OEM versus Aftermarket Parts

Before you actually source and buy a new part for your vehicle, you’ll be confronted with a decision. You can buy an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) part sold by the company that manufactured your vehicle, or you can purchase an aftermarkets part sold from another supplier.

Yet even with a different manufacturer, the part fits and performs exactly as the original one.You might think to yourself: Wouldn’t it be wise to get a replacement part actually made by the original manufacturer? But that’s one of the most widespread misconceptions. Even with OEM companies, many parts are sourced from other manufacturers with the expertise and engineering resources to do it better. It makes perfect sense. No one company can do everything, so they rely on others with specialized knowledge. Depending on the product in question, some OEM products may come off the same assembly line as aftermarket counterparts.

OEM products are high quality, but many aftermarket products offer just as good fit and performance. However, original equipment manufacturers invest a lot of money in marketing their products and have a network of dealerships that are committed to using them. OEMs work hard to promote a perception of superiority for their products because replacement parts are a lucrative source of revenue for them. Some people even try to perpetuate a myth that using aftermarket parts will void your vehicle warranty, but that is generally untrue.

Your Choice: OEM or Aftermarket

Ultimately, the choice to buy OEM or aftermarket parts rests with you. Just know that thousands of people choose the aftermarket option every day. They receive a reliable replacement part at a lower price than many OEM parts. Aftermarket parts are helping drive vehicles across the world every day.