When it comes to examining the difference between OEM and aftermarket car parts, there are a number of personal factors you need to consider. While some drivers consider OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) car parts to provide more assurance and quality on the road, there are plenty of ways aftermarket car parts can more adequately accommodate vehicles in need of immediate repair or installation.
The fact of the matter is deciding between OEM and aftermarket car parts for your vehicle generally depends on specific scenarios, including warranty stipulations, financial situations, and overall accessibility. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of aftermarket and OEM car parts to help you find the best car parts solution for your vehicle.
OEM Car Parts
The overall advantage to OEM car parts is the assurance that they’re coming straight from your vehicle’s manufacturer. However, unless you reside within close proximity to a licensed dealership repair shop, obtaining OEM parts can occasionally prove trying on your patience, as well as your wallet.
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of purchasing OEM car parts:
Pros
● Authentic car parts: OEM parts will come straight off the assembly line, and were specifically created for your vehicle.
● Warranty covered: More often than not, your vehicle’s warranty plan will cover OEM car parts shipped directly from the manufacturer.
● Simple choices: Car owners will have less part options to choose from, allowing for straight-forward repair work.
Cons
● Higher price tag: OEM car parts will always be a more expensive repair option, typically costing on average more than 50 percent higher than aftermarket car parts.
● Quality not guaranteed: Because of the higher price tag, OEM car parts tend to lack in quality because vehicle owners are simply paying more just for the car manufacturers name.
● Limited accessibility: OEM car parts need to be purchased and installed through licensed dealership repair shops, meaning you might have to travel further and longer for your desired car part.
Aftermarket Car Parts
The common misconception of aftermarket car parts is that they’re all ‘secondhand’ pieces of equipment, inferring they lack in efficiency or quality. However, aftermarket car parts continue to be the most common and generally reliable source for auto repair in the U.S., accounting for the repair work of approximately 285 million vehicles currently operating in the country.
Let’s see how the pros and cons of aftermarket car parts compare:
Pros
● Save money: As previously stated, aftermarket car parts will save you significant money, while not sacrificing quality or assurance.
● Ample accessibility: Independent auto part stores and repair shops are more widely available to accommodate you with any repair or installation needs.
● More variety: Professional car service workers will provide you with more car part options to suit your vehicle and financial needs.
● Quality upside: Aftermarket car parts can often leave you with equal or greater quality than paying more for OEM car parts.
Cons
● Varying quality: It’s possible to experience varying degrees of quality depending on mechanic experience or aftermarket car part price.
● Warranty coverage: Depending on warranty plan, aftermarket car part expenses may not be covered.
● Immense options: Having more options of car parts to choose from may prove overwhelming or stressful.
In the end, choosing between OEM or aftermarket car parts depends on what you’re comfortable with for your vehicle, be it quality assurance, maintenance budget, or repair urgency. The main thing to keep in mind is that it’s always a good idea to get a second opinion on car part solutions.
At Ace Auto Parts, our staff of trained professionals will be more than willing to consult you on any aftermarket car parts you’re curious about. To find out how we can assist you and your vehicle, contact us online today, or give us a call at 651-717-4299.