurer may even give you and your auto repair shop the option of going with either OEM or aftermarket parts. Whenever the OEM part is tough to obtain, always look for non-OEM as well. If you're going to be paying for your auto's repair, it would also be wise to consider going with a quality aftermarket part whenever possible.
Aftermarket Benefits
There are very few downsides to going with aftermarket auto parts if you select quality products that come with a guarantee. All reputable auto parts warehouses, suppliers, and retail shops and stores will stock a great selection of aftermarket parts, and those that don't aren't worth your time or money. Any reputable parts store or warehouse will also have at least one aftermarket version of your needed item, if not several from which to choose.
Finally, always look for aftermarket parts suppliers, warehouses, or other stores that offer an online search function and a well-stocked parts menu. An online catalog that allows you to pore over different parts versions and photos, prices, and a clear description is also a must. Of course, excellent customer service before, during, and after the sale is vital.
Need Aftermarket Auto Parts For Your Vehicle?
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