OEM Parts: Everything You Need To Know

Original equipment parts (OEM) parts are components used on or in a vehicle that come from the original equipment manufacturer. Understanding the difference between OEM parts and aftermarket parts can help you determine what you want to use when your vehicle needs a repair or a replacement.

Different Types of Auto Parts

Automotive manufacturers once built every component used in the vehicles that bore their name. However, that is no longer the case, as many companies outsource their parts production. The outsourcing doesn't necessarily impact the quality, because the companies that create these products often specialize in parts for specific manufacturers. Whether a replacement part is OEM or aftermarket depends on who manufactured it.

If a vehicle is damaged in a crash or is aging and has experienced normal wear and tear due to driving, it might need some of its parts replaced. The repair shop you take the vehicle to can typically get the parts needed, but the type of parts you get will depend on several factors. One of these is your auto insurance, which can sometimes dictate the type of parts it will cover depending on the state you live in that governs insurance repairs. The three types of parts for automotive repairs are OEM, aftermarket parts, and "recycled" – or used.

Differences Between OEM Parts and Aftermarket Parts

Where you have a repair done will impact what type of parts you get. For example, if you take your vehicle to a dealership, you can be sure you're getting OEM parts. Independent auto repair shops are more likely to use aftermarket parts, although this isn't always the case.

The original equipment manufacturer that provides OEM parts is the company that produces the parts used in the vehicle when it's new.

In the auto parts world, OEM refers to the company that manufactured the original parts used when the vehicle was newly constructed. 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.

Aftermarket parts refer to those made by any company other than the company the automotive manufacturer contracts with to make its parts. Companies that produce aftermarket parts can make them at a higher volume, and one part might fit multiple makes and models instead of a single vehicle.

Which Parts Are Best?

You might assume that OEM parts are better than aftermarket since they're made to fit exactly into your make and model. However, determining the best parts for your situation comes down to your personal preference. If cost is a major factor, the lower-price aftermarket parts might be more appealing to you. For some vehicle owners, knowing that every component in their car is an OEM part is important. However, once you leave the dealership lot, a car is no longer new and its value reflects that, so spending more on OEM parts might not pay off.

Pros and Cons of OEM Parts

As you decide whether to use OEM or aftermarket parts, consider the pros and cons of each:

• Assurance of quality: When you choose an OEM part, it should fit and function exactly as the part it is replacing. It is the same part as what was originally installed during the manufacturing process, which can provide you with peace of mind knowing how it will perform and its quality.
• Price: The price of OEM parts is nearly always higher than the price of comparable aftermarket parts. The Balance and Edmunds report that for bodywork, the cost of OEM parts is usually about 60 percent higher than aftermarket parts. However, dealerships are trying to compete more with independent repair shops, so auto owners might see a shift in the pricing discrepancies.
• Where to purchase: Although you can purchase OEM parts online, most drivers simply go straight to the dealership for these parts. If you choose to have your vehicle repaired by a local mechanic, the shop might have access to OEM parts but will have to order them in most cases, prolonging the repair process.
• Better quality: In some cases, the aftermarket part might be of better quality than the OEM part. If an aftermarket parts manufacturer reverse-engineers the part, it might be able to work out some of the weaknesses and make it better. An example is brake pads, which must balance durability, performance, noise levels, and cost. An aftermarket set of brake pads might make more noise than OEM, but they'll perform just as well as or better than OEM brake pads and cost less.
• More variety: Hundreds of companies produce aftermarket parts. Some of those companies specialize in a particular set of parts, while others make nearly every part needed for any make and model. With more variety comes more competitive pricing and a wider selection of options.
• Overwhelming selection: Although more options can be a good thing, it can also cause you to feel overwhelmed, especially if you're not familiar with the different brands and their quality. The wide selection of choices could result in you choosing a lower-quality part. Even something as simple as a spark plug comes from hundreds of brands and in all variations.

When you're having your vehicle repaired, it's ultimately up to you whether you want OEM or aftermarket parts. You can decide based on the cost, quality, and what your service technician recommends for your make and model.

Information and research in this article verified by ASE-certified Master Technician Keith Canete of YourMechanic.com. For any feedback or correction requests please contact us at research@caranddriver.com.

Sources:

https://www.thebalance.com/oem-parts-vs-after-market-parts-527304

https://www.edmunds.com/car-maintenance/aftermarket-versus-manufacturer-car-parts.html

https://www.ace-autoparts.com/About/Blog/entryid/40/comparing-genuine-vs-oem-auto-parts-is-there-a-difference

http://oem.microsoft.com/public/worldwide/licensing/OEM_System_Builder_Licensing_Guide.pdf

https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a26407325/when-replace-brake-pads/

https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g28089601/how-to-modernize-old-car-with-tech/