Pros And Cons Of OEM Replacement Auto Parts
Your car’s alternator isn’t indestructible – it won’t last forever. Neither will your catalytic converter. Actually, your fuel injectors, ignition switch, and muffler can fail as well. Every auto part under your vehicle’s hood can unexpectedly expire and need to be replaced.
When you take your car to the dealership they use OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. Conversely, the mechanic at your local garage is most likely going to use aftermarket alternatives. Which is better?
Claiming one choice is always better than the other is overly-simplistic; it ignores subtle pros and cons of each. Below, we’ll compare the advantages of investing in OEM parts versus buying their aftermarket equivalents.
The Advantages Of Aftermarket
Aftermarket components and systems are less expensive than their OEM counterparts. However, the percentage you’ll save will vary by the item your vehicle needs. Be cautious. A lot of aftermarket units seem low-priced, but hide defects that can leave you stranded at the side of the road.
Another advantage is that the quality can be just as high as Original Equipment Manufacturer systems. The reason is because the automaker is often forced to offset the performance of the component with other factors. For example, consider anti-lock braking systems. The manufacturer has to make sure the pads don’t squeal; otherwise, customers will complain. The problem is, ensuring the brake pads are silent requires accepting a mild loss in performance (to that end, high-performance brakes are often noisy).
Yet another advantage of buying after-market components is that they’re widely available. Mechanics can easily obtain any replacement part your vehicle needs. In fact, they’ll often have them in stock.
The Advantages Of OEM
OEM parts also offer significant advantages. First, you’ll always know what to expect from them. They are nearly identical to the systems that were installed within your vehicle at the time it rolled off the factory floor.
Second, you won’t need to examine a given component in order to spot defects. Original Equipment Manufacturer parts provide a consistent level of quality and are designed as seamless replacements. That means there is no reason to be concerned with compatibility and performance issues.
Third, they are usually supported by a one-year warranty. For example, if you have your alternator replaced and it malfunctions within the first year, the automaker will replace it with another OEM alternator without cost. The experience might not be the same if the alternator were an aftermarket unit.
Which Is The Most Appropriate Choice?
There are a few reliable rules of thumb to follow. First, if you’re replacing anything on your car’s frame (for example, a body panel), you should opt for Original Equipment Manufacturer replacements. Second, if you’re leasing your vehicle, you should also choose OEM parts. Otherwise, you’re likely to lose your deposit when you return the car. Third, for something like an alternator or a fuel pump (a key component), OEM is always the better choice.
On the other hand, if you’re willing to take a risk (and the risk can be substantial) in order to save a few dollars, aftermarket parts may be a good investment.
