OEM vs. Aftermarket Car Parts: Which To Choose?

If you’re an automobile aficionado, you’ve probably wondered whether you should purchase ford maverick aftermarket parts or OEM parts for your car. However, in order to make the right decision, you need to know the critical differences between them so you can weigh up your options.

Aftermarket and OEM parts come with their own benefits and risks – read on to learn everything you need to know to make the best decision for you and your car.

What’s The Difference Between OEM & Aftermarket Parts?

OEM – or Original Equipment Manufacturer parts – are manufactured by the automaker specifically for your car. Because OEM parts are produced by your car’s manufacturer, they are designed to fit your vehicle’s exact make, model, or class and work seamlessly with all your car’s other components.

Purchasing OEM parts means you won’t have to do extensive research on the different options or make sure they are high-quality. Because OEM parts manufacturers are regulated by the automobile industry and have strict quality standards and protocols, you can be sure that they are reliable, durable, and will fit perfectly.

Aftermarket parts are not manufactured by your vehicle’s automaker, and they are often designed to be interchangeable. This means that aftermarket parts can work with a wider variety of car makes, models, and classes. While aftermarket parts are not regulated by the automobile industry, they are typically cheaper than OEM parts.

Is OEM Superior To Aftermarket Parts?

A widely-held belief is that OEM parts are superior to aftermarket parts; however, this is not always the case. Aftermarket parts can be made from high-quality materials, and they can be just as durable and reliable as OEM parts.

Aftermarket parts also come with their own unique benefits – namely, cost and a boost to your car’s performance. When it comes to determining whether OEM or aftermarket parts are the best choice for you, you’ll need to factor in your budget, needs, the aftermarket manufacturer, and the mechanic who will be installing the parts.

OEM & Aftermarket Parts: Risks & Benefits

Because every type of aftermarket or OEM part carries its own set of benefits and risks, you will need to weigh the pros and cons of each to make an informed decision.

OEM Parts

Usually, the most significant benefit of purchasing OEM parts is their quality control. Because manufacturers must adhere to strict guidelines and protocols to guarantee quality, you can expect your OEM part to fit perfectly and perform exactly as it’s meant to. Using OEM parts will not void your car’s warranty or cause issues with your insurance provider.

The two major downsides to purchasing OEM parts are that they are expensive compared to aftermarket parts, and you might also have to wait a long time for them to be delivered. Because OEM parts are shipped from the car manufacturer, your shipment may be delayed – especially if you drive an older or rarer car.

Aftermarket Parts

On the other hand, aftermarket parts come with an array of benefits that their OEM counterparts don’t provide. Aftermarket parts can be a fraction of the price of OEM parts, and they are generally more widely available.

Aftermarket parts are also designed to fit an array of different makes, models, and classes – this interchangeability means that you won’t have to wait for a specific part to become available.

Some aftermarket parts are also designed to increase your car’s performance, making them popular among sports or racing enthusiasts.

The most significant risk you take with aftermarket parts is not doing adequate research about the manufacturer. Failing to ascertain whether a manufacturer is reputable and offers high-quality aftermarket parts can result in mechanical breakdowns and even damage to your vehicle. This risk is why most insurance providers will not cover aftermarket parts. Your warranty might also be voided by your warranty provider.

The Bottom Line

Because OEM parts are manufactured by the automaker and have strict quality control in place, they are exact replacements for any part of your vehicle. They are mass-produced to the same standard, so you can rest assured that they will fit and perform as they are supposed to.

On the other hand, aftermarket parts are the go-to for car hobbyists, racing enthusiasts, and car owners on a budget. Aftermarket parts can be just as high-quality as OEM parts, and some are specifically designed to enhance your car’s performance. However, be sure to do your research when selecting a reputable manufacturer.