Investing in quality 4WD and car parts will increase your safety and prevent your car from breaking down on the road.The experts at Moorooka Automotive explore the difference between genuine, OEM and aftermarket parts.
What are genuine parts?
Genuine car parts can be bought directly from the car manufacturer via the dealership. When you order genuine auto parts for your car or 4WD, you will receive them in packaging that carries the manufacturer’s brand and logo. There’s no question that genuine parts will work perfectly in your car. The specs of the parts are tailor-made for your make, model and trim. This is why genuine parts are the most expensive car parts on the market.
What are OEM parts?
OEM stands for ‘Original Equipment Manufacturers’. When you buy an OEM part, you are getting the exact same item that the manufacturers would use to assemble that car at the factory. The only difference is that the parts don’t carry the manufacturer’s branding. For example, if you order an OEM part for your Isuzu ute, what you will receive is the same part that would have been used at an Isuzu assembly plant – minus the Isuzu logo and branding on the box. OEM parts are the highest quality parts you can get but since they don’t carry the manufacturer’s branding, they are much more affordable than genuine parts. Being high quality and affordable means that OEM parts are easier to get since more sellers are willing to keep them in stock. Whether your insurance company will cover OEM parts in a claim depends on the language in your specific policy and any laws that may be in effect that speak to this issue. If it’s important to you to use OEM parts in vehicle repairs, some insurance companies will allow you to pay the difference between the cost of aftermarket and OEM parts.
What are aftermarket parts?
When you buy aftermarket parts, they are sometimes made by the same company that sold them to your car manufacturer. Aftermarket parts are like OEM parts in quality and they tend to fit well. They can be produced at high volume and made to fit the specifications of different types of vehicles. When you buy aftermarket parts, you may be buying them without the car maker’s mark-up. Moorooka Mechanic Expert specializes in diagnosing and fixing car troubles swiftly, keeping you on the road with peace of mind.
Which parts are right for your car or 4WD?
Going with OEM versus aftermarket parts would only be for your benefit and peace of mind. It won’t affect the safety of your vehicle, nor the resale value when you decide to sell. A car or 4WD that has been damaged in an accident will have a lower value than one that has not been, especially if there was structural damage or airbag deployment. The parts used to repair it will have little bearing on its overall value.
Too good to be true? A warning about counterfeit car parts
Unfortunately, there are dishonest manufacturers and sellers who attempt to sell counterfeit car parts to unsuspecting buyers. These parts are fake and of inferior quality. Everyone, from OEM companies to your trusted mechanic, will warn you to stay away from counterfeit parts at all costs. That’s not always easy to do as they are called ‘counterfeit’ for good reason. The best way to reduce your chances of buying counterfeit parts is to only shop from trusted and reputable sellers. If the price seems too good to be true, there is a good chance that it is fake.
Keep your car or 4WD functioning efficiently with Moorooka Automotive
Is your car, 4WD or light truck due for a service? Our team at Moorooka Automotive pride ourselves on being your trusted Brisbane local mechanic for car, 4WD and light truck repairs and services. Based in Moorooka, our highly skilled mechanics have over 60 years’ collective experience in the industry. Find out more about us here or give us a call today on (07) 3892 1153. You can send an email to or complete a contact form online. When it comes to automotive excellence, Moorooka Mechanic Expert is your go-to destination for efficient and reliable car servicing.