Differences Between OEM and Aftermarket Parts

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket parts may look similar, but they’re very different in reality. As your VW dealership in Jacksonville, we want to tell you about some of these differences and why OEM parts are the best choice for you and your VW.

Recognized Quality

OEM parts are manufactured by the same companies to the same high-quality standards as the original parts on your vehicle. They’re the products of countless hours of design and engineering and have been rigorously tested to meet or exceed recognized national and international standards. They’re also fully endorsed by Volkswagen as the correct parts for your vehicle.

Aftermarket parts, in contrast, are made by many different companies that have no connection to VW or your vehicle. They’re cheaper than OEM parts as they use lower-grade materials and haven’t been tested to ensure they work correctly on your VW. Lowering material quality means they won’t last as long as OEM parts. This makes them more expensive in the long run as they have to be replaced more frequently.

They Fit

Since OEM parts are identical to the original parts they replace, they will always fit and perform perfectly. This is important aesthetically for visible components, such as a replacement door or rearview mirror, as once they are installed, there’s no sign they were ever replaced. It’s even more essential for components in the engine, transmission, and other vital systems to ensure they continue to work as safely and to the same high level as they previously did.

Aftermarket parts may not fit correctly, since they weren’t designed specifically for your VW. They’re intended to be used in many vehicle makes and models. These types of parts usually need adjustment to fit, which can cause issues like gaps between them and other original parts. This can result in numerous problems, including reduced performance, increased wear and tear on original parts, and potentially make driving dangerous.

Warranty Protection

It’s very rare, but labor or manufacturing issues can result in an OEM component that isn’t as good as it should be. All OEM parts are protected by warranty, and in the unlikely event of an issue, the affected part will be replaced at no charge. Warranty replacement for an OEM part can also be performed at any VW dealer.

If an aftermarket part has a problem, the situation is very different. These parts don’t carry a warranty as they weren’t designed or tested on your VW model. If one of these parts fails, you have to buy another ​replacement.

If you’d like to know more or to book a service or repair, contact us at Tom Bush Volkswagen in Jacksonville, FL.

Tags: OEM parts vs aftermarket parts, VW Parts
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