You’re hungry for some Cheerios, so you head down to your grocery store. But your journey isn’t over once you make it to the Cheerios section of the cereal aisle.
Now, you must decide between the name brand and generic brands. Sure, the latter is cheaper, but the former is what you’re familiar with. Some even say it tastes better.
This scenario will sound oddly familiar to car owners. When you have to replace parts, you face the age-old dilemma of aftermarket vs. OEM original parts.
Some people swear that original equipment is the only way to go, but each option has advantages. Read on to learn what factors you should consider when making this decision.
Cost
Fixing up your car isn’t cheap. Even if you find an affordable auto body shop, you’ll still have to cough up a lot for the parts.
Those who want to save big on parts should go the aftermarket route. These products are cheaper as they come from third-party manufacturers.
OEM car parts come from the original manufacturer, which makes them significantly more expensive.
Quality
The high cost of original equipment might put you off, but you’re paying for peace of mind. The parts will be compatible with your vehicle and have the same quality as your original car parts.
Now, that’s not to say that aftermarket products are inferior. As long as you buy from a reputable manufacturer, they should fit your vehicle and offer the same performance. Some aftermarket products turn out to be even better than those from the original manufacturer!
Warranty
Even though both types of products have comparable quality, there’s always the chance that they’ll need to be replaced.
Know that aftermarket products usually do not come with warranties. That means if they break down, you’ll be out of luck.
The good news is that products like OEM Honda parts tend to come with one-year warranties. You won’t have to pay for a whole new part as long as the part breaks down within the warranty’s term.
Type of Repair Work Your Car Needs
You should also consider the type of repair work your car needs.
If we’re talking about auto body repairs, you should use OEM original parts. They tend to be more rust-resistant and will match the rest of the body.
With mechanical work or extra add-ons like a backup camera, you can get away with aftermarket products. They might even serve as an upgrade that increases your car’s value.
Who’s Doing the Repair Work
Dealers only sell and work with OEM parts. If you do the work yourself or take your car to an independent mechanic, you can opt for aftermarket parts.
OEM Original Parts vs. Aftermarket — Which Is Better?
One isn’t necessarily better than the other — which option is right for you depends on your situation. If you don’t know a lot about cars and don’t mind paying a little extra, choose OEM original parts. Aftermarket is better if you want to save money on mechanical repairs or extra add-ons.
Need more expert car advice? Check out our other automotive articles!