Home Blog OEM Parts vs. Aftermarket parts

OEM Parts vs. Aftermarket parts

December 30, 2020, Updated July 7, 2021

Driving your car for long periods will inevitably result in wear and tear of OEM parts and every so often, you may need to replace some of your older parts. Fortunately, buying new replacement parts is quite easy – you can either take your car to an authorized car dealer or you can check out our catalog of genuine OEM parts at up to 40% off MSRP! It's always important to remember that all car parts are not created equal. There are a plethora of variables to consider when choosing OEM Vs Aftermarket Parts.

Authorized car dealers always deal with the original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, parts whereas, local service centers mostly deal with aftermarket parts. The difference in these parts is that OEM parts are made by the car manufacturer themselves and are often the best parts for your vehicle. Aftermarket parts are made by third-party manufacturers. Even though there may not be major differences in the products, certain factors such as the type of parts and even your car insurance will dictate which type of part you will want to use.

OEM Parts

as the name suggests, OEM parts are made by the car manufacture themselves and not by any third party. OEM parts are made to fit the exact specifications of the vehicle’s make and model. If you take your car to a dealer, they will most likely use only OEM parts. However, it is always important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of choosing OEM Parts Vs After Market parts to ensure you are choosing the right fit for your vehicle.

Advantages

Assured quality: When you purchase an OEM part, The part, will work exactly like the part that you are replacing. This provides greater peace of mind, in that the replaced part is of the best quality and performance. As the age-old phrase goes " if it ain't broken don't fix it" If you are completely satisfied with your vehicle's performance then there is no reason to risk purchasing an aftermarket part as there is a greater risk the part will not fit or adversely affect the performance of your vehicle.
Simplicity: When you go to a dealer to get a replacement part, you will get only the part you asked for. You do not need to worry about which brand to choose. You can also take advantage of the Tasca Parts VIN matching system to ensure your parts fit your vehicle correctly.
Warranty: Most automakers provide a warranty on their parts. If you have your vehicle repaired with the dealer, then along with the parts, you get the guarantee of trained labor who get to work on your vehicle to fit the parts.

Disadvantages

Pricey: OEM parts are costlier than aftermarket parts. But the costs are narrowing down and OEM parts are trying to compete with their aftermarket counterparts.
Limited buying options: Only dealerships stock OEM parts. So, to get an OEM part replaced, you will have to purchase it from the dealer or online. If you decide to procure an OEM part from a local mechanic, then you might have to wait longer to get your vehicle repaired since the parts must be ordered.

Aftermarket Parts

Aftermarket parts are manufactured by third-party companies that have no relation to the original manufacturer. The parts are usually designed to fit the specifications of different vehicles. These parts are manufactured at a very high volume, as a result, there is not as much attention to detail when producing these parts. While They are very much similar to OEM products in look and quality, Aftermarket parts may not be a perfect fit or match. Companies selling these parts often recognize the inferior quality and offer their aftermarket parts at a discounted rate.

So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing an aftermarket part?

Advantages

More variety: Many companies manufacture aftermarket parts. Some of them specialize in only a few products whereas others, manufacture almost every part. Aftermarket parts often allow for more variety when selecting a replacement part.
Better availability: Since many companies manufacture aftermarket parts, they are often available at any auto parts store or even from your local mechanic. This provides more options for repairing your car with a local mechanic.

Disadvantages

Varying quality: Some aftermarket parts could be inferior due to the use of poor quality materials in their manufacturing. Go for aftermarket brands, only if you are familiar with the part or if it is suggested by a trusted mechanic. "Trusted" is the Keyword here. be sure to shop around for local mechanics to ensure you are working with someone who has your best interest in mind.
Too many options: If you do not understand the aftermarket brands, it could get overwhelming. This could lead to selecting a bad or inferior part. It is better to consult your car mechanic for guidance.
No warranty: Aftermarket parts do not come with a warranty due to the costs involved in manufacturing.
Risk of counterfeit parts: A major risk associated with aftermarket parts is the possibility of purchasing counterfeit products. These fake products have found their way into retail automotive stores as well. By installing counterfeit parts, you may be subjecting your vehicle to mechanical malfunctions that may lead to accidents and more costly repairs.

Choosing the right Parts

It is natural to think that OEM parts are better for your vehicle because they come directly from the manufacturers themselves. In the end, it is all about what you think you want. The ones who opt for OEM parts are primarily car enthusiasts and owners of brand new cars. Many people do not know the difference between them or do not care about the part, and just want their car to be fixed and functioning as soon as possible. The lower cost and easy availability of aftermarket parts could make it an attractive option, but many people prefer parts that are exclusively made for their vehicle, even though they, may end up paying a bit more.

Getting insurance to cover OEM Parts

Most insurers cover only aftermarket parts because repairs can be made for a lower cost compared to OEM parts. Today, many insurers have started offering insurance on OEM parts as well. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to determine what types of parts you are entitled to.

Affecting the resale value

A vehicle damaged in an accident will definitely have a lower value compared to one that has never been damaged. In case of an accident or damage to your car, it is better to use OEM parts. This is because aftermarket parts may not fit correctly and may not have proper crumple zones for crash safety.

So What Do I Buy?

OEM parts are easy to choose from since they come directly from the manufacturer, they are a better fit for your car. These products are original and do not cause any unnecessary damage to your car or other parts. They are quality products that are certified to work just like the original part. OEM parts come with warranties offered by the manufacturer and/or the dealers. OEM parts are manufactured equally to fit a particular make and model.

Aftermarket parts are manufactured by different manufacturers; therefore, the parts may not fit your car exactly as intended. Due to these parts being produced to fit different car types, they come in more variety, which means they have more functionality and a wider range of prices.

If you are someone who understands your car and the parts you buy for it, then you can opt for aftermarket parts. Inversely, if you do not know anything about car parts or you are fairly new to performing maintenance on your car, then it is better to go for OEM parts as they come with assurance and a warranty.

When in doubt, always go for OEM parts as they are safer. Aftermarket parts may not functions as required and could end up damaging your vehicle. This could lead to additional costs being incurred by you. In addition, since aftermarket parts offer more variety in parts, the risk associated with choosing the wrong part, could also increase. The lack of warranty in aftermarket parts could also play a key factor in opting for OEM parts that will have a much longer life.

Conclusion

So, which is the best option – OEM or aftermarket? Well, there are many factors based on which you can decide – price, availability, quality, warranty, and so on. As a vehicle owner, you must decide which one suits you the best. But comparing all points discussed here, it is a better option to go with OEM parts. OEM Parts benefit your safety, as well as the vehicle’s, and provide you some much-needed peace of mind when operating your vehicle. The costs between both are narrowing down and OEM parts are competing with their aftermarket counterparts to reach more customers.

Another major risk is the widespread availability of counterfeit products, which have found their way into automotive retailers as well. Installing counterfeit parts can affect your vehicle and can lead to accidents and cause major damage to your vehicle.