OEM vs aftermarket parts? If you’re a car enthusiast, you might be wondering if you should invest in OEM or aftermarket car parts. What does OEM stand for in cars and what are OEM parts and aftermarket 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 your car’s other components. 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 the industry so you can rest assured knowing that the parts are durable and reliable.
On the other hand, aftermarket parts 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 offer buyers benefits. The benefits include better pricing and increased performance. It 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.
Benefits of aftermarket parts
- More choices
One of the biggest benefits of aftermarket parts is that you have more choices available to you. They are widely available at most dealers and body shops. Most of them don’t have to be ordered so you don’t have to wait to have them installed.
- Good quality
Some aftermarket parts are of better quality than OEMs themselves. Aftermarket parts are no longer low quality and reputable brands have parts that are tough and long-lasting. You should choose a brand that is well-known for the best parts you can buy for your money.
- Affordability
OEM parts can be expensive but aftermarket prices give you a bang for your buck. They are generally cheaper worldwide and depending on the part you need, you can save dollars by buying it rather than an OEM.
Benefits of OEM parts
- Authentic and great quality
An OEM part gives you a guarantee of high quality that you cannot find elsewhere. It matches your vehicle part completely and will be 100% genuine. With this guarantee, you know you are getting only the best parts that are tested and designed specifically for your car.
- Long-lasting
OEM parts last longer than aftermarket parts. The reason is that they are specifically designed to retain their performance for a long time. They are made from quality material and will keep your car running optimally for longer. last long.
- Warranty
OEM parts come with a manufacturer’s warranty. The time for the warranty differs among manufacturers but it usually comes with a 1-year warranty. If you ever receive a part that doesn’t work right, you can return it and get a replacement quickly.
Where to install aftermarket parts?
First, you need to decide which part is right for your car. What kind of repair are you getting? Sometimes an OEM is better if you need a lot of repairs or you’ve been in a serious accident. If you need a small replacement, an aftermarket brand will probably be fine.
Once you decide you need to find an automotive company you can trust. A skilled mechanic or technician is the only person you should be relying on. They should have the skill and experience with changing OEM and aftermarket parts. Sometimes a professional might cost you more but you will have a piece of mind knowing that your vehicle parts were properly installed and won’t fail or cause a serious accident while you are on the road.
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, Canada, for reliable service and sound advice.
Contact our team today for installation or more info on OEM vs aftermarket parts!
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