OEM Bumpers: What You're Really Paying For
As a vehicle owner, there will undoubtedly come a time when you need to purchase replacement parts for it. As you are looking at replacing parts on your car, you’ll probably come across two different terms: OEM and aftermarket parts. Both could be suitable options for repairing your car, but there is one thing they will largely differ on: price. If you’re trying to decide between an OEM bumper or an aftermarket one, keep reading to find out what you’re really paying for.
OEM vs Aftermarket Parts
OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer. OEM bumpers mean they were made by the same company that made the vehicle. They tend to fit perfectly since they are designed for one specific make or model. In comparison, aftermarket parts are produced by a different company. They are often designed to be compatible with many makes and models. Many companies make affordable auto parts that function the same, or even better than, the original parts.
Pros of OEM Parts
- Easier to Choose: Since these parts were made by the car manufacturer for your specific car, it’s much easier to choose which part is right for you. You know the part is going to fit your vehicle perfectly. Plus, you don’t have to worry about comparing the quality of different brands.
- Greater Quality Assurance: Generally speaking, you can feel confident about the quality of an OEM part. It is what the vehicle was originally manufactured with, giving you peace of mind about its familiarity and performance. In addition, it should look and work exactly like the one you are replacing.
- Come With Warranty: Most OEM parts come with a warranty of some sort, often a one-year warranty.
Cons of OEM Parts
- More Expensive: Generally, an OEM bumper will cost more than an aftermarket bumper. In fact, OEM parts tend to cost about 60% more than a comparable aftermarket part. Many times this is because you get OEM parts at a dealership. Due to where they are sold, they will be subject to a dealer markup, making them more expensive than an aftermarket part you could buy on your own.
- Bought at Dealership: You could buy OEM parts from an online wholesaler, but the easiest place to get them is at a dealership. Unfortunately, this limits how many places you can find your part. You could request an OEM part from your trusted local mechanic, but that could end up taking more time to repair your car.
- Quality Might Be the Same: You pay more for an aftermarket part, often with the hope that it will perform vastly better than an aftermarket part. But that might not always be the case. Some aftermarket parts are equal to or even better quality than OEM parts.
Pros of Aftermarket Parts
- Less Expensive: Aftermarket parts are often less expensive than OEM parts. How much there will be a difference in price will vary depending on the brand and the part. Don’t be afraid to shop around to find the best price and get a better idea of how much a certain part usually costs.
- Quality: People typically assume that an aftermarket part simply can’t be the same quality as an OEM part. In reality, sometimes you may even end up with a better part than you started with. Many aftermarket companies reverse-engineer the parts, meaning they can work the weaknesses out. Ultimately, this leaves you with a better part.
- More Variety: If you only look at OEM parts, you’ll limit yourself to a much smaller selection of products. Many companies will make almost any part you can think of, meaning a greater selection and a wider range of prices.
Cons of Aftermarket Parts
- Quality Varies Greatly: You know the saying “you get what you pay for?” That rings true for many aftermarket parts. Some of them really are inferior because they are manufactured with lower-quality materials. If you’re unsure, stick with a brand recommended by a mechanic you trust, even though it might cost a little bit more.
- Overwhelming Selection: The large variety of products that was a positive about aftermarket parts can also be a con sometimes. If you’re not familiar with auto parts or aftermarket brands, the sheer number of options could be extremely overwhelming. Even the simplest part could be made by dozens of different companies with dozens of small differences that you may not fully understand.
- May Not Have a Warranty: Some - but not all - aftermarket parts may be sold without a warranty in an effort to keep costs down.
Which Is Right For You
If you’ve been in an accident and have filed a claim with your insurance company, they may have rules for what kind of parts you can use. Depending on the state you are in, some insurers only cover aftermarket parts since they generally accomplish the same job for a lower price. You should always check with your insurance company to see what your policy covers.
The choice between OEM bumpers and more affordable auto parts mainly comes down to your personal preference. The people who tend to be most concerned with getting OEM parts are car enthusiasts, mechanics, and owners of brand-new vehicles. The vast majority of people will not know the difference or even care, as long as their vehicle gets fixed. It’s important to note that neither choice will affect the safety of your vehicle or the resale value if you decide to sell it.
If you’re in the market for high-quality aftermarket bumpers, check out the FitParts website. We have a wide range of options from different brands and in different price ranges. Every one of the aftermarket products we sell meets or exceeds OEM standards, so you can have total peace of mind the next time you get in your car.