Aftermarket, OEM, OE Auto Parts Explained
Aftermarket, OEM, replacement parts--you see these words in
almost all auto parts stores online. What do these terms mean?
For a passive buyer, these things are but ordinary terms used in
the automotive market but for someone meticulous and who wants
the best for his auto, these things matter considerably.
Deciding which among these to purchase is just like deciding
what car to buy.
O.E.M. stands for Original Equipment Manufactured. This means
that OEM Ford parts are
manufactured by Ford itself, Chevrolet parts
are manufactured by Chevrolet, Toyota parts by
Toyota, BMW parts by BMW and so on.
The terms O.E.S. and OE are also used; these mean Original
Equipment Supplied and Original Equipment, respectively. While
in many cases, OEM and OES mean the same, OE is more general
referring to any part that came as original equipment on the
car. Some of OE car parts and components are not actually made
by the car manufacturer but are purchased and assembled by the
automakers to create a vehicle.
Those referred to as "aftermarket auto parts" are not made by
the original car manufacturer; furthermore, they are bought and
added to the vehicle only at the dealership or after the vehicle
left the dealership. In terms of design and function,
aftermarket products are almost the same as the stock auto parts
since they are primarily used to replace a damaged original part
so that the vehicle can continue to run. If you need replacement
parts for your car, however, you can either buy O.E.M. or
aftermarket auto parts. There are numerous sources of
aftermarket auto parts. Stores like Auto Parts Discount give you a great variety
of parts for almost all makes and models.
Some cars, especially the base models are not completely
equipped so users just add aftermarket parts later on. For
example if you have purchased an old Toyota Corolla, you can add
aftermarket Toyota fog lights,
Toyota spoiler, Toyota turn signal
light or Toyota mirrors.
Aftermarket products can also help you give your car a fresh new
look. Even if your original parts are not yet damaged or worn
out, you can replace them with or add specially designed
aftermarket auto parts like Honda taillights,
Ford center cap, Chevrolet chrome
bumper, and Mercedes Benz Front
Cover Towing Eye found at Auto Parts Discount.
Enthusiasts, on the other hand would opt for custom parts and
specialty equipments. Compared to a universal fit auto part,
which can be installed to any vehicle make, year and model,
custom aftermarket products are designed to fit only a
particular application. Examples of custom parts are your Ford hood, Ford fender and Ford doors. Specialty
equipments on the other hand, are intended to make the vehicle
more stylish, comfortable, convenient and more up-to-date.
Most auto users prefer aftermarket products because they are
less expensive than OEM replacements. While it is true that
there may be some aftermarket auto parts that do not meet high
standards of original equipments, it is not right to say that
aftermarket products are generally inferior in terms of quality
and style. Replacement parts sold at Auto Parts Discount, for example are made by
car parts manufacturers that are mandated by high international
standards.
Which is better, OEM or aftermarket replacement part? It depends
on the product. Some OEM parts are not durable enough while the
aftermarket parts you use to replace them could last for many
years. If you want to give your car a different look and also,
if you want to save, aftermarket products are worth a try.
However, make sure to get these replacement parts from trusted
sources.