Ford Parts Center

What are the Benefits of OEM Parts vs Aftermarket Parts?

There are generally two types of vehicle parts available for repairs and maintenance: OEM and aftermarket. OEM Ford parts are built by Ford manufacturers and designed specifically to be an exact replacement for your vehicle parts. In contrast, aftermarket parts are built by third-party companies and designed for general use, typically supplying one part used for several different vehicle makes and models.

OEM replacement parts are far superior to aftermarket parts for several reasons. Most importantly, OEM parts are made for use specifically for your vehicle, replicating the exact design of the original parts used to assemble your car when it was brand new. Since aftermarket parts are not vehicle-specific, they can cause many problems during installation and use and may even damage your vehicle further.

Quality Parts and Service

Because Ford manufacturers make OEM Ford parts a unique fit for your vehicle, they deliver higher quality than aftermarket parts. All OEM vehicle parts are held to the same strict industry and manufacturer quality standards as the original vehicles, ensuring they’ll last longer and perform more reliably. The standards for aftermarket part production are lower and often use lesser quality materials for production to save the company money.

Extended Support

Another benefit to using OEM parts for your vehicle is warranty compliance. If your vehicle is under warranty, the agreement may specify that OEM parts must be used for repairs and replacement, or the warranty will be void. This is because aftermarket parts typically don’t perform as well and may cause long-term damage to your vehicle.

In addition to complying with your warranty, OEM parts usually come with their own additional warranties and support from the manufacturer. They are more reliable than aftermarket parts and further guaranteed against breakdowns and replacement costs.

Proper Fit and Ease of Replacement

Finally, OEM parts provide an exact fit for your Ford car, van, SUV, or truck, as they are precise replicas of the original parts for your specific vehicles. This means that you’ll not only get superior performance from OEM replacement parts, but your repairs will be easier and your vehicle will spend less time in the shop. OEM parts are readily available and easier to install, which lowers the risk of additional problems during and immediately after installation that can end up costing you more time and money.

At our Santa Clara, CA dealership, we provide a vast range of OEM Ford replacement parts for every vehicle, ensuring that your repairs or vehicle maintenance are done right the first time.