OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts: When One Makes More Sense for Your Car - NerdWallet (2023)

FAQs

OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts: When One Makes More Sense for Your Car - NerdWallet? ›

Because they are made in the same way as genuine parts, OEM parts tend to be more reliable than aftermarket parts and last for longer. Warranty. OEM parts should come with a warranty to protect you if the part is defective or doesn't work properly. The specific warranty will differ by manufacturer.

No, they do not. Modifications do not add value to your car. Of course, nothing in life is quite that simple. But in general, aftermarket mods will not increase the resale value of your automobile in a private party transaction.

Cons of OEM Parts

Cost: OEM parts can be more expensive than aftermarket parts. This is because they are produced by the original equipment manufacturer and may include a markup from the dealership. Availability: Some OEM parts may not be readily available, especially for older or less common vehicles.

Most people assume adding the various aftermarket features they want will increase their vehicle's value. Unfortunately, this is almost never true. In fact, aftermarket features often reduce car value.

Aftermarket performance parts will make a difference in handling, braking, or acceleration, depending on the part itself. One of the most popular car modifications is reducing the ride height. This alone will improve handling and cornering at higher speeds.

Because they are made in the same way as genuine parts, OEM parts tend to be more reliable than aftermarket parts and last for longer. Warranty. OEM parts should come with a warranty to protect you if the part is defective or doesn't work properly.

OEM parts are guaranteed to fit and almost always come with a manufacturer-backed warranty. They may cost more than what the aftermarket offers, but the trade-off is a likely simpler purchase process. If you're looking for a fast, simple experience and don't mind paying extra, OEM is often the way to go.

One of the main drawbacks of aftermarket parts is that the quality and durability may be inferior to OEM parts. While some aftermarket parts are designed and manufactured to meet or exceed OEM standards, others may be of lower quality and may not last as long as OEM parts.

OEMs provide service that aligns with their warranty standards. An OEM also will have a track record of service that demonstrates your preference for their service. The drawbacks of OEM service are cost and inflexibility. Typically, OEM service is expensive because much of the risk mitigation is built into the price.

Since they're made for your make and model specifically, they'll get your vehicle back to its original state. This makes OEM parts easier to install as well, with less room for error. If you want your car in its original condition, go with the part you know fits with your vehicle.

Do aftermarket parts affect insurance? ›

Insurance companies write estimates that include aftermarket parts for repairs because they can return a vehicle to pre-loss condition and usually cost less than OEM parts. This helps keep repair costs in check, resulting in lower premiums for all policyholders.

Luxury cars often use higher-quality interior materials and have features that aren't available on lower-priced models — engines, transmissions, sound systems, telematics, safety features — and are packed with more amenities.

While some dealers would have you think otherwise, simply having an aftermarket part or modifying your vehicle cannot void your warranty. However, if that part led to something breaking on the vehicle, the dealership can deny your warranty claim.

High-quality aftermarket parts are as good as OEM parts, or in some cases, can perform better. You really do get what you pay for, and the higher the cost, the better the build or materials. There are hundreds of manufacturers to choose from, so be sure to ask your mechanic about your options.

Performance exhaust pieces are designed for better flow and less back pressure than OEM parts, enabling the engine to make more power since it doesn't have to work hard to push the spent exhaust gases out of the system. If your catalytic converter fails, you need to replace it before it leads to more damage.

While they may look identical on the outside, the aftermarket version of a shaft is housing better performance and for most golfers, that's worth a slight increase in cost.

OEM, Original equipment manufacturer part is a part made by the manufacture or made for them to their specification but an external company. A genuine part is a part supplied by the vehicle manufacturer in their packaging. Aftermarket parts are parts produced by any other company.

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, which means the parts are made by the same company that makes the vehicle. Meanwhile, aftermarket parts are produced by a different parts company and are often designed to be compatible with as many makes and/or models as possible.

OEM, or Original Equipment Manufactured parts, are made by the vehicle's factory supplier and are completely new parts. This means you'll get great quality and a great fit for your car.

Is It Worth Paying for OEM Parts? OEM parts tend to be more expensive than third-party manufacturers, but they are also made to a more exacting set of specifications. However, some third-party products are considered just as reliable as OEM parts, and others may be significantly cheaper.

Are used OEM parts going to affect the worth of my car? ›

Aftermarket vs.

Some people think that by sticking only to OEM parts will increase the vehicle's value because the car is more or less original. But the truth is, using OEM parts unfortunately won't matter too much when it comes to value. Nor will using non-OEM parts void your vehicle warranty.

OEM parts are made by your vehicle's manufacturer and are designed and manufactured to exacting standards specifically for your Ford vehicle. As a result, they work better and fit better than aftermarket replacement parts.

The best way to tell the difference between an OEM part and aftermarket part is to go to an experienced auto body shop, where technicians will know what to look for. There are very reputable aftermarket manufacturers nowadays but, unfortunately, there are also counterfeit OEM parts.

Aftermarket parts, also called generic parts, are made by a company other than your vehicle's original manufacturer. They're brand new replacement parts—not used parts. They're made by a third-party manufacturer, so they might not be a perfect fit the same way OEM parts are.

