What does OEM mean on a car?
OEM stands for "Original Equipment Manufacturer." On a car, it refers to parts or accessories that were originally installed by the vehicle's manufacturer during the production process. OEM parts are designed specifically for that make and model of vehicle, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance.
Understanding OEM Parts
When you purchase a new car, the components used in its assembly, from the engine and transmission to the interior trim and electronics, are all considered OEM parts. These parts are sourced directly from the vehicle manufacturer or their approved suppliers, guaranteeing quality and compatibility with the car's original design.
OEM parts are typically more expensive than aftermarket alternatives, but they offer several advantages:
- Fit and Finish: OEM parts are engineered to seamlessly integrate with the vehicle's existing systems and design, ensuring a perfect fit and finish.
- Warranty Coverage: Using OEM parts often preserves the manufacturer's warranty, as they are the parts the vehicle was designed and built with.
- Reliability and Performance: OEM parts are rigorously tested to meet the vehicle manufacturer's standards for quality, safety, and performance.
In contrast, aftermarket parts are produced by third-party manufacturers and may not always meet the same standards as OEM parts. While aftermarket parts can be more affordable, they may not provide the same level of fit, finish, and reliability as their OEM counterparts.
When to Use OEM Parts
There are several scenarios where using OEM parts is recommended or even required:
- Warranty Repairs: If your vehicle is still under the manufacturer's warranty, using OEM parts is typically required to maintain coverage.
- Safety-Critical Components: For parts that are critical to the vehicle's safety, such as brakes, airbags, or steering components, OEM parts are the safest choice.
- Maintaining Resale Value: Using OEM parts can help preserve the resale value of your vehicle, as they are seen as a sign of proper maintenance and care.
While OEM parts may be more expensive, their advantages in terms of fit, reliability, and warranty coverage often make them the best choice for maintaining your vehicle's performance and longevity.
Is OEM high quality?
No, OEM does not mean fake. OEM refers to the original equipment manufacturer, which is a company that produces components or products for use in other companies' end products. These components are often of high quality and meet the specifications the purchasing company requires.
Are OEM parts as good as original?
Because they are made in the same way as genuine parts, OEM parts tend to be more reliable than aftermarket parts and last for longer. Warranty. OEM parts should come with a warranty to protect you if the part is defective or doesn't work properly. The specific warranty will differ by manufacturer.
Do dealers always use OEM parts?
There is no specific rule requiring a dealer to use OEM parts when working on your vehicle, but some car companies actively discourage the use of aftermarket or salvage parts due to liability and quality concerns, especially regarding structural components.
What is an example of an OEM car?
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 car part is OEM?
The easiest way to determine if a product is aftermarket or OEM is by the brand on the packaging. If the brand is the same as your car manufacturer, there's a good chance it's OEM. That includes brands owned by a parent company like MOPAR parts for Stellantis brands.
Which is better, OE or OEM?
Generally, OE parts tend to be more expensive than OEM parts due to the branding and packaging by the manufacturer. However, both types maintain high quality and performance standards. Choosing between the two often comes down to cost preference and brand loyalty.
What qualifies as an OEM?
OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer. In the business world, this means a company that makes a product to be sold by another company under its own name.
What are the disadvantages of OEM parts?
Typical disadvantages of OEM spares and parts
OEM parts can be pricey – expect to pay up to 60% more for OEM automotive parts than for generic OEE parts. Furthermore, OEM components are not always of a superior quality when compared to OEE components.
Is OEM the same as original?
Every piece of the car as it exits the factory is an original part. Anything that is replaced, including a tail light, is no longer an original part. However, OEM parts are the same as the original in the sense that they are made by the same manufacturer, with the same materials, to the same specifications.
Who are the top 5 OEMs?
Top 10 Original Equipment Manufacturers in the World by Market Capitalization. Showing 10 out of 24 companies. Tesla Inc, Toyota Motor Corp, BYD Co Ltd, Mercedes-Benz Group AG, and Volkswagen AG are the top 5 original equipment manufacturers in the world in 2023 by market capitalization (as of Mar 31, 2023).
