Aftermarket or OEM Car Parts: Is the Extra Cost Worth It?

When making the decision on where to get your car serviced, most people will consider two predominant factors – reliability/trust and cost. When you take your car to the dealership service department, you know that you will be getting Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) car parts. If you take your car to an independent mechanic, they will likely complete repairs with aftermarket car parts. Today we are talking about the difference between aftermarket and OEM car parts, and whether or not the extra cost is worth it.

First, what is the difference between aftermarket and OEM car parts? OEM car parts are made by the vehicle manufacturer. These are the parts that make up your car as it is built in the factory. As a result, they are the best fit, best match, best functioning parts as it comes to the overall safety and reliability of your car.

Aftermarket car parts are going to be any parts not sourced from the car’s manufacturer. There are various companies who make car parts that are meant to function identically if not better than manufacturer parts. Aftermarket parts tend to be less expensive, but the quality varies greatly.

So, are OEM car parts worth the extra cost over aftermarket parts? We think so and here is why. When you pay for OEM carts parts, you are also paying for guaranteed quality, a warranty, and reliability. Some aftermarket parts are sold without a warranty, and unless you do your research and inquire up front, you cannot be sure about the quality or brand of the parts used in your car.

The reality is that all aftermarket parts are not created equal, but all OEM parts are. If it’s peace of mind and reliability you are after, then OEM car parts at the dealership will be worth every penny.

Image by Sam Loyd Licensed by Unsplash