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