At Eustis Body Shop, we work to make your repairs the best they can be. This leads to the question, what is the difference between the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and aftermarket parts? In any case, if you find yourself having to drop your car off for repairs, you will want to know what the difference is between the two. We are here to put your mind at ease, and tell you what the differences are, speak about the manufacturer’s side, how insurance handles it, and let you know which to use.
What are OEM & Aftermarket Parts?
An OEM part is one that is made by the same company that supplies the vehicle factory parts. These are ideal for those that want an exact replacement part for their vehicle. On the other hand, an aftermarket part is a component produced to appear and function like OEM parts, but they are made by a business competing with the OEM supplier. These may also offer unique and custom modifications that are not available through EOM parts.
Manufacturers Opinion on OEM and Aftermarket Parts
Each manufacturer has a position statements on the use of their parts. This statement includes what the manufacturer requires and what the manufacturer recommends. In some instances, automotive companies do not support the use of aftermarket parts, and some only recommend using their OEM parts as opposed to aftermarket parts. Ultimately it is your choice on whether you use OEM parts or aftermarket parts to repair your car.
What Does Your Insurance Say About it?
The one caveat to repairing a vehicle is what your insurance will cover. For instance, some insurance policies are written to use “like, kind, and quality” parts. Some individuals are ok with the use of aftermarket parts because they do not want to pay the additional cost for OEM parts. At the same time, others pay the difference between the OEM and aftermarket parts. At Eustis Body Shop, we encourage you to go over your policy with your insurance company as many offer OEM endorsements or use of all OEM parts.
Should You use OEM or Aftermarket Parts?
No one answer fits all for this question. Some people tend to lean towards OEM parts to ensure they work correctly and are the top of the line. Others like to use aftermarket parts to customize their car to utilize designs they want more. In some instances, there may not be a choice. For newer cars, or for parts that are more expensive or in lower demand, you may not have an option other than going directly with an OEM part due to no aftermarket retailers offering any alternatives to the part you need. However, for out-of-date brands or older vehicles, support for OEM parts may have been discontinued or hard to find. This may direct you to aftermarket parts as your only option if the parts have been discontinued, or longer wait times for hard to acquire components. Either option is adequate and depends on your budget and what your insurance policy covers.
Whether you choose OEM or aftermarket parts, Eustis Body Shop is committed to our customers’ safety. We strive to use only OEM parts, where we can. Some insurance policies will not cover the full cost of these parts and may require additional costs from the customer. We pride ourselves in top of the line equipment, quality components, and excellent customer service. Our collision repair services are right up your alley if you find yourself needing a body shop. Our team of experienced technicians are here to ensure the safety of your family and friends no matter what option works best. Contact us today or get a quote online.