Oct 29/21

OEM vs Aftermarket Parts: What’s the Difference?

oem vs aftermarket

 

Be honest: do you really know enough about OEM and aftermarket parts?

It’s important for your business to know which parts to order and when. Unfortunately, many businesses don’t know nearly enough about OEM vs aftermarket parts.

Do you want to know more about these parts and their differences, especially before buying a new car in the future? Keep reading to discover the answers!

OEM Parts: Pros and Cons

As you know, OEM parts are those that are made by the vehicle’s original manufacturer.  Hence, the OEM meaning: “original equipment manufacturer.” Such parts allow drivers to easily replace damaged or lost parts with a perfect match to the original.

There are many benefits to getting OEM parts. For example, these parts are easier to find, and they typically come with a warranty. Most importantly, these parts usually feature the quality you’ve come to expect from a major manufacturer.

However, there are drawbacks to OEM parts as well. For example, they tend to be more expensive, and they often need to be bought via a dealership. Finally, there is always a chance that an aftermarket part may offer better functionality, quality, and price.

Aftermarket Parts: Pros and Cons

Now that you know the OEM definition, the definition for “aftermarket parts” is fairly self-explanatory. These are parts manufactured by anyone other than the original manufacturer. Basically, when you get parts from anyone other than a car dealer, these are the parts you are likely to get.

What are the benefits of aftermarket parts? They tend to be cheaper than OEM parts, and they are more easily available. Plus there are plenty of high-quality aftermarket parts out there, and the availability of these parts helps give consumers more chances to customize their cars.

Of course, the wide availability can be a drawback if you are new to aftermarket parts because there are so many to choose from. And while there are many high-quality aftermarket parts, there are many poor-quality parts as well. Finally, these parts may not have a warranty, and that is a dealbreaker for many drivers.

Choosing Between OEM vs Aftermarket Parts

Now you know more about the pros and cons of both OEM and aftermarket parts. That leaves us with one big question: how do you choose which one you need?

As you might imagine, the correct answer depends on what your exact needs are. If a driver was in a crash, they will likely need OEM parts to make their car look good as new. And somebody driving a leased vehicle or a vehicle they intend to sell may prefer OEM parts to preserve the car’s value.

But if you are looking to customize your car, aftermarket parts give you many more options. And if you are on a tight budget, or just live far away from the car dealership, aftermarket parts are your best bet.

Your Next Move

That’s all the important info about OEM vs aftermarket parts. But do you know who can help you learn more?

Here at Mayco International, we are the final word on car parts. To discover what we can do for your business or to get answers to your questions, simply contact us today!