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, and OEM parts are branded with the automaker's name and/or logo. They also come in the automaker's packaging. Many consider OEM parts to be the best choice. They're built with high-quality materials and to the automaker's specifications.

Because OEM parts are made by a specific manufacturer to align with a vehicle's exact specifications, they fit perfectly into that space. They are more expensive than aftermarket parts as a result.

OEM companies work directly with their customers. Because of this, they're better prepared to produce products that perform exactly as their customers need them to. This often leads to sturdier, longer-lasting parts than aftermarket manufacturers can provide.

Products from an OEM are normally cheaper thanks to economies of scale. As the company partners with others to manufacture goods in large numbers, both the price and production time are significantly reduced. However, you need to verify what you're getting when you purchase a product from an OEM.

One of the biggest questions car owners have is: what is the difference between OEM and OE? OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer. OE stands for original equipment. OE parts are the components of the vehicle as it's made in the factory – all of the original parts that the car was first built with.

Does Geico allow OEM parts? ›

Companies like Geico, State Farm, and Allstate don't offer auto insurance with OEM coverage, but that doesn't mean you're stuck with aftermarket parts. Instead, these companies allow customers to choose between aftermarket and OEM parts. If you choose OEM parts, you'll have to pay the difference.

If you modify your vehicle to improve its performance or enhance its appearance, you'll typically need a coverage endorsement or a separate, custom car insurance policy. The reason is simple: modified cars usually feature expensive parts and often require special attention at the shop.

“Aftermarket” includes vehicle parts, equipment, replacement tires, service repair, collision repair and accessories, sold after the sale of the original vehicle.

Gasoline with a high octane rating is more difficult to ignite, which helps prevent pre-ignition and knocking in high performance engines. If your car requires premium gas, you can damage the engine if you consistently fill up with regular.

We call brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Cadillac, Lexus, Audi, and Acura “luxury” brands.

OEM Bearings Usually Last Longer Than Aftermarket Bearings

OEM bearings come with the right dimensions, materials, and tolerances. Aftermarket bearings rarely come with the right dimensions, materials, and tolerances. OEM bearings are usually stronger than aftermarket bearings.

An OEM windshield replacement will get the exact same level of safety, fit and finish as the vehicle's original windshield. Aftermarket auto glass meets or exceeds the minimum safety standards set by the Department of Transportation. However, they may not be up to OEM standards.

Are non OEM parts safe? ›

Safety is another reason why aftermarket parts are not always a good choice. Aftermarket parts do not have to pass the same crash tests or corrosion protection tests that OEM parts do. So if you want your passengers to be safe, and your vehicle to remain looking nice for years to come, always try to use OEM parts.

Every piece of the car as it exits the factory is an original part. Anything that is replaced, including a tail light, is no longer an original part. However, OEM parts are the same as the original in the sense that they are made by the same manufacturer, with the same materials, to the same specifications.

OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer. The original manufacturer of the auto parts sold at Penske Chevrolet of Cerritos is GM. Aftermarket auto parts are parts made by third party companies based on OEM part designs. Which is better?

Additionally, some modifications may void the vehicle's original warranty. It is likely that any customizations will actually reduce a vehicle's trade-in value because the dealer will choose to return the vehicle to its original stock condition before offering it for sale again.

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One of the biggest advantages of aftermarket parts is their lower cost compared to OEM parts. These parts are often less expensive and can help you save money on repairs or upgrades. Additionally, aftermarket parts are widely available and offer a greater variety of options than OEM parts.

A genuine part is a part supplied by the vehicle manufacturer in their packaging. Aftermarket parts are parts produced by any other company. Often they are reverse engineered to be a very close to the original specification. Many options are available which can vary wildly in price and quality.

A: OEM stands for “original equipment manufacturer,” so OEM brake pads are the same as those that came with the vehicle. The friction material on the brake pads may be organic, semi-metallic or ceramic. Brand-name aftermarket pads are just as good — and sometimes better — than OEM. Don't waste money.

Since they're made for your make and model specifically, they'll get your vehicle back to its original state. This makes OEM parts easier to install as well, with less room for error. If you want your car in its original condition, go with the part you know fits with your vehicle.

Do aftermarket parts void warranty? ›

While some dealers would have you think otherwise, simply having an aftermarket part or modifying your vehicle cannot void your warranty. However, if that part led to something breaking on the vehicle, the dealership can deny your warranty claim.

The automotive aftermarket provides motorists with a choice over how to repair, maintain and service their vehicles. The automotive aftermarket is broadly split into two segments; dealer networks and independent, non-dealer repairers.

Accordingly, the "aftermarket goods" mainly include products and services for replacement parts, upgrade, maintenance and enhancement of the use of its original equipment.

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, which means the parts are made by the same company that makes the vehicle. Meanwhile, aftermarket parts are produced by a different parts company and are often designed to be compatible with as many makes and/or models as possible.

The difference is that it doesn't carry the manufacturer's logo. OEM parts are just as reliable as genuine parts, but you get them for a better value. Aftermarket. Once a car is built, companies can manufacturer parts that will work for that vehicle.

One of the biggest questions car owners have is: what is the difference between OEM and OE? OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer. OE stands for original equipment. OE parts are the components of the vehicle as it's made in the factory – all of the original parts that the car was first built with.