Oem Vs. Aftermarket Auto Parts

By Author: Jeorge Thomson
Total Articles: 16
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When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, it is important to understand the difference between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts and aftermarket parts. As the name suggests, Original Equipment Manufacturer parts, or factory parts, are made by the parent company of your vehicle. Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are more generic. They aren’t the same parts that originally came with your car from the factory and you can buy them from a variety of vendors.

Stuck choosing between OEM parts and aftermarket parts? Lucky for you, PerformanceCars has put together a list of Pros and Cons of both OEM parts and aftermarket parts. By weighing the advantages and disadvantages, you should be able to make an informed decision about what you are comfortable with when it comes to your vehicle.

OEM Parts – Pros

Warranty: Buying an OEM part gives you the extra security of a manufacturer warranty. If the part is faulty or doesn’t meet your standards, you can usually get a replacement part or get your money back within a certain amount of time.

Fit and Finish: OEM parts are made by your vehicle’s ...
... original manufacturer, meaning they are literally built with your car in mind. That said, with OEM parts, there would never be an issue when it comes to compatibility with your vehicle.

OEM Parts – Cons

Price: As it works with all brand names, OEM parts are usually on the pricier side. While they often are the most compatible parts with your vehicle, that is not always the case, so be sure you are getting your money’s worth before settling on an OEM part.

Aftermarket Parts – Pros

Selection: Depending on the part you need, there may be a wide selection of aftermarket parts available. This allows you to make comparisons and choose the part that is the most compatible with your vehicle.

Price: Because aftermarket parts aren’t stamped with name brands and because there is so much competition in aftermarket parts, they are usually quite reasonably priced.

Aftermarket Parts – Cons

Warranty: Unfortunately, many aftermarket parts do not come with warranties. It’s up to you whether a warranty is an important factor.

Need more information?

For more details about choosing OEM parts or aftermarket parts, talk to the professionals at a PerformanceCars dealership today. All of our dealerships carry a wide range of new and used vehicles for sale in the Niagara area. We can provide OEM vehicle parts for Acura, BMW, MINI, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, FIAT, Hyundai, EQUUS, Lexus, Toyota, SCION, Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter and smart vehicles. In addition, we also sell aftermarket parts and accessories so you have a wider range of options to choose from. To learn more about PerformanceCars and the parts we sell, visit us online at http://www.performancecars.ca/.