If you’re a car enthusiast, you might be wondering if you should invest in OEM or aftermarket car parts. It’s essential to understand the difference between the two, to figure out if one is better than the other, and to be aware of the benefits and risks associated with each. Here is what you need to know to make an educated decision when it comes to your car.
What is the difference between OEM and aftermarket car parts?
OEM parts (Original Equipment Manufacturer parts) are created by the manufacturer of your car. They are made to fit your exact vehicle (or vehicle class) and are designed to work with all the other components in your car. If you decide to purchase OEM parts, you won’t have to spend hours researching different options or checking their quality. OEM parts manufacturers have to adhere to strict standards regulated by industry so you can rest assured knowing that the parts are durable and reliable.
Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are not made by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Many aftermarket parts are created to be interchangeable or adaptable to suit more vehicle makes and types, bringing down their price. It is important to note that aftermarket parts do not always adhere to strict manufacturing guidelines and may be lower in quality.
Is OEM better than aftermarket parts?
While the general belief is that OEM parts are always the better option, aftermarket parts can be equally well made and can offer benefits for buyers. The benefits include better pricing and increased performance. It all depends on your needs, budget, the parts manufacturer and the mechanic or service professional installing the parts in your car.
What are the risks and benefits of OEM and aftermarket parts?
Each type of part comes with its own set of risks and benefits. You will need to weigh them up against each other to make the best decision.
OEM parts
The most crucial benefit of purchasing OEM parts is the quality guarantee these parts carry. Vehicle manufacturers have to adhere to a particular industry standard. This means that your OEM parts will fit, perform exactly as promised, and won’t cause issues with your vehicle’s warranty or with your insurance provider.
The downside of OEM parts is that they might be much more expensive than aftermarket parts, and you might experience delays in getting access to them because they often need to be shipped from the manufacturer. This can take a long time, especially if your car is a rare or old model.
Aftermarket parts
There are various benefits that aftermarket parts provide, one of the most apparent benefits being the price. Aftermarket parts may be less expensive than their OEM counterparts, and they might be more readily available due to these parts being adaptable to fit different cars. Some aftermarket parts are specially engineered to increase performance, making them a vital option for racing or sports enthusiasts.
The most significant risk with aftermarket parts is that if you don’t know what you are buying, you might get low-quality parts. Aftermarket parts that have not been manufactured to a high standard can break down quickly and cause tremendous damage to your vehicle. For this reason, many insurance providers do not cover aftermarket parts. If your car is still under warranty, you might even void it if you install aftermarket parts.
If you are planning to have new OEM or aftermarket car parts installed or need to have your vehicle serviced, contact your local CRS Automotive branch in Hamilton and Stoney Creek, Canada, for reliable service and sound advice.
