What is the difference between OEM headlights and aftermarket headlights?
3 Answers
OEM headlights and aftermarket headlights differ in quality. The housing of OEM headlights maintains its sealing performance for many years without significant aging, while the housing of aftermarket headlights tends to lose sealing performance and show noticeable aging over time. Headlights are a crucial component of a car, serving the primary function of illumination. Also known as car front lights or LED daytime running lights, headlights act as the 'eyes' of the vehicle, impacting not only the owner's external image but also safe driving during nighttime or adverse weather conditions. The use and maintenance of car lights are essential and should not be overlooked.
As someone who frequently helps friends with car purchases, I've noticed significant differences between OEM headlights and aftermarket parts. OEM parts are certified spare parts from the vehicle manufacturer, with materials and craftsmanship meeting strict standards—considerations like waterproof sealing and circuit design are thoroughly addressed, ensuring they last five to six years without issues. Aftermarket parts may cost less than half the price, but their lifespan is often just two to three years. Some made from recycled plastic can warp under high temperatures, and their light transmittance tends to be inconsistent. Key checks include: verifying the presence of a brand stamp on the housing, testing whether the light beam scatters when illuminated, and feeling if the heat sink is thick enough. If replacement is necessary, for those who frequently drive in rainy or foggy conditions, it’s worth investing in OEM parts—safety should always come first.
Our car has had its headlights replaced twice, and the difference is quite noticeable. The OEM lamp housing is thicker, with completely ripple-free light-transmitting glass, providing exceptionally even road illumination at night. Aftermarket parts may appear bright when newly installed, but the lens turns yellow within six months, with visible dark spots in the light pattern. The key difference lies in compatibility: OEM connectors fit perfectly, while aftermarket ones require forceful insertion. Once during a night drive in the countryside, an aftermarket headlight suddenly started flickering, giving me quite a scare. Mechanics now advise not to cut corners on safety components, especially for models with adaptive functions - aftermarket parts simply can't achieve proper beam angle calibration.
