In the world of automobiles, replacement parts are an essential part of maintaining your vehicle to keep it in good shape. But not all parts are the same. There are two major types – Aftermarket parts and OEM parts.
Whether you ride a motorbike or drive a car or a truck, understanding the differences between these two types of replacement parts and the practical implications of using either type on your vehicle is important.
TL;DR: OEM parts are a great way to replace damaged or worn parts of your vehicle with parts of the exact same quality, while Aftermarket parts are great for saving cost or upgrading your vehicle.
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Understanding OEM parts
OEM parts, or Original Equipment Manufacturer parts, are made by the vehicle’s original manufacturer. As such, these parts are designed to fit perfectly and match the quality and specifications of the original parts your car was built with. They tend to be more expensive than aftermarket parts, but they offer a guarantee of compatibility and reliability.
Understanding Aftermarket parts
Aftermarket parts are vehicle components made by companies other than the original manufacturer of the vehicle. They can be used to replace damaged parts or to upgrade your vehicle’s performance, appearance, or functionality. These parts are often more affordable than OEM parts and can sometimes offer better performance or customization options.
If all you need to do is replace a damaged component in your car with a more affordable part, Aftermarket options are what you need. Also, where you are looking to provide an upgrade to your vehicle using a superior part, Aftermarket parts tend to be costlier.
Choosing between the two types
OEM parts tend to be more trustworthy than their Aftermarket counterparts, because they are manufactured by the very same company that produced your vehicle.
When you choose an OEM part, you are sure that you are getting the exact same quality of parts as what is being replaced in your vehicle.
Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, tend to mostly provide more affordable options to what is in your car from the factory. Many times, this means they are not of the same quality. They get the work done but may not last as long as OEM parts.
Of course, this is not cast in stone. Some Aftermarket parts offer advantages over products from OEMs. For example, automobile and motorbike enthusiasts sometimes want to reinforce their vehicles with sturdier, tougher parts. This can be suspension and chassis parts.
You will find these kind of superior engineering from Aftermarket producers. These products that soup up vehicles tend to be stronger and of higher quality and so cost more than OEM parts.
So, the questions of quality and cost have to do with what type of parts you need or want for your vehicle.
A general rule of thumb is that if you want to replace a vehicle part with exactly the same type and quality that it came with from the manufacturer, buy an OEM product. But if you are pressed for cash and do not mind a lower quality replacement part or you want a stronger, superior replacement part at a higher cost, what you need is likely available only from Aftermarket producers.
When next you go shopping for a replacement part for your motorcycle or automobile, ask for the available OEM and Aftermarket options so you can make an informed choice.