When it’s time for motorists to have their car repaired, they face a choice between original equipment manufacturer (OEM) vs. aftermarket parts. While aftermarket parts are often cheaper than OEM parts, drivers who are particular about their vehicle know that price isn’t the only consideration when it comes purchasing auto parts. After all, getting the right parts – no matter how expensive they are up front – could extend the life of an automobile by years. Read on to learn more about how OEM and aftermarket parts differ.
What are OEM and Aftermarket Parts?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. These parts are made for the original vehicle as the standard parts for that vehicle manufacturer. Usually, this means that OEM parts will have a superior fit and quality over aftermarket parts. Aftermarket parts are produced by a company other than the OEM supplier and, in some cases, are designed to be compatible with as many makes and/or models as possible. Basically, aftermarket parts are the generic equivalent of OEM parts.
Aftermarket Parts: Pros and Cons
There are several advantages and as well as disadvantages to buying aftermarket parts.
Pros
- Aftermarket parts are less expensive up front then OEM parts.
- There are many makers to choose from.
Cons
- They tend to be of lesser quality because they are often made of less expensive materials. This can lead to failures which can negate any upfront savings.
- They are not made to specifically fit a given make and model.
- With so many aftermarket parts flooding the market, choosing aftermarket parts can be confusing.
- The use of an aftermarket part may void the warranty of your particular car.
OEM Parts: Pros and Cons
There are several advantages and as well as disadvantages to buying OEM parts.
Pros
- OEM parts save you money in the long term.
- OEM parts are guaranteed to fit. There is no trial and error involved since the parts were designed by the manufacturer for a specific make and model.
- OEM parts are guaranteed to be covered by your vehicle warranty as long as it has not expired.
Cons
- OEM parts are more expensive upfront.
- There may be some delay in OEM parts arriving if your local dealer requests them.
At the heart of it is this – not all car parts are created equal. We have the experience to determine when it is better to save money with a quality aftermarket brand and when it is better to go with an OEM part. With thousands of parts on a vehicle this can be a tricky determination to make without the proper knowledge. Our ASE certified mechanics will inspect your car, diagnose the precise problem and our expert service advisors will provide you with an affordable solution. We will take the guess work out of choosing the appropriate parts by selecting parts with the best quality, but also at the lowest cost possible, to save you money without sacrificing quality. Our BMW service center in Michigan stands ready to help you protect your car and extend its life. Our import car service center in Michigan also sells used cars.
Call Autohaus at 248-971-7789 for an appointment.
We service the Metro Detroit area, including Pleasant Ridge, Warren and surrounding areas.