Is the aftermarket auto part as good as the original auto part?

For many people, the need to replace a car part is always accompanied by a difficult question: aftermarket or OEM? OEM, which stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, are parts that are manufactured and sold by a vehicle's automaker. These are exactly the same components that are made for new cars of this brand, and usually they can only be purchased through a dealership. On the other hand, aftermarket parts were made by a third party manufacturer. Typically, you will receive an OEM part when your vehicle is repaired through a local dealer, while you are more likely to receive an aftermarket component if your vehicle is being repaired by an independent specialist such as a mobile mechanic.

There is a certain stigma behind the word "aftermarket" in relation to automotive parts. Is this stigma justified, or are aftermarket parts really a comparable alternative to OEM parts?

Debunking the myth of the secondary market

There is a common myth that spare parts do not have OE quality. However, the reality is that aftermarket auto parts are usually just as good quality, and often better quality, than their traditional counterparts.

The main reason for this is that there are dozens of different aftermarket parts companies and competition almost always results in better product quality. For example, if you need a new muffler for your Ford Mustang and you choose an OEM product, it will come from Ford and only from Ford. If you choose an aftermarket product, it will come from one of several brands that make the components you need, all of which are fighting to provide the best option on the market. Iron sharpens iron, and this certainly applies to spare parts. Based on product quality alone, replacement parts are a great alternative to standard OEM parts.

Other benefits of spare parts

Quality is not the only thing that spare parts can offer. These parts are also easier to find than OEM parts and are therefore more practical and can be found quickly, whether you're planning a home renovation, hiring a mobile mechanic, or taking your car to the shop. Because so many different companies make aftermarket parts, you or your mechanic will likely be able to get exactly the part you need relatively quickly.

Spare parts are almost always significantly cheaper than their original counterparts. This is partly because they don't have inflated dealer margins, but mostly for the same reason that aftermarket parts are high quality: business competition helps control cost so consumers have the options they want.

Finally, spare parts are more diverse than original parts. With multiple aftermarket manufacturers, vehicle owners and mechanics can choose from a variety of options to find the price, features, and strengths that are most desirable for the vehicle and owner. With OEM parts, you will most likely only find one standard option.

Are there any disadvantages of non-original spare parts?

While buying aftermarket parts is a great alternative to original parts, they do have a few downsides. Because there are so many different options for aftermarket parts, it can be difficult to choose the component that works best for you and your vehicle's needs. Quality also varies greatly between spare parts, which can make purchasing them difficult. However, while this can be a problem when buying parts yourself, if you are hiring a mobile mechanic to repair your vehicle, you have nothing to worry about.

Aftermarket parts may also not have the warranty that many dealers have proven on their OEM parts. At AvtoTachki, this is offset by a limited warranty on service and parts.

Add it all up and the math is clear: replacement parts are every bit as good as their original counterparts, and very often even better. Whether you need a simple replacement like an air filter or something as complex as a catalytic converter, it's definitely worth considering buying replacement parts or hiring a reputable specialist from AvtoTachki to find the best part for you and your vehicle.