What You Need To Know About OEM And Aftermarket Parts

Two unfortunate parts of life for automobile owners are repairs and service. Eventually, even the most reliable vehicle will break down, and all cars and lorries require regular maintenance. When a repair is being made, drivers must choose whether to use OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts or aftermarket parts.

OEM parts are built by the same factories that manufacture the original parts used in the vehicle. They are built to the same specification as the original parts and are just as reliable. Essentially, automobile manufacturers declare, "These parts are worthy of being in our cars. They could be used in our factories."

On the other hand, aftermarket parts are either built or refurbished by a third party. Some of these parts have been used. For instance, cars that are wrecked may still have useable parts, which work fine. People will salvage these parts and then sell them as aftermarket, used parts. Other parts may have not originally worked properly. However, a manufacturer could take these malfunctioning pieces and refurbish them. Then, these like-new parts would be sold at a discount. The third source for aftermarket parts are third-party manufacturers. These companies are not affiliated with the auto companies. However, they make parts for the cars that auto companies build.

Because aftermarket parts are not regulated by the same companies that build cars, these components are viewed as less reliable than OEM parts. Used parts may function without a problem for years, or they may quickly break down. Refurbished parts are restored to a like-new condition, but often come with a shorter warrantee than new parts. The companies that build aftermarket parts can be reliable or unreliable.
Since they can be less reliable, aftermarket parts are cheaper than OEM ones. Aftermarket components often are built just as well as OEM pieces, but at times there is a difference in quality. Thus, aftermarket parts are not valued as highly as OEM components. This is why aftermarket ones cost less than OEM ones. Sometimes the difference in price is small; in other cases it is very significant.

When a repair is being made, customers must decide whether they would like OEM or aftermarket parts used. OEM parts are the most reliable, but aftermarket ones offer discounts. Another factor drivers must consider is which types of parts their repair shop uses. Some use only OEM, others use only aftermarket, and other shops offer a choice. When deciding which type of part to use, drivers must evaluate quality, cost and availability.

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