Aftermarket Vs OEM: Are Aftermarket Engine Parts Better Than OEM?

Adhering to your budget while ensuring you get what you need is a foundational skill required to run any operation successfully. When it comes to the parts you plan to use for your vehicles, there is honestly no right or wrong choice, just as long as they are good and running. Whether for updating, saving money, or replacing your current equipment, you can buy from the aftermarket for some engine parts or the original manufacturer, which is a tad costlier than getting in the aftermarket. The most significant factor when purchasing vehicle parts is to hit these two key points:

• The purchase can help you stick to your budget. The automobile components and pieces should be budget-friendly and cost-effective.
• The parts can help improve and sustain the efficiency of your vehicle.

Buying from the aftermarket for engine parts allows you to hit two birds with one stone. Purchasing from the aftermarket, say an expansion tank, lets you save money, as they are generally less expensive than the price rates at the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and can help maintain the efficiency of your car.

Aftermarket engine parts are relatively more affordable, but are they as good as OEM? Before buying at the aftermarket for engine parts, discover the pros and cons of doing so below.

ADVANTAGES OF AFTERMARKET AUTO PARTS

1. COST

Low price offers are one of the many reasonable advantages why people would rather spend on aftermarket engine parts. Third-party manufacturers, such as the aftermarket, copy the exact automobile parts’ make and model without spending much on research and development. The cost of the aftermarket engine parts can be up to 60% less expensive than the OEM parts.

Since parts make up almost half the cost for most vehicular bodywork, buying from the aftermarket for engine parts can help you save money and cut down on total repair costs. In addition to this advantage, most insurance companies these days prefer the cost savings brought by the aftermarket. The aftermarket for engine parts offers massive cost cuts and is just as safe as the OEM parts, making it more favoured by insurance companies.

2. WIDE AVAILABILITY

Cars only have one manufacturer. If you want to splurge on authentic automobile parts, you will only have one option, to get from OEMs. The original components are only available at the original manufacturer. Be ready to save tons of hard cash as they can get a tad expensive. Moreover, given that you can only get a hand on these components from authorised manufacturers, finding the engine parts you need may be challenging.

With aftermarket engine parts, you may have options to choose from, be it on the internet, social media, referrals, or physical stores. Buying from the aftermarket is convenient and less expensive. You’re much more likely to order from international manufacturers and wait overseas to get the specific part you need, delaying the repair. On the other hand, you can find aftermarket engine parts at your local parts store. No matter what you need, say an aftermarket condenser, aftermarket compressor, or aftermarket expansion tank, your local automobile aftermarket shop has it.

3. QUALITY

Undoubtedly, there is an enormous difference between the quality of original auto parts and the generic ones. Quality can depend on the component that needs replacement. However, the good thing with the aftermarket is it lets you find aftermarket engine parts that can meet or exceed the OEM version.

4. READILY AVAILABLE

One of the many advantages of buying from the aftermarket for engine parts is it is readily available. When you purchase original components from OEMs, it may take longer or more time than usual. In most cases of ordering from OEMs, the car parts are not obtainable or on hand at your dealership, which means you will need to call and wait for the component to arrive. You will need to wait until the transaction gets processed, the manufacturer ships the parts, and until it arrives in your country. With all these, your vehicle’s scheduled servicing and maintenance can get delayed.

By buying on the aftermarket for engine parts, you can benefit from instant availability. All you need to do is place your orders, get the part delivered to you, and have your auto repaired.

DISADVANTAGES OF AFTERMARKET AUTO PARTS

1. QUALITY

The quality issue is one of the biggest concerns among consumers who use spare parts for their autos. Although they are 50 to 60% cheaper than OEM parts, not most consumers would invest in aftermarket engine parts. Instead, they prefer something of quality standards and durable enough to last for years. Also, even when you have more options with aftermarket engine parts, some are not created equally, which basically means you may also encounter lower-quality items or components that are not a good fit for your vehicle’s model.

2. WARRANTY

Unfortunately, not all aftermarket engine parts come with guarantee policies. Compared to OEMs, they usually have a warranty and are billed directly to the person purchasing from the manufacturer. All OEM parts come with warranty protection, usually a year or two. When you buy from the aftermarket for engine parts, they generally have limited or, sometimes, no warranty offers.

3. NOT CERTIFIED

Another disadvantage of purchasing from the aftermarket for engine parts is its certification. With OEM parts, you can rest assured that they are certified and went through testing for performance. The con of getting aftermarket engine parts is you may need your car insurance company to pay and replace it at no extra cost if the specific automobile part does not fit.

4. PERFORMANCE DETERIORATION

Installing and replacing your auto with poor ad gear can make your car vulnerable to defects and deteriorate its vehicular performance. One way to beat this when buying from aftermarket engine parts is to look for credible and trusted sellers. That way, you can avoid those who sell low-quality gear.

DOES IT MATTER IF CARS USE OEM OR AFTERMARKET PARTS?

Emphatically NO. When you shop on the aftermarket for engine parts, you can spend less and benefit from the same quality. Most of the time, aftermarket engine parts and OEM function the same. Sometimes, with a credible seller, you may be able to score aftermarket engine parts with better quality at a more reasonable price and warranty policies.

For automotive thermal management and aftermarket engine parts, you may bag them at MAHLE Aftermarket. Learn more about their array of products and services on their website!