What is the difference between OEM and aftermarket parts?
2 Answers
The difference between OEM and aftermarket parts lies in their suppliers and quality. Here are the relevant details: 1. Suppliers: OEM parts are manufactured by the automaker's designated suppliers, meaning these auto parts manufacturers have established cooperative relationships with the car brand manufacturers. The parts they produce are approved by the car brand manufacturers and carry the OEM label. Aftermarket parts do not have designated suppliers. 2. Quality: Aftermarket parts do not possess the intellectual property rights for these components. These parts manufacturers typically use OEM parts to create molds, essentially replicating the same components. As a result, they avoid R&D costs and do not need to pass stringent quality checks. However, such replicated parts may not match the fit and quality of OEM or genuine parts, often resulting in lower quality.
The difference between OEM and aftermarket parts, I’ll share based on my over ten years of driving experience. OEM parts are components directly provided by the car manufacturer, such as brake pads or filters, manufactured strictly to the original vehicle standards, ensuring quality, but they are usually quite expensive—a set of brake pads could cost over a thousand yuan. Aftermarket parts are similar components produced by third-party manufacturers, much cheaper in price, sometimes available for just a few dozen yuan, but the quality varies, and compatibility can be an issue. For example, I once replaced my brake pads with aftermarket ones and found the braking force wasn’t very even. Overall, OEM parts offer higher safety and longer lifespan. If the vehicle is still under warranty, using OEM parts makes it easier to avoid issues. Although aftermarket parts are cheaper, improper installation may lead to more repairs, and in the end, they might not actually save money. For critical components like the engine or safety systems, OEM parts are recommended. For less critical parts or short-term use, aftermarket parts can be tried, but choose reputable brands. In short, don’t just focus on the price difference—consider your actual driving needs and risk costs.
