Auto Parts. OEM vs. Aftermarket vs. Used
There are several options when it comes to selecting the type and quality of replacement auto parts. This article should give you more of an understanding of the difference between your options and the inherit benefits and downfalls of each.
Your first option is an OEM part. In most situations an OEM will be your highest quality option. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. An OEM part is the identical part that was originally installed on your vehicle when your vehicle was built new at the factory. In 99.9% of most repair situations your choice for replacement parts should be an OEM part if your budget allows. The other .10% of the time you may want to opt for an aftermarket part if the OEM part has inherited manufacturing concerns that have not been corrected by the OEM. In some cases, the aftermarket manufacturer may have developed a part that solves the issue the OEM has not corrected.
Your second option would be the above mentioned aftermarket part. There are 2 types of aftermarket parts, new and remanufactured. New aftermarket parts are built by a company other than the Original Equipment Manufacturer. The aftermarket manufacture may specialize in a particular line of products across many different manufacturers or they may be a generalized manufacturer that may build replacement parts to near or at OEM specifications for many different types of parts. A remanufactured part is a part that has been professionally rebuilt by a company that collects "cores" or used specimens and meticulously rebuilds the part to near OEM specifications. In many cases you will find the quality of both remanufactured and new aftermarket parts to be of similar quality and price but price and quality of both may vary greatly. It is common practice to utilize aftermarket parts across the industry in order to reduce price for the repair facility and hopefully to the consumer. Remember that not all aftermarket parts are of top quality and sometimes the cost savings may not be worth it if the part fails prematurely due to quality.
Lastly you have used or salvaged parts. Used or salvaged parts are original equipment parts that have been removed from a wrecked or scrap vehicle and resold. This option is usually your most cost effective option and it may also be a very reliable option. As long as the part removed from the vehicle is the original part and not a previously installed aftermarket part then the quality should be that of an OEM part. In most cases you should know the age and mileage of the vehicle the part was removed from to ensure it also hasn’t reached the end of its lifecycle. As long as you pay attention to the age of the part then a used or salvaged part is a great option.
Have a question or concern regarding a part choice, it's quality or cost? Please contact us at 888-214-6591 or email us at info@myautoassistant.com.
