OEM vs Aftermarket Auto Parts
When you visit a vehicle-specific dealership, you know what you are in for. Say you have a Volvo and the alternator breaks, you can easily replace it at the Volvo dealership. While you might encounter a hefty price tag and a bit of a wait as the specific auto parts are shipped from some faraway distribution centre, you know that once it arrives, your vehicle will run optimally.
OEM car parts, known as original equipment manufacturer parts, will undoubtedly be a great choice since they are specifically manufactured for the particular vehicle brand and model. However, there are some aftermarket parts that can work just as well if you know where to find them. Both OEM parts and aftermarket parts have their pros and cons. Here we delve into the various advantages and disadvantages of both OEM parts and aftermarket spares so that you can make an informed decision every time it comes to your car.
The Pros and Cons of OEM vs Aftermarket Auto Parts
Here we examine the pros and cons of both types of auto parts.
New OEM Auto Parts
Originally manufactured for the particular vehicle, OEM auto spares have always enjoyed superior status in the automotive world. It makes sense since they are specifically developed for the vehicle brand and have gained a seal of approval from the manufacturers. So let us weigh up the pros and cons.
The Pros
- Better Quality Assurance: OEM parts are made for your specific vehicle model, and thus they should work just as well as the particular part you need to replace. This offers consumers peace of mind as they often have an already-existing understanding of how the part works.
- Extra Ease: Buying OEM parts also offers some added ease. Rather than having to scour various dealerships and online stores for hours, weighing up the pros and cons of different brands and parts, you can effortlessly choose the one you need. This saves a great deal of time and makes replacing the part an easy feat.
- Warranty Included: Let us be honest, a warranty offers the ultimate peace of mind. When you buy auto parts with a warranty, you can rest assured that you will not be scammed into buying a broken part with no assurance of getting your money back if it has a defect. Vehicle-specific dealerships might also include labour too, and this is an added benefit.
The Cons
- Pricier: Unfortunately, brand-new OEM auto parts can be pricier than aftermarket varieties or second-hand OEM parts. In fact, it is estimated that they can cost about 60% more than aftermarket parts, and thus you will need to budget accordingly for OEM replacements. Happily, there are many pre-owned OEM parts around (like here at A.S.A.P. Spares), and these amalgamate quality with a fantastic price.
- Need to Go Through a Dealership: Usually, new OEMs need to be bought via the specific dealership, and this means that there are not too many places where they can be found. If your nearest dealership does not have the specific auto part, you might have to look further afield to find it.
- Not Always Better Quality: While OEM has enjoyed a superior status, it is not necessarily always indicative of better quality. There are instances where aftermarket parts might offer far better quality (and a lower price tag.)
Aftermarket Auto Parts
While aftermarket parts used to be seen as subpar, they are undoubtedly going up in the world, with Edmunds’ car inventory revealing that the quality of these aftermarkets parts today is often as good as the original. Nonetheless, these aftermarket parts might not be as popular with mechanics and automotive technicians. Let us look at some pros and cons of purchasing these auto spares.
The Pros
- Cost-Effective: Aftermarket parts are often a lot cheaper than brand-new OEM ones – making them an excellent choice if you are on a budget and do not want to pay hefty fees.
- Huge Variety: There are so many aftermarket parts around, and this means that there is a huge variety. You can generally always find what you are looking for and potentially many different models of the same product.
- Great Availability: Since there are so many products on offer, there is great availability. This makes finding the parts you need easier and ensures that you will not have to worry about long waiting periods.
The Cons
- Quality Is Not Guaranteed and is Varied: Since there are so many aftermarket distributors around, quality is not guaranteed between one dealership and brand or the next. This is why it is imperative to work with a supplier that you trust and who has a good reputation in the spares market.
- Not Often a Warranty: Since the parts are not manufactured for your car specifically or from the specific dealership, they will rarely come with a warranty. This means that you need to ensure you purchase aftermarket spares from reputable dealerships with good reputations.
Consider Second-Hand OEM Spares
While OEM parts are usually pricier, this is where a reputable second-hand dealer can save the day. Here at A.S.A.P. Spares, we specialise in the following vehicle brands: Opel, Peugeot, Citroën, Chevrolet, Renault, and Suzuki. All OEM parts are quality checked to ensure the utmost reliability, and we sell these parts for competitive prices. Thus, when you find a trustworthy second-hand auto spares distributor, you can enjoy OEM quality without the massive price tag associated.
We also offer clients a fully functioning scrapyard. Whether you are a seasoned mechanic or enjoy working on motorcars as a hobby, a lot is on offer. We also purchase accident-damaged vehicles, and thus if you have a damaged vehicle that you are looking to sell, get in touch. Send us pictures and any other necessary information (like brand, model, and engine number), and if we want to buy it, we will make you an offer.
Get in touch with us today for trustworthy auto spares that you can rely on! Whatever you need, we will do our utmost to source it for you with efficiency and ease in mind.