Which is better, OEM or original?
In most cases, genuine original parts (often marketed as genuine by the carmaker) and OEM parts (made to the same specifications, sold through various channels) both meet factory standards. Genuine parts typically offer dealer-backed warranties and branding, while OEM parts can provide the same fit at a lower price when purchased from reputable suppliers. The best choice depends on price, warranty, and where you buy.
Definitions: What do OEM and Original mean?
Two terms commonly seen in auto parts shopping describe how a part is produced and marketed. Understanding them helps you compare options accurately. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are built to the same specifications as the parts that came on your vehicle, but they may be sold under different brands, including the carmaker’s or an independent supplier. Genuine or original parts refer to components made by the carmaker or an authorized supplier and sold through official channels, often with the automaker’s branding and warranty.
Here are the key nuances you’re likely to encounter in practice:
- Fit and compatibility: Both OEM and genuine parts are designed for your exact make, model, and year, with most vendors aiming for precise compatibility.
- Branding and warranty: Genuine parts come with the automaker’s branding and a factory-backed warranty; OEM parts can carry a manufacturer warranty but may be marketed under a seller’s brand.
- Pricing and availability: Genuine parts are usually more expensive and sold primarily through dealers; OEM parts are often cheaper and widely available through parts chains and online retailers.
- Supply chain and counterfeit risk: Genuine parts are easier to verify via authorized channels; counterfeit or mislabeled OEM-like parts can appear if you shop outside trusted sources.
- Return and service support: Dealer networks typically offer streamlined service with genuine parts; OEM parts from reputable sellers usually offer solid support, but terms vary by vendor.
In practice, both types aim to meet factory specs, but branding, warranty terms, and price can influence your choice.
Quality, Warranty, and Cost: What to expect
Consumers weigh quality, warranty coverage, and total cost when deciding between OEM and genuine parts. The following summary reflects typical industry norms, though terms can vary by maker and retailer.
- Original (genuine) parts: Pros include guaranteed fit for your model, dealer-backed warranty, and straightforward claims through the dealer network. Cons usually involve higher prices and limited showroom stock for older or niche models.
- OEM parts: Pros include the same specifications as the originals at a lower price and broad availability from multiple suppliers. Cons can include variable warranty terms, and the level of dealer support may depend on the seller or channel used. There’s also a greater risk of counterfeit parts when buying from non-authorized sources.
Concluding: Both options can deliver factory-grade performance, but your choice may hinge on warranty coverage, price, and reliance on a dealer network for service.
When to choose which
Decision-making often comes down to the part’s importance to safety and the value you place on dealership support and warranty terms. Consider the following guidance:
- If you want maximum dealer support and a straightforward warranty, choose Genuine parts.
- If you’re looking for solid specs at a lower price and you buy from a reputable supplier, OEM parts are a strong option.
- For leased vehicles or warranty-covered repairs, check the lease or warranty terms, as some programs require genuine parts for coverage.
- For non-safety-critical components (such as certain filters or bulbs), either option may be acceptable, but verify compatibility and return policies.
Concluding: Critical safety components often lead drivers to lean toward genuine or trusted OEM suppliers, while non-critical parts can be a cost-conscious choice with careful sourcing.
Practical buying tips
Tyre-kicking due diligence can save money and avoid mismatches. Use these tips before purchasing parts.
- Know your vehicle specifics: year, make, model, trim, and VIN; verify the part number in your manual or from the dealer database.
- Ask for clarity on origin: genuine vs OEM; request documentation or labeling that confirms branding, warranty, and source.
- Compare total cost and warranty terms: factor installation costs and any labor-related warranties when evaluating price.
- Shop from reputable sources: authorized dealers for genuine parts; trusted auto parts retailers or distributors for OEM parts; beware of unusually low prices or unclear return policies.
- Consider buying parts as a kit when applicable: brakes, suspensions, or maintenance kits often perform best when components are matched by the same supplier and intended to work together.
Concluding: A careful, source-aware approach helps ensure you get the right part with reliable support and value, whether you choose OEM or genuine.
Summary
Both OEM and genuine parts aim to meet the vehicle’s original specifications, and either can be appropriate depending on the context. Genuine parts offer the strongest dealer-backed assurance and branding, often with higher prices. OEM parts deliver the same technical specs at a potential discount, with variability in warranty and seller support based on where you shop. The best choice hinges on price, warranty, sourcing reliability, and how you value dealer convenience versus the flexibility of aftermarket channels. Always verify part numbers, confirm compatibility with your VIN, and buy from reputable sellers to minimize risk.
Are OEMs worth it?
This is because OEM parts are tested and approved by the car manufacturer, which means that they are held to a higher standard of quality than aftermarket parts. When you buy used OEM parts, you can be sure that you're getting a part that has been proven to work well in your make and model of car.
What is the disadvantage of OEM?
A drawback of OEMs is the amount of resources needed to produce a unique product. This can include research and development costs, as well as the time it takes to create the design before it's ready for manufacturing. These investments can be quite high and introduce a certain level of risk to a business.
Are OEM parts better than original?
The short answer: Not usually. OEM parts aren't necessarily better, nor are aftermarket replacements necessarily worse. Some are built to the same quality and specs as the factory-original part. Some are even made by the same suppliers but sold under the supplier's brand or other private label.
Why do companies choose the more expensive OEM?
The factors behind the cost difference include:
- Strict Manufacturing Standards: OEM parts undergo extensive testing and quality control to meet manufacturer specifications.
- Brand Assurance and Warranty: OEM parts come with manufacturer warranties and are backed by the vehicle maker, which adds value and peace of mind.
