Anyone who loves cars has heard of OEM car parts as well as aftermarket parts for cars. Every person has their own opinion and personal preferences in the purchase of parts, or having repairs made to their vehicle. If you’re taking your car to a dealer to repair, it’s likely that the parts you have are OEM. On the other hand, repair shops independent of the dealership typically utilize aftermarket components. What is the difference in OEM and aftermarket products? Today, we’ll go over the pros and cons of each to determine which OEM parts or parts are the best option for you. Which is going to be ahead in our OEM or Aftermarket analysis?
OEM Parts
Let’s get started with the fundamentals. What is OEM mean? OEM means OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer. According to the definition, OEM means that whatever automobile part you’re buying is directly from the car’s manufacturer. Certain parts are not directly manufactured by the manufacturer. Ford as an example might use spark plugs manufactured by a third party. This means that the exact spark plugs will be used as OEM even though Ford not manufacturing them technically. OEM is about sticking to the original components in the vehicle when purchased new.
Now we have a better understanding of what OEM is But what are the benefits and drawbacks to making use of OEM instead of aftermarket components.
Cost: One of the major drawbacks of using OEM car parts is the price. Most of the time, OEM parts cost more than the counter parts they purchase from aftermarket. A large portion of the cost has to do with the availability of these components, and. Parts that are made by aftermarket manufacturers end up costing moresince there are numerous companies producing the exact same kind of component However, if you wish to buy an OEM part, you have only one option.
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High-quality: Original parts generally are of high-quality. Although aftermarket parts might be more expensive than the OEM part You can be sure to feel secure when you choose an OEM part to repair or replace, since you are confident that the product will be of the same high-quality that the component you’re replacing. It’s not a matter of guesswork when it is OEM as you are aware of the quality and standard that you’ll get. When it comes to companies who are known for their precision, like Audi Parts, you know that the OEM component will meet the highest quality.
Accessibility for the average car owner, accessibility for OEM car parts is difficult. You’ll always have more aftermarket parts. If you’re a car proprietor who isn’t a regular source of parts themselves to repair or replace what kind of car parts you’ll end up getting generally depends on the location you drive your vehicle. If you’re having your car repaired at a dealer, then you’ll get OEM parts. But, it’s not probable that an auto mechanic will utilize OEM automobile parts. It is possible to request that they special make the OEM parts however this can take some time. Therefore, unless you’re the kind of person who buys parts prior to making repairs replacement, you’ll find aftermarket parts more readily available.
Aftermarket Car Parts
Parts from the aftermarket can be the ideal choice for replacement parts. The term “aftermarket” is basically parts manufactured by any other company than the maker of the vehicle. Other terms used to describe aftermarket components are generic parts, substitutes for competitive parts, or simply non-OEM parts. There is a concern that the use of aftermarket parts for cars is dangerous as well as that quality may be less that OEM components. Let’s examine how aftermarket car parts compare with OEM parts.
Cost: Aftermarket parts generally are less expensive then OEM parts. Although you may find expensive aftermarket parts, consumers can save 60% on parts from aftermarket stores in accordance with the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America. This is the single important reason for why insurance companies typically employ aftermarket parts since it reduces repair costs.
Quality It is the most frequently discussed aspect in the debate of OEM as opposed to aftermarket components. You know precisely what quality you’ll get from an OEM component, aftermarket components aren’t the same. There are many different car parts that are alike in this world, and it’s vital to be aware of the kind of aftermarket products you’re buying and not just pick random. An organization known as CAPA is a group of people who Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) has tested and certified parts from aftermarket since 1987. If the part you purchase can be CAPA accredited, it’s probably not facing any issues with quality. The best part about aftermarket parts is that their quality may even surpass OEM parts. While premium parts may cost more but there are some exceptions. OEM parts are of the highest quality available. The choice of an aftermarket replacement component can result in longer lasting use for your vehicle, based upon the brand.
Parts are readily available Parts from aftermarket are readily accessible. Many places you’d take your vehicle for repairs exclusively use aftermarket components in the event that OEM part are demanded and ordered in advance. If you visit the car parts shop, you’re guaranteed to find an aftermarket item that is compatible with your vehicle. The real benefit of using aftermarket parts is the availability. However, this can be an issue. If you don’t have any expertise or experience in the field of automotive parts, the huge variety of choices can be confusing and challenging. It is often difficult to decide on an aftermarket component with so many choices available, while OEM parts are easy to select, and is of good quality and value.
Which is the best?
Are OEM parts superior to aftermarket ones? There is no definitive answer. When you compare the differences in OEM and aftermarket components Both have their fair share of benefits and drawbacks. The decision between OEM and aftermarket parts isn’t an easy task in a rational manner. OEM parts are a simple option if you’re just looking to substitute a component with the exact part. You’ll be aware of the quality of the product you’re buying however, you could be paying a little more and may have to buy a new part instead of simply taking your vehicle for repair to the mechanic. Parts from the aftermarket are in a lot of competition. This could lower costs and increase quality, but with all the options available it’s difficult to select a component that you can confidently say is superior to other parts. It is a fact that aftermarket components aren’t dangerous or produced cheaply. The majority of aftermarket parts are likely perform just fine regardless of whether they are priced lower than the OEM replacement.