The Difference Between Aftermarket Parts And OEM Parts

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer whose parts are labeled by the same company that manufactured your vehicle. These parts are straight from your manufacturer and are designed according to the specifications of your car's model and make. However, some companies do not make their parts as they rely on suppliers. For example, Ford parts are made by Motorcraft, which is owned by Ford. Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are basically parts made for your vehicle by companies other than your original car manufacturer. A prime example would be Cardone Industries, which offers a range of aftermarket product lines like brakes, drivetrain, electronics, and steering parts. OEM and aftermarket parts are mutually exclusive and the growing aftermarket solutions today are improving the quality and functionality of the vehicle. However, there are pros and cons to both OEM and aftermarket parts, which are discussed below.

Pros:

• Quality Assurance: The OEM part is an exact replacement for the original part you want to replace. The OEM parts are designed to meet quality standards and undergo rigorous testing to ensure perfect functionality.

• Easy Part Selection: There is no guesswork and doesn't require a lot of research as one has to do before purchasing aftermarket parts. You don’t have to determine which part will match and always comes in one type. Also, you don’t have to worry about assessing the quality and prices of several brands.

• Exact Fit: OEM parts are designed and developed by the manufacturer specifically for your make and model, which ensures an accurate fit. This also allows for easy installation of the parts without any modifications.

• Warranty: Most dealerships and manufacturers offer warranties with OEM parts. With at least one year warranty on these parts, you can get your car repaired at the dealer.

Cons:

• Expensive: OEM parts are on average more expensive compared to aftermarket parts. The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) reports that OEM parts tend to cost 60 percent more than aftermarket parts.

• Limited Availability: Although there are other ways of purchasing OEM parts, most parts are not available and have to be purchased from the dealer. Automobile workshops and mechanics can purchase OEM parts, but they have to order these parts which consume a lot of time.

  
  

Pros:

• Cost Savings: Although the cost of aftermarket parts varies from brand to brand, overall they are less expensive compared to OEM parts. Also, you can choose from various brands according to the price you are comfortable with. You can also purchase OE parts without OEM branding at a cheaper price. These parts have the same quality as OEM parts but are more affordable as you are not paying for the brand name.

• Equal Or Exceeds OEM Quality: Aftermarket parts quality has gone up significantly in past decades. Major aftermarket manufacturers are equipped with ISO 9001 level facilities and offer parts with quality and performance that meet or exceed OEM standards. You can also purchase aftermarket parts as upgrades to your OEM parts so your vehicle can perform better, offer increased performance and longer service life. For example, cotton air filters offer better airflow and performance compared to factory-fitted paper filters and aftermarket polyurethane bushings outperform OEM rubber bushings.

• Variety: There are several companies that make aftermarket auto parts. Some companies specialize in specific parts, as Raybestos specializes in brake components and Weathertech in floor mats and car accessories, whereas some companies like Dorman make almost any part that you can think of. More variety means greater selection and a wider range of prices.

• Availability: One issue with purchasing an OEM part is that you are at the dealer's disposal and often it can take a lot of time. Purchasing an aftermarket part is very convenient as you can buy these parts online, at a local workshop, and here at PartsAvatar with millions of parts all in one location.

Cons:

• Quality Variation: With a vast selection of aftermarket auto parts manufacturers, there are several suppliers that manufacture low-quality products. Purchasing an aftermarket part requires a little homework to determine good players in the aftermarket industry so you can end up with a quality product.

• Limited Warranty: Depending on the manufacturer, some may or may not come with a product backed by a warranty. However, some manufacturers do offer limited short-term warranties and big-name companies tend to offer at least a 1-year warranty on their aftermarket products.

  
  

So, there you have it, a brief journey of ours into the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing OEM and aftermarket parts. Although the decision is yours to make, there are several benefits of choosing aftermarket parts over OEM ones.

The quality offered by aftermarket parts can vary depending on the brand, but a little research into customer reviews, warranties offered by the manufacturer, etc. speaks a lot about the product. Aftermarket parts offered today have significantly improved in terms of quality, fitment, finish and are backed by a warranty of at least a year. Some products are even offered with lifetime warranties that protect you from fitment issues, rusting of car body parts, or chrome peeling off your vehicle. A quality product backed by a warranty offers peace of mind that is equal to that of an OEM product. What makes aftermarket parts a better option than OEM ones is the lower cost they are available at. With lower costs and quality matching or exceeding the OEM products, aftermarket parts are a great option to go for.

The variety of aftermarket parts is quite staggering because the never-ending sea of options allows you to choose from various brands, at various prices, and in various styles if you are a car enthusiast who loves customizing their vehicle. The availability of parts in the aftermarket industry is a huge plus point, especially if you are running an old car that no longer has any OE support. With plenty of aftermarket platforms today, you can get a new front bumper or a rear body panel for your old vehicle without any delay.

Furthermore, the insurance industry and many in the automotive sector believe that aftermarket and OEM parts are of the same quality. Using aftermarket parts in vehicle replacement has also allowed companies to make huge savings in claim payouts that are then passed on to the customers. Non-biased organizations like Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) test the quality of aftermarket parts. Reviews, pricing, and quality assurance offered by these organizations help the customer to rely on aftermarket products. Our preconceived notions about aftermarket parts come from years of low-quality standards from old times. Today, in 2022, quality standards are strict and have led to improved state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities that are ISO certified for better quality aftermarket parts. The truth is that OEM and aftermarket parts are made by ISO facilities across various places. An OEM part doesn't necessarily mean that it has been manufactured by the brand itself. Some OEM parts are manufactured by the subsidiaries that manufacture aftermarket parts as well.

To sum up, there is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing between an aftermarket part or an OEM part. While selecting body parts for your vehicle, a wise decision would be to be comfortable with the cost, quality, and how easily the part is available. If you are looking for better looks and increased performance from your vehicle, purchasing aftermarket parts is a better decision. Finally, a bit of research and consultation with a trusted mechanic can be a better way to get your vehicle safely back on the road.