If you are looking for car parts in the market, there are two options that you can choose from: aftermarket vs OEM car exterior accessories. When you take your car to be repaired, which parts do you choose? Which one is the best for your car and your driving needs? You must know the basic difference between the two to know the answer.
The parts will fit in your car, depending on your car’s model. The difference between the aftermarket vs OEM car exterior accessories is more than their origin. There are differences in performance and price, and even availability. Choosing the right ones is important as it will help your car function more efficiently.
For instance, you can buy small accessories like a wiper blade from the aftermarket. They are affordable and have a warranty. Such accessories last for a few years and need replacement. So, it is best to invest in affordable ones.
As you shop for accessories for car, ensure you only choose from certified sellers. They always have quality products that come with a warranty.
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Overview of the Aftermarket vs OEM Car Exterior Accessories
OEM Parts
OEM or Original Equipment Manufacturer, a.k.a. “original parts”, are the automotive parts that the company makes. These parts, out of the aftermarket vs OEM car exterior accessories, have more validity and durability since they come from the assembly of the automobile company itself.
The OEM parts will always fit your vehicle. Let’s look at the overview of OEM parts:
- Car manufacturer makes them
- High price
- Fits your car
Pros of OEM Parts
The OEM parts amongst the aftermarket vs OEM car exterior accessories are popular among car owners for a few reasons:
- Easily Choose the Part: If you want to choose a vehicle part, go to the nearest dealership. Ask for the part you need.
- Great Quality Assurance: The OEM parts work exactly as the part for which you replace them. There is familiarity in performance.
- Warranty: Most OEM parts come with a one-year warranty.
Aftermarket Parts
An aftermarket part is one that one does not source from the car manufacturer. Sometimes these parts’ performance and efficiency surpass the OEM parts.
Here is an overview of aftermarket parts:
- A third-party company makes them
- Low price
- They are universal
The aftermarket vs OEM car exterior accessories have a few differences. But each has unique pros that make every car owner invest in them. If you are looking to buy car accessories and wondering which ones to invest in, here is a complete rundown of these two.
Pros of Using Aftermarket Parts
- Less Expensive: The OEM parts out of the aftermarket vs OEM car exterior accessories are not expensive. The price depends on the brand.
- Better Quality than OEM: Sometimes, one can find better quality products in the OEM parts. The engineers of the aftermarket products reverse-engineer the products to assess the flaws and fix them.
- Variety of Options: multiple companies make aftermarket parts. That leaves the consumer with a variety of options. If someone has very specific parts, they will most surely find them in one or two companies. One can find the same product across different brands for different prices.
- Better Availability: One can find aftermarket parts at retail stores or the designated company website.
When to Use Aftermarket or OEM Parts?
Which products will you choose in the given scenarios?
- You Have a Warranty
Choose: OEM Parts
If your vehicle has a warranty, choose OEM parts over aftermarket vs OEM car exterior accessories. The dealership will consider repairs under the warranty clause if the aftermarket parts work. But as soon as it stops working, the dealership will deny warranty coverage.
- You Are on a Budget
Choose: Aftermarket Parts
If you want to buy car parts but are on a budget, you can choose aftermarket parts. They come within a budget and provide good service.
- Want Time Gap Between Parts Replacement
Choose: OEM parts
Choose OEM parts if you do not want your car parts to wear out rapidly and maintain a significant time gap between switching. The OEM parts out of the aftermarket vs OEM car exterior accessories have a longer lifespan. They are reliable and provide good service.
- Need a Quick Repair
Choose: Aftermarket Parts
Aftermarket parts are the best option out of the two when you need a quick replacement. They are easily available. Also, they are always in stock.
- You Want Guarantee for The Car Parts
If you want a guarantee, choose the OEM exterior accessories out of the two. The manufacturers have different standards for manufacturing these parts.
End Note
Whichever parts you choose- aftermarket vs OEM car exterior accessories, you will always have authentic parts. Each part will serve its purpose and make your vehicle highly efficient.


