OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts

When working on your own vehicle and need a new part or two, one question is bound to arise: Do you go with the original manufacturer parts or with an aftermarket equivalent? This is an important decision, so let’s take a look at the pros and cons so that you can make the right call.

The Difference

If a part or several parts of your car need to be replaced, you or the professional mechanic you’ve hired will go for either an OEM part (which stands for “original equipment manufacturer”) or an aftermarket part. Some people mistakenly define aftermarket parts as used car parts rather than new ones. This isn’t the correct definition; aftermarket parts are simply parts manufactured by third party companies, while OEM parts are manufactured by the automaker that built the car itself. It’s a direct factory match to the part that the vehicle shipped with. It may seem as though OEM is always the better choice, but this may not necessarily be the case.

Stay Original?

One key advantage of replacing parts with their exact OEM match is that you know exactly what you’re going to get. Less variety means a more simplified decision.You can also generally have more confidence in its quality and compatibility with your vehicle without having to do much research, and the part will probably come with a warranty. If the replacement is being done by the dealership, they’ll typically use an OEM part, but if you’re trying to get an OEM part via an independent mechanic, it’s a different story. This takes longer and is less reliable, as OEM parts are only available from the automaker and a limited number of vendors. Finally, broadly speaking, an OEM part will be more costly.

Or Go Aftermarket?

Aftermarket parts are usually the route taken when you or an independent mechanic are doing the replacement. In this case, you get more variety but a potentially more complicated decision. They may not come with a warranty, but they’re often less costly. If you find a highly respected company and are willing to spring for the best, aftermarket parts can be superior to their OEM counterparts. If you don’t do your homework and compromise on quality, you’re making a significant risk. Meanwhile, installing an aftermarket part may not in and of itself void warranty coverage, but it could eat into your deposit if you’re leasing your car. As always, your decisions should be careful and well-researched!

When you buy a lift from Lift King, you’re not just buying from anyone, you’re getting a quality piece of machinery from a team of dedicated and knowledgeable car lovers. To see which lift is right for your needs, get in touch with our Calgary headquarters by calling (403) 283-1020 today.