| If you want to get mechanics and people who work | | | | is simply a generic form of the OEM part, much like |
| on their own cars going in a heated debate, start an | | | | generic pharmaceuticals compared to name brands. |
| argument about whether aftermarket car parts are as | | | | The second is an accessory for a car such as cold air |
| good as OEM parts. It may seem like a basic | | | | intake systems for the engine, racks to carry bikes |
| argument, but it is actually fairly convoluted. | | | | and so on. There isn't much debate that this second |
| Okay, what are OEM parts? "OEM" stands for "original | | | | form of aftermarket car parts is fine, but the first |
| equipment manufacturer". In practical terms, this means | | | | variation is the area where contention starts. |
| the party that made the original part for your car be it | | | | OEM parts are almost always more expensive than |
| the muffler, bumper, clutch or whatever. Isn't this part | | | | aftermarket car parts. That being said, the price |
| just the car company selling the car be it Ford, BMW | | | | difference often isn't that large in many cases. This is |
| or whomever? Nope. Most car companies outsource | | | | important because OEM parts are generally better for |
| much of the car part manufacturing to smaller | | | | your car than aftermarket parts. The issue is not the |
| companies. | | | | manufacturing process of the aftermarket car supplier, |
| This outsourcing is why the bankruptcies of General | | | | but the simply fact that the OEM part is made using |
| Motors and Chrysler have such far reaching impacts. | | | | the same molds and manufacturing process of the |
| Not only does it impact everyone at those companies, | | | | original part on your car. This means it should fit |
| but everyone at each independent company that | | | | perfectly whereas the aftermarket part might not be |
| makes parts for GM and Chrysler. If these | | | | an exact fit. |
| independent companies lose enough business, they | | | | So, which should you go with? It depends. Aftermarket |
| may have to shut down. This is problematic since they | | | | is definitely the choice when it comes to improving the |
| also make parts for other brands. This is also why the | | | | performance on your car. If you are just looking for a |
| idea that a Ford is "American made" and a Toyota | | | | part replacement, OEM parts are going to be slightly |
| isn't is mostly hogwash. All the brands are getting a lot | | | | better although more expensive. Only you can decide |
| of their parts from the same suppliers whether they | | | | if the price difference makes the aftermarket car |
| are in the United States, Canada, Mexico or wherever. | | | | parts a better deal. |
| Aftermarket car parts come in two variations. The first | | | | |