What is the difference between aftermarket and OEM headlights?
2 Answers
The differences between aftermarket and OEM headlights: 1. Workmanship: OEM headlights for cars are marked with the vehicle's logo, feature fine craftsmanship without flaws or burrs, whereas aftermarket headlights often have rough edges, burrs, unclear printing, and appear messy. 2. Installation fit: OEM headlights have a high installation fit, aligning perfectly when installed, while aftermarket headlights may show imperfections post-installation. Tips for selecting car headlights: 1. Light pattern: Currently, vehicles are generally equipped with two types of lights upon leaving the factory: halogen and LED. Regardless of the type, strict standards are applied to light patterns during factory inspections. The low beam must avoid glare and scattering, with clear and reasonable cutoffs to prevent affecting oncoming traffic. The high beam should not have dark spots at its center. 2. Brightness: When choosing LED headlights, brighter isn't necessarily better; sufficient brightness is key. Typically, low beams should illuminate 30-40 meters ahead, while high beams should reach as far as possible. 3. Material selection: Compared to halogen and xenon lights, LED headlights offer many advantages, as evidenced by their widespread use in the market. Good LED headlights excel in heat dissipation. Currently, there are two heat dissipation methods: one based on fan cooling principles, and the other on physical cooling principles. Material choice is crucial in both. Poor-quality fans age quickly, dissipate heat slowly, and reduce the lifespan of LED headlights. In physical cooling, materials directly affect the normal operation of LED headlights. 4. Model: Before purchasing LED headlights, ensure you select the correct model that matches your vehicle.
Genuine parts are the original accessories produced by the automobile manufacturer, such as those sold in 4S stores. They are of high quality, specifically designed for your car model, ensuring a precise fit when installed, with uniform lighting that is not harsh. Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are produced by third-party companies and can be more than half the price cheaper, but the materials are of lower quality, with plastics prone to aging and shorter lifespans for the bulbs. I once replaced my headlights with aftermarket parts—they worked fine initially, but after a few months, they fogged up and turned yellow, scattering light unevenly, making nighttime driving particularly exhausting. Honestly, if you're looking to save money, aftermarket parts are an option, but you should choose reputable brands; otherwise, there can be a host of safety issues. Headlights are critical for driving safety, and aftermarket parts often have poor compatibility and may trigger error codes. My advice to average car owners is to first consider their budget. If the budget is tight, opt for certified aftermarket parts; otherwise, go for genuine parts for peace of mind.
