What are considered OEM parts?

OEM parts are parts produced by the original equipment manufacturer, or by authorized suppliers under contract, intended to fit and perform like the parts that came with the vehicle.

They are typically used to preserve fit, performance, and warranty, and contrast with aftermarket or counterfeit components that may be cheaper or less strictly matched to factory specifications.

Defining OEM parts in the auto industry

In everyday usage, "OEM" can refer to several related concepts: genuine parts sold by the carmaker, original supplier parts used in manufacturing but sold through official distribution channels, and third-party parts marketed as OE- or OEM-equivalent. The distinctions matter for warranty, fit, and resale value.

What follows breaks down the main categories you’ll encounter when shopping for OEM parts.

The following categories illustrate the main kinds of replacement parts you may encounter when shopping for OEM parts.

• Genuine OEM parts: Manufactured by the carmaker itself or by its official contract manufacturers, sold through official channels with the OEM logo and part number.


• OEM or Original Equipment Manufacturer parts from authorized suppliers: Produced for the automaker or under its license, distributed through dealer networks; typically eligible for factory-like warranty terms and exact fit.


• OE-equivalent parts: Made by third-party manufacturers but marketed as meeting or matching the original specifications; labeled as "OE" or "OEM-equivalent" and can be cheaper, with varying warranty terms.


• Remanufactured OEM parts: Rebuilt or refurbished from used cores to original specifications; offer cost savings for certain components while aiming to restore factory performance.

These categories differ in origin, licensing, and warranty implications, but they are commonly encountered by vehicle owners seeking replacements.

How to tell an OEM part from an aftermarket one

To verify OEM status, several checks help compare parts and sellers against factory specifications and warranty terms.

Before buying, check the part number, packaging, and seller's claims; compare with the vehicle's original specification; ask for official documentation or warranty terms.

• Check the part number against the manufacturer's or dealer's catalog; OEM parts typically carry the car maker’s part number and logo.


• Buy from official channels or authorized retailers; avoid unknown sellers offering significantly lower prices.


• Ask for warranty terms and certificates; OEM parts often come with warranties tied to the vehicle’s coverage.

Verifying OEM status helps protect warranty coverage and ensures compatibility with the vehicle.

Summary

OEM parts are the original or officially sanctioned components designed to fit and function like factory-installed pieces. They include genuine OEM parts, OEM-sourced replacements, OE-equivalents, and remanufactured options—each with different sources and warranty terms. When shopping, verify part numbers, source, and warranty to ensure you get the correct OEM part for your vehicle.

What qualifies as an OEM?

An OEM, or Original Equipment Manufacturer, is a company that manufactures components or products used in another company's final product, often without its own brand on the end-product. For example, Intel is an OEM that makes processors used in Dell computers, and Autolite is an OEM that might supply spark plugs for a Ford vehicle.
 
Role of OEMs

• Specialized production: OEMs specialize in manufacturing specific parts or subsystems, allowing them to develop expertise and produce high-quality components efficiently. 
• Supply chain integration: They are a crucial part of the supply chain, providing parts that are seamlessly integrated into a larger, branded product. 
• Cost efficiency: By producing in bulk, OEMs can help companies lower production costs for their final products. 
• Brand consistency: OEMs ensure that the components they supply meet the quality standards of the final product's brand, which helps maintain brand consistency and consumer expectations. 

How OEMs differ from other terms

• OE (Original Equipment): OE and OEM parts are essentially the same, as both are made to the original manufacturer's specifications. The difference is often in branding; OE parts may be sold with the final product's brand name, while OEM parts might not be. 
• ODM (Original Design Manufacturer): An ODM is a company that designs and manufactures a product that is then rebranded and sold by another company. For example, Foxconn is an ODM that manufactures iPhones for Apple. 

Common examples

• Automotive: OEMs provide parts like engines, transmissions, and GPS systems for car manufacturers like Ford or Tesla. 
• Technology: OEMs make components such as processors, memory chips, and displays that are used in devices like laptops, smartphones, and other electronics. 

What is an example of an OEM part?

For example, if Ford used Autolite spark plugs, Exide batteries, Bosch fuel injectors, and Ford's own engine blocks and heads when building a car, then car restorers and collectors consider those to be the OEM parts.

How to tell if a part is OEM or not?

To tell if a part is OEM, check for the manufacturer's logo or part number directly on the component, inspect the branded packaging for proper logos and holograms, and compare the part's quality, fit, and finish against a genuine part. Purchasing from authorized dealerships or retailers, using a unique part number for verification, and being wary of unusually low prices can also confirm authenticity.
 
On the part itself

• Look for the logo: Genuine OEM parts will have the car manufacturer's logo or their parts division's logo (like Mopar for Jeep/Ram). 
• Check the part number: Look for a specific OEM part number stamped or cast into the metal, often with a corresponding part number and description on the packaging. 
• Inspect the quality: Compare the part's finish, materials, and weight to a genuine part. Counterfeit parts may have slight but noticeable differences in color, finish, or construction. 
• Verify security features: Some parts have unique security features like QR codes or data matrix codes that can be scanned to verify authenticity on the manufacturer's website. 

On the packaging

• Check the branding: The packaging should clearly show the vehicle manufacturer's brand, or the brand of their official parts division. 
• Look for proper labels: Authentic packaging will have a proper serial number, barcode, and part details. Watch for a missing, blurred, or incorrect serial number or barcode, and check for missing holographic stickers. 
• Compare packaging details: The font, colors, and overall quality of the packaging should match what you'd expect from a reputable company, as counterfeiters often make mistakes. 

Other verification methods

• Know the source: Buy directly from the dealership or an authorized retailer. This is the most reliable way to ensure you receive a genuine part. 
• Cross-reference the part number: Use the part number from the packaging or part itself to cross-reference with a parts catalog or your vehicle's owner's manual. 
• Be suspicious of low prices: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Genuine OEM parts are typically more expensive than aftermarket alternatives. 

Which is better, OEM or original?

OEM Car Parts
Our OEM parts are precisely the same as those that came with your car. The difference is that they don't carry the manufacturer's logo. OEM parts are just as reliable as genuine parts, but you get them for a better value.