Why Are OEM Parts More Expensive than Aftermarket?

When you are looking to get new parts for your vehicle, there are many different options to consider, including where to look for your parts, which parts company to do business with and support, and what type of parts to buy. The two main part types are OEM (original equipment manufacturer) and aftermarket. The type and company you choose can have many impacts on the prices you pay as well as the quality and lasting time of the parts. In this article, we’ll discuss the major differences between OEM parts and aftermarket parts, how the various parts of a car differ between OEM and aftermarket, and the pricing differences between these types.

What Does OEM Stand For?

The two types of car parts for available parts of a car are OEM and aftermarket, but what is meant by each of these types, and what are the benefits, potential drawbacks, differences, and similarities between them to better inform your car parts decisions? OEM stands for the original equipment manufacturer, and this distinct equipment manufacturer is the business that produces and provides the different individual components of various full products produced by other companies. The second company then uses one or more of these individual components to produce a full product and then sells these finished products to users or customers.

This second company is a VAR, or value-added reseller because they serve to add to and increase the value of the finished final product provided to users and other customers. OEMs and VARs typically work closely together during much of the production time for a given product, the OEM often customizing aspects based upon the VAR’s ideas, specifications, or needs. OEMs typically focus on B2B (business-to-business) sales while the VAR is the front end for users and customers. A typical example of an OEM is an equipment manufacturer who produces various electronics components for a company such as Samsung or Sony.

What Does Aftermarket Mean?

While OEM parts are typically sold at a car dealership, independent shops and businesses are the typical sellers of various aftermarket car parts. The source of an aftermarket part is not the original manufacturer of a given car. When parts, including aftermarket parts, are direct replacements, it’s also worth noting that there is no risk of potentially voiding your car’s warranty. Many companies, including FitParts, produce these parts that function the same as original manufacturer parts. In some cases, replacement aftermarket parts can even function better than the original parts. Around 80 percent of independent car shops use aftermarket parts.

Both OEM parts and aftermarket parts are viable and functional options for your vehicle. One of the biggest aspects that does make a significant difference in the pricing, quality, and lifespan you receive from your parts is whether or not you work with an experienced and trustworthy mechanic or parts business that is providing you the highest quality parts. A more accurate term for “aftermarket” is “alternative part”, as many can find themselves confused by the idea of an aftermarket product. These parts are simply non-OEM and are a top alternative to purchasing and using OEM parts when you are doing repair work and replacing parts on your vehicle.

The Major Differences and Similarities

When considering whether to buy and drive with OEM or aftermarket parts, there are some considerable differences and similarities to know that can better inform your decision. As mentioned, aftermarket parts are simply an alternative to OEM, and their design doesn’t inherently differ in size, fit, or function. In some cases, aftermarket parts can even exceed OEM in these and other aspects. In discussing the major differences and similarities between these two car parts types, it’s worth knowing the distinctions regarding the top important and impactful qualities, including price, quality, fit, performance, selection, and insurance.

Price

A major difference between these two parts types is that OEM parts are typically more expensive than aftermarket parts, coming directly from a car dealership.

Quality

The quality of FitParts’s aftermarket parts is also of equal if not higher quality standards as OEM parts.

Fit

The design of aftermarket parts makes them an identical, appropriate, and effective fit to the given area of the car as OEM.

Performance

The aftermarket parts from FitParts are of the highest quality, to perform the way you want and need them to, and all parts also come with a 3-year warranty!

Selection

You can also enjoy a great selection with FitParts as your specific aftermarket parts company, with many options available for different makes, models, years, trims, and engines you have or desire.

Insurance

While you may have the option to pay the cost difference, some insurance companies only cover aftermarket parts. You also won’t negatively affect your warranty when you choose direct replacement aftermarket parts.

Top Benefits of Aftermarket Parts From FitParts

It is a common misconception believed by many that price is inherently indicative of the level of quality, usability, or lifespan of a product or individual car part. In fact, you can save a lot of money and experience other benefits by buying and using aftermarket parts instead of OEM parts, even more so when you use FitParts for your aftermarket parts. In addition to the top differences and similarities between OEM and aftermarket, there are some additional benefits to buying and using aftermarket parts from the right business. FitParts provides only the highest levels of reliable quality and safety standards, with distribution centers in Los Angeles, CA, and Charlotte, NC, and flexible options for delivery for your benefit and convenience.

Choose FitParts for Your Aftermarket Parts

Having a more informed idea of the differences and considerations between OEM and aftermarket parts, including pricing, can help you get the best pricing, value, quality, and long lifespan out of your vehicle and its parts. Get the best of these important and impactful attributes with your car parts, vehicle, and the company you buy them from with the aftermarket parts from FitParts.