Some parts manufacturers will sell you their products with two different branding labels: OEM and Aftermarket. You might be wondering what the difference is between the two. Here’s a quick guide to the differences between OEM and Aftermarket.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, and it refers to the manufacturer of the part that is being replaced. For example, if you have a Toyota Camry and the radiator breaks, then you look for a radiator that was made by Toyota. The term OEM is used in many industries and has various meanings. In the case of auto parts, OEM means that the part came directly from the manufacturer and is identical to what would have been installed by a technician at a dealership or repair shop. Aftermarket refers to a part not made by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Aftermarket parts are made by independent companies and are not necessarily inferior to OEM parts. In fact, some aftermarket parts may be better than their OEM counterparts. Aftermarket car parts can be found online or at local retailers. They are also known as replacement parts since they are meant to replace broken or worn out parts on your vehicle such as engines, transmissions, radiators, etc. The main difference between aftermarket and OEM car parts comes down to price and quality. Aftermarket auto parts are cheaper than their factory-made counterparts because they are produced in large quantities and sold through multiple channels where they can be purchased directly from manufacturers or through third-party sellers.
OEM parts are the best choice for a car. These parts are original parts that are made by the original car manufacturers themselves. Also known as Original Equipment Manufacturer or OE, OEM parts are the same parts that came with your vehicle when it was delivered from the factory. The quality is unquestionable, and these parts are carefully put together and tested before being installed on your car. Trying to save money by buying cheap aftermarket car parts can be a big mistake for two reasons. First, most of these aftermarket parts do not undergo the same testing as OEM parts which means they may not fit properly or may not be made of good quality materials. Second, aftermarket parts may void your car warranty if you have an extended warranty on your vehicle. Most car manufacturers will refuse to honor a warranty claim if the part in question is not an OEM part from their official dealerships.
OEM Parts Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Easier to choose your part
- Greater assurance of quality
- Comes with a warranty
Cons:
- More expensive
- Quality may not be superior
Aftermarket Parts Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Less expensive
- Quality can be equal to or greater than OEM
- More variety
- Sometimes Better availability
Cons:
- Quality varies greatly
- Overwhelming selection
- May not have a warranty
Which Is the Best Way To Go?
Obviously, when it comes to choosing between the variety of available parts for your car, there are several factors to consider, and the best way to make sure that you are choosing the best option is to have a professional with enough knowledge and experience do it for you.
In Auto Masters Body repair, our auto body experts perform top-quality repair, paint, and collision services. Taking pride in doing the job right is our number one priority. Having a professional and reputable Auto Body Shop that you can trust to take care of everything is the best possible scenario.