Car ownership involves a good deal of pride and responsibility in as much as it is fun to own a car.
One of the most familiar problems shared among the drivers is the choice between Aftermarket and
OEM automotive parts. However, both options have their bright and dark sides, and the final choice will
totally depend on a client’s requirements, fiscal opportunities, and preferences regarding results.
Here, we’ll take a closer look at the merits and demerits of each, and make it easier for you to determine which option would be best for you.
The Confusion Between Aftermarket and OEM Parts
When a part in your car needs replacement, you’ll likely be faced with two options: Original Equipment
Manufacturer parts, which are components manufactured by the automobile’s original manufacturer and
replacement parts manufactured by other companies. But with so many options of stores, how do you know which one is best for you?
Many car owners struggle with this decision because:
Price Differences: While OEM parts cost more than aftermarket ones, can one really overstate that original parts are of better quality?
Quality Concerns: In above all, the aftermarket parts are considered cheap parts but consumers may
fail to understand that cheap does not mean that it is an inferior product.
Warranty and Fit: Some drivers are worried that using aftermarket parts can cause their car’s warranty
to be invalidated, or that the parts simply will not fit as well as OEM parts.
OEM vs. Aftermarket – Breaking It Down
What Are OEM Parts?
OEM parts are the same parts that were fitted to your car when it rolled of the production line.
It is with these parts that you have a direct replacement of what your car was intended to use.
Advantages of OEM Parts:
Perfect Fit: As they come from your car’s original manufacturer, they are likely to be a perfect
fit for your car without having to go through any alterations.
Quality Assurance: Original equipment parts are designed to fit a particular make of a car and
are therefore most probably of better quality and dependability.
Warranty Coverage: Just so you know, nowadays, most warranties on various vehicles demand
the use of OEM parts to qualify to be under warranty; therefore, if you own a car under warranty, you might have to stick to OEM.
Consistency: There is no uncertainty in selecting the appropriate component because every OEM part is indistinguishable from the one already included in your car’s package.
Disadvantages of OEM Parts:
Higher Cost: As a general rule OEM parts costs will be higher than those of their counterparts in the aftermarket market, more often than not may be drastically so.
Limited Availability: An OEM parts may also be limited in the sense that they are only available at dealers and since the cars may come from different manufacturers so getting the parts may also be tough at times therefore increasing the cost of the repair.
Less Variety: OEM refers to a type of replacement part where the customer cannot buy part from different manufacturers nor get different brands or specifications for that part.