Is there a difference between OEM and aftermarket?
Asked by: Bonita Labadie | Last update: December 8, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (25 votes)
Which is better, OEM or aftermarket?
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.
Is OEM as good as original?
Good quality
After all, an OEM product is the same product manufactured by the original manufacturer. Though there are cheaper versions, the price of the OEM product reflects its quality.
Is it worth it to buy OEM products?
Guaranteed Quality
First and foremost, OEM parts are guaranteed to be a perfect fit and function properly. This high-quality standard is way worth it because there's nothing worse than spending money on a part that ends up not being compatible with your vehicle or not working the way it should.
What are the disadvantages of OEM parts?
Disadvantages of OEM Parts
Here are a couple: Price tag: Typically, OEM parts are more expensive to buy than aftermarket parts. High demand: High demand of OEM parts may lead to limited availability at your local Land Rover dealer in San Francisco, which could mean a delay in getting the part you need.
Are Factory Car Parts Better Than Aftermarket Featuring ShopDAP
What is the downside of OEM?
A drawback of OEMs is the amount of resources needed to produce a unique product. This can include research and development costs, as well as the time it takes to create the design before it's ready for manufacturing. These investments can be quite high and introduce a certain level of risk to a business.
Are Napa parts as good as OEM?
The short answer: Not usually. OEM parts aren't necessarily better, nor are aftermarket replacements necessarily worse.
What are the risks of OEM?
These can include quality failures, financial risks, supply chain interruptions, IT failures, cybersecurity breaches, and product defects among others.
What's better, OE or OEM?
Generally, OE parts tend to be more expensive than OEM parts due to the branding and packaging by the manufacturer. However, both types maintain high quality and performance standards. Choosing between the two often comes down to cost preference and brand loyalty.
Do dealers always use OEM parts?
There is no specific rule requiring a dealer to use OEM parts when working on your vehicle, but some car companies actively discourage the use of aftermarket or salvage parts due to liability and quality concerns, especially regarding structural components.
Who is the best OEM?
Showing 10 out of 25 companies. Volkswagen AG, Toyota Motor Corp, Stellantis NV, Mercedes-Benz Group AG, and Ford Motor Co are the top 5 automotive OEMs in the world in 2021 by revenue.
How to tell OEM parts from aftermarket?
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.
What does 100% OEM mean?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. It is a term used in the manufacturing industry to describe companies that produce components or products that are sold to other companies to be integrated into their own products.
What does OE stand for?
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. Once the car comes out of the factory, everything else is not an OE part.
Does AutoZone carry OEM parts?
AutoZone's 7,140 retail outlets as of August 26, 2023 throughout the United States, Mexico and Brazil stock a variety of aftermarket parts as well as some OEM parts.
Are OEM brakes better than aftermarket?
Genuine OEM parts typically offer better reliability, warranties and fitment than aftermarket parts. On the other hand, you have more variety with aftermarket or third-party auto parts, and they may even perform better than OEM components when towing large loads or racing.
Is aftermarket as good as OEM?
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.
Is OEM high quality?
No, OEM does not mean fake. OEM refers to the original equipment manufacturer, which is a company that produces components or products for use in other companies' end products. These components are often of high quality and meet the specifications the purchasing company requires.
What is an oe discount?
OE Discount: New original equipment manufacturer part manufactured by or for the original equipment manufacturer according to the original equipment manufacturer's specifications for the applicable market.
What companies use OEM?
They are primarily for PC manufacturer OEMs and system builders, and as such are typically sold in volume licensing deals to a variety of manufacturers (Dell, HP, ASUS, Acer, Lenovo, Wistron, Inventec, Supermicro, Compal Electronics, Quanta Computer, Foxconn, Pegatron, Jabil, Flex, etc.).
Is it safe to buy OEM products?
OEM products are going to match what's being replaced and that guarantees function and quality. You'll be getting the same performance you expect and need from your equipment with an OEM replacement part because it was designed and tested under the same rigorous manufacturer standards.
What are the benefits of OEM?
With their engineering expertise, OEMs can help speed up product development programs, quickly and cost-effectively scale the manufacture of specialized or specific parts, and product quality, long-lasting parts that consumers have come to trust.
Who makes engine oil for Napa?
NAPA Oils and Fluids are developed by leading oil manufacturer Valvoline.
Is aftermarket auto glass as good as OEM?
OEM glass is the safest choice, and dealerships usually refuse to lease vehicles with aftermarket glass, which is not only cheaper but also often of lesser quality. While OEM glass has higher safety standards, aftermarket glass may not. Many automakers recommend the replacement of OEM glass for vehicles with cameras.