OEM vs Aftermarket Auto Parts: What’s the Difference?
Here at Parts Avenue, we’ve made it easy for car owners in Canada to find auto parts from the most popular and highly rated original equipment manufacturers.
Whether it’s a brand like TEC or Kobra, you’ll find thousands of auto parts online at Parts Avenue that fit an endless list of vehicle makes and models. But what does it mean to offer car parts from OEM suppliers, and how are they different from aftermarket auto parts?
OEM Parts: Explained
To answer that question, it’s first important to understand the basics. OEM stands for ‘Original Equipment Manufacturer’, which refers to parts that are made by the same company that produced the components originally installed in your vehicle when it was built.
These parts are designed to match the exact specifications, fit, and performance of your car’s original components, which means you’re buying from an auto part supplier that ensures the same quality and compatibility as the factory-installed parts.
Aftermarket Auto Parts: Explained
On the other hand, aftermarket auto parts refer to components made by third-party manufacturers – in other words, companies that are not affiliated with your vehicle’s original manufacturer. These parts are designed to fit and function like OEM parts, but they might differ in materials, design, or quality, depending on the brand, manufacturer, and intended purpose.
The Benefits of OEM Parts
So why do we pride ourselves on offering OEM parts? As mentioned above, the main reason comes down to quality and reliability.
Because OEM parts are made to the same specifications as the components originally installed in a car, you can trust that they will perform as intended and integrate seamlessly with your car’s systems. In effect, there’s a guaranteed compatibility that means you don’t have to guess about whether a part will fit or function correctly.
Durability is another prime benefit. OEM parts, of course, are tested to meet the manufacturer’s standards, and if something fails to meet specifications, rest assured, the manufacturer will catch it during quality control. Because they come from the original suppliers, they also come with manufacturer warranties, giving you more peace of mind about the longevity of your investment.
The Benefits of Aftermarket Auto Parts
That’s not to say there are no benefits to aftermarket auto parts, however. On the contrary, one of the big reasons why car owners might opt for an aftermarket part is because they’re generally more affordable than OEM alternatives.
This is due to the fact that aftermarket manufacturers don’t have to bear the same development and branding costs as the original automaker, often producing parts in higher volumes for multiple vehicle makes and models.
As well as this, aftermarket parts can offer strong variety and customization options, such as performance upgrades or finishes which might not otherwise have been available. Some customers value this, especially those who want to improve the vehicle’s overall performance, or perhaps replace parts that are no longer produced by the OEM.
OEM vs Aftermarket Auto Parts
As for which is better, when it comes to changing your car’s parts, the main thing you’re looking for is reliability. Let’s say you want to change the tie rods on your vehicle. These are essential components of the steering system, with every movement you make travelling through the tie rods and to the wheels.
With this in mind, the last thing you want to do is install a part that doesn’t fit properly, since this could not only cause premature wear, but could compromise the steering performance itself. You want to make sure the tie rods are built to the exact specifications of your vehicle, ensuring the fit is precise and the performance is consistent.
Again, aftermarket options can also work, but there’s a far greater emphasis on checking compatibility and quality – and even then, you can’t be completely assured of either, even if the part is marketed as ‘high-quality’ or ‘OEM-compatible’.
It’s also important to bear in mind the cost. Just because something is cheaper doesn’t mean it’s the better choice, especially when it comes to critical car safety components like steering, brakes, or suspension.
Investing in the right part – OEM or a carefully chosen aftermarket – can save you from costly repairs and safety risks down the road, so it’s down to you to weigh the risks and benefits, and consider the quality and reliability of the part itself.
Conclusion
In terms of which market wins, you need to choose products that are new and sourced directly from trusted manufacturers and suppliers, so there’s no doubt that OEM parts are the safest option.
It doesn’t even have to break the bank. At Parts Avenue, we’ve been leading the charge on providing customers with best-in-industry parts that are still budget-friendly, ensuring that you get the performance and safety you expect without overspending. You just need to compare carefully and make a decision that is best for your vehicle and for you.