It’s likely that at some point over the lifetime of your automobile, you may require the purchase of new components for it. Although taking your vehicle to the repair shop can seem like the simplest solution, the fact is that different shops utilize different kinds of parts when they work on cars.
There are two different kinds of parts available: OEM, which stands for original equipment manufacturer, and aftermarket. After being in an accident, your vehicle may require any of these two sorts of parts, which are typically possibilities for the repair process. If you want the full cost of the repair to be covered by your auto insurance, however, the kind of parts you can use will be limited by the policy. Before taking your automobile in for repairs, familiarize yourself with the OEM and aftermarket parts and their respective benefits and drawbacks.
OEM Parts vs. Aftermarket Parts: What’s the Difference?
Manufacturer
The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is the only entity that produces original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts; no other entity does. Because they are backed by the car manufacturer, they are almost guaranteed to fit correctly.
Aftermarket parts are frequently produced by a company that is not the same as the manufacturer of your automobile.
Price
When you take your vehicle to a dealership for repairs, the dealership will almost certainly employ original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. On the other hand, because of the standard markup that dealers apply to their prices, these items are more expensive. When you buy parts from an aftermarket retailer, they may have been manufactured by the same business that provided the components to the manufacturer of your vehicle. When you buy parts from an aftermarket vendor, you may be able to avoid paying the markup that the original equipment manufacturer imposed on the parts.
Performance
It is possible to manufacture aftermarket parts in large quantities and tailor them to meet the requirements of a wide variety of vehicle types rather than just a single brand and model of vehicle. They are comparable to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components in terms of sort and quality, and they generally fit.
Note
The Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) ensures the quality and safety of aftermarket auto parts.1
OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts Example
Imagine that you were involved in an automobile accident and that you submitted a claim to your insurance company after the incident. Your insurer may require you to use aftermarket parts in any repairs you have done to your vehicle. Because aftermarket components do the same job that original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts do for less money, some insurers may only cover aftermarket parts. This varies from state to state. You need to check with your insurance company to see if this is the situation with your policy.2
The language of your particular policy and any legislation that may be in force that speak to this problem will determine whether or not your insurer will cover original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts in the event of a claim. If the usage of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts is crucial to you when repairing your vehicle, you have the option of forking over the additional funds required to cover the price gap between OEM and aftermarket components.
Note
If you want to prevent having to pay extra money in the future, you might want to think about switching to an insurance coverage that will cover OEM parts.3
Choosing original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts over aftermarket alternatives would be beneficial to both your wallet and your peace of mind. It will not have any effect on the roadworthiness of your vehicle or the price you can get for it if you ever decide to sell it. A vehicle that has been damaged in an accident would most certainly have a lower value than one that has not been harmed, particularly if there was structural damage or if the airbags were deployed. The value of the item as a whole will not be significantly affected by the components that were utilized to restore it.
Which Is the Best Option for You?
You may believe that original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are superior since they come directly from the manufacturer of your vehicle; however, this does not necessarily mean that they are the best parts for you.
In the end, it boils down to a matter of taste. Automobile enthusiasts, technicians who work in body shops, and owners of brand-new automobiles are the groups of individuals who are typically the most concerned about obtaining OEM parts.
It’s possible that other individuals are unaware of the distinction, or simply don’t care; all they care about is getting their automobile fixed. Because of their more affordable price, aftermarket parts are becoming an increasingly popular choice. Choose aftermarket components if you are not particular about the manufacturer and are interested in achieving cost savings.
OEM components are the way to go if you don’t mind spending a little more money and value the convenience of having parts that have been made specifically for your vehicle.
The Nutshell Using OEM parts helps the car remain more faithful to its initial configuration. However, the moment you drive your car off the lot, it is no longer considered to be in its “new” condition. Why spend more money on original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts when you may save money by purchasing used or aftermarket components instead? In the end, it is up to you to decide whether or not it makes a difference what kind of parts are used to fix your vehicle.
Consider both the expenses and the possible differences between the two options before making a final decision about which one is best for your vehicle.
Questions That Are Typically Responded To (FAQs)
Where can you purchase original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts?
You can get assistance purchasing original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts for your vehicle from a dealer who is authorized to sell it. Visit the Toyota dealership closest to you, for instance, if you require an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part for a Toyota vehicle. If the dealer does not have the parts you require in stock, the workers there will be able to assist you in placing an order for what you require.
What factors contribute to the high cost of OEM parts?
Because they are tailored to your particular brand and model, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts come at a premium price. Because the components are only made to fit a specific model of automobile, the company must increase the price of each individual item in order to turn a profit. Aftermarket parts that are adaptable to a wide variety of cars sometimes have lower prices.
