What is the difference between dealer parts and aftermarket?

Asked by: Anna Kulas  |  Last update: August 29, 2022
Score: 4.9/5 (47 votes)

Key Takeaways. An original equipment manufacturer is a company that makes cars and has made replacement parts for its cars. Aftermarket parts can be made by the same factory that sold them to your car maker, but they're cheaper than parts from the original manufacturer.

What is the difference between aftermarket parts and original parts?

A genuine part is a part supplied by the vehicle manufacturer in their packaging. Aftermarket parts are parts produced by any other company. Often they are reverse engineered to be a very close to the original specification. Many options are available which can vary wildly in price and quality.

Are dealer parts better?

Unlike having to choose between a few different part brands at your local auto parts store, the dealership parts department will get you the exact part that you need. The quality of the part will be better than most aftermarket parts. Automakers will typically warranty the parts that you buy for up to a year.

Are aftermarket parts just 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.

What is considered an aftermarket part?

Aftermarket parts are replacement parts that are not made by the original equipment manufacturer. Aftermarket parts are used to replace damaged parts in automobiles and other equipment, but their use may alter the coverage of an insured item.

Should you buy auto parts from the dealer or aftermarket?

20 related questions found

Does aftermarket mean fake?

Sometimes you might see other companies selling “aftermarket” watches. What does this mean? It means that the watches have replica parts. We are also seeing dealers use the term “custom made” to refer to the same thing: Fake parts.

Why is it called aftermarket?

Aftermarket parts, also called generic parts, are made by a company other than your vehicle's original manufacturer. They're brand new replacement parts—not used parts. They're made by a third-party manufacturer, so they might not be a perfect fit the same way OEM parts are.

What is better OEM or aftermarket?

Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts match those that came with your car, and are of the same quality as its original parts. They're also the most expensive. Aftermarket parts are cheaper, and made by other manufacturers — often several, giving you more options.

Do aftermarket parts decrease value?

Most people assume adding the various aftermarket features they want will increase their vehicle's value. Unfortunately, this is almost never true. In fact, aftermarket features often reduce car value. This article will explain what you need to know about aftermarket modifications.

Can aftermarket parts void warranty?

This aspect of warranty coverage has a great deal of gray area. Although many dealers would have you think otherwise, simply having an aftermarket part or modifying your vehicle cannot void your warranty.

Is it cheaper to buy parts from a dealership?

Common auto parts can be found for much cheaper at stores or online. Whether you bought your car new or used, it's important to maintain it properly and to use high-quality replacement parts.

Why are OEM parts better?

Greater assurance of quality: The OEM part should work exactly as the one you are replacing. It is what the vehicle was manufactured with and provides a peace of mind in its familiarity and performance. Comes with a warranty: Most automakers back up their OEM parts with a one-year warranty.

What aftermarket means?

Definition of aftermarket

1 : the market for parts and accessories used in the repair or enhancement of a product (such as an automobile) 2 : a secondary market available after sales in the original market are finished a movie in the videocassette aftermarket.

What is better OEM or original?

The OEM parts we carry are precisely the same as the part that came with your car. The difference is that it doesn't carry the manufacturer's logo. OEM parts are just as reliable as genuine parts, but you get them for a better value.

Why is OEM more expensive?

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.

Does insurance cover aftermarket?

How do aftermarket parts work with insurance? After an accident, most insurance companies include the use of aftermarket parts in estimates for repairs. Aftermarket parts that you install yourself as a vehicle modification may also be covered up to a certain limit on a standard auto insurance policy.

Can the insurance company force me to use aftermarket parts?

You have the right to request your insurance company use original equipment manufactured parts rather than aftermarket parts to repair your vehicle. If the insurance company deems these costs unreasonable, however, it might deny your claim.

Do aftermarket parts add value to your car?

Adding custom alloy wheels to the vehicle, for example, can not only add to the appearance of the car but add value as well. Other common aftermarket improvements, such as the addition of an upgraded sound system or body kit, may also increase the value of your vehicle.

Is OEM fake or original?

An OEM is the opposite of a third-party manufacturer that produces parts for sale in the aftermarket. An OEM refers to something made specifically for the original product, while the aftermarket refers to equipment made by another company that a consumer may use as a replacement.

What is OE vs OEM?

One of the biggest questions car owners have is: what is the difference between OEM and OE? OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer. 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.

What does OE mean for car parts?

Original Equipment Parts (OE)

Original Equipment parts are from a company that design, manufacturer parts. The company may own the design, but the manufacturing of the parts are subcontracted to another company.

What is included in the automotive aftermarket?

“Aftermarket” includes vehicle parts, equipment, replacement tires, service repair, collision repair and accessories, sold after the sale of the original vehicle.

How does the automotive aftermarket work?

The automotive aftermarket provides motorists with a choice over how to repair, maintain and service their vehicles. The automotive aftermarket is broadly split into two segments; dealer networks and independent, non-dealer repairers.

Are NAPA parts as good as OEM?

I've used NAPA parts on a bunch of cars over the years, and generally found them to be at least as good as most OEM parts and a whole heck of a lot cheaper. I've also order things from Rockauto.com and been very satisfied with their stuff as well.