What are the Benefits of OEM Parts vs Aftermarket Parts?

Higher Quality from OEM Manufacturers

There are many ways in which OEM and aftermarket parts differ, and one is in their quality. OEM parts are the only kind that are of a guaranteed quality, as they are the only parts that are backed by an industry guarantee. When you get an OEM part, you can rest assured that the part you get will be at least as good as the part that it's replacing, since the part is made by the manufacturer who made your vehicle.

Sometimes, a replacement part will be even better than the original! In contrast, there is no quality guarantee with aftermarket parts, as they are produced by a third party supplier. They are essentially the generic equivalent to a name brand product. The quality of aftermarket parts is notorious for varying widely, which means that you can get a part that works fine, but you can also end up with a part that's no good.

Great Support For the Future

When you buy an OEM part for your car, you will also sometimes get a warranty that certifies the part will last up until a certain period of time. The standard limited warranty period for parts generally is one year, but it's not uncommon to get a part with an even longer warranty. Furthermore, many parts have a nationally recognized warranty.

Identical Parts Made for Your Vehicle

Since OEM parts are designed to be identical to the part they replace, you don't have to worry about them fitting improperly. They are the only kind of part that will ensure your car performs and functions at least as good as it did before, if not better. Since aftermarket parts are generic in design, they can fit poorly and take some trial and error to replace the original. When you go to have a part replaced in the future, life for you and your mechanic is much easier if you are replacing an OEM part, as you know that the part will fit your car and be built to last when it is installed.