OEM or Aftermarket Parts? Part1
September 7, 2017
Your vehicle is one of your most important asset since it is your main form of transportation. Therefore, you always want to do whatever you can to ensure the health of your vehicle. One of the ways you do this is by replacing worn out parts with worthy automotive replacements. So what is the worthy type of replacement for your vehicle, OEM or aftermarket?
OEM Parts
OEM, or Original Equipment Manufacturer, parts are automotive parts that are made by your vehicle’s original manufacturer. This means these parts have your carmaker’s authorization of being “authentic” parts appropriate for your vehicle.
Pros
- Selection is easy: You can just go to your dealership and request a part.
- More guarantee of quality: OEM parts work the same as the original part of vehicle because they came of the same assembly line.
- Warranty is included: Almost all carmakers and dealerships have warranties to back up their parts.
Cons
- More Expensive than aftermarket: Often, you will be charged more for an OEM part because the price helps give the dealership a profit after the cost of the part and service.
- Usually only 1 provider (the dealership): Usually there is only one place to request an OEM part which is your dealership. Any other method, online or local mechanic, usually takes longer.
- “Good enough” Quality: The original manufacturer will often not try to improve on the design of a part, unless it is dangerous.