What is the Difference Between OEM and Aftermarket Parts?
Serving Ramsey, Clifton, and Wayne, NJ
When you get spare parts for your car, you often face the difficult choice between aftermarket and OEM parts. It can be an intimidating choice to make without knowing about the differences between them and the pros and cons of each one. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, and designates parts that are made by the same company that produces the factory equipment for your car. This makes these parts practically identical to their factory counterparts in both performance and reliability.
Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are made by third-party vendors by reverse-engineering the original parts. This makes them more varied in both performance and quality than their OEM counterparts, though this large variety can often make it more difficult to select the right one for your vehicle. Both of the part types have their uses and you will often find one or the other to be the better option depending on your car's specific needs, what kind of repairs or upgrades you are planning on doing and how you plan on using your vehicle.
OEM Parts: Pros and Cons
Using OEM parts for your vehicle is for the most part the easier and more reliable option. Because OEM components are built by the same manufacturer and to the same specifications as factory parts, it is very easy to find the part that matches your car perfectly. Most of the time, it is as easy as telling the parts clerk at the dealership your car's make, model, year and trim level. And because this part is made to factory specifications, it is guaranteed to have the right fit for your car and play well with your car's other components. They also tend to be higher quality than aftermarket parts and come with a warranty. Some of the downsides of OEM parts are their limited availability. You can mainly only get them from a dealership of your car's brand, which could be inconvenient. The higher quality and the limited number of sales outlets also means that they are generally more expensive than their aftermarket components. In short, it is easier to pick the right OEM parts and they are generally better in quality, but more expensive.
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Aftermarket Parts: Pros and Cons
Unlike OEM parts, aftermarket parts are made by a large variety of companies that are, generally, not affiliated with specific auto manufacturers. As a result, the aftermarket parts selection is very varied, including both very cheap, mass-produced components and expensive specialized equipment. While this expansive variety of choices can be good if you are looking for something specific, it can be easy to find a component that works for you. However, it also makes it easy to end up with a poorly-fitting or low-quality part that does not meet your performance standards or isn't well-adapted to your specific vehicle. Because aftermarket parts are not affiliated with auto manufacturers, they also rarely offer warranties and, depending on the component, could even void parts of your car's warranty. The benefits of aftermarket parts are the greater choice and potential savings, but they are also less reliable, both in terms of performance and warranty.
With the great variety of parts to choose from, we are glad to help you find the right components for your car. Contact us today for any service or repair needs and find out about our excellent selection of auto parts.
