OEM vs aftermarket: how to choose with confidence
Buying the right part means knowing exactly what you're fitting, from the first click to the part landing at your door. While aftermarket parts were once seen as a lower-quality and higher-risk alternative, strong supplier relationships and quality control have changed that. This guide walks you through OEM and aftermarket parts and shows why an aftermarket part is indistinguishable from a genuine replacement option.
What are OEM and aftermarket parts?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are made by or for the company that built your vehicle. Our OEM parts are the same parts your dealer supplies, sourced competitively to offer savings compared to the local dealer network.
Aftermarket parts are made by independent manufacturers to fit the same application. Both are designed to do the same job, so the difference comes down to who makes the part and how closely it follows the original specification. Understanding where a part comes from makes it easier to compare options and choose the one that suits your vehicle, your budget and the job at hand.
How aftermarket parts have changed and how we source ours
Aftermarket parts once had a mixed reputation, with quality varying between brands and suppliers. That has changed, and our own range is a good example. For more than a decade, we have worked directly with three leading aftermarket manufacturers in Taiwan. Our team visits them regularly, and we have also taken trade customers to the manufacturers' warehouses to see the parts and the processes behind them firsthand. We do this because we stand behind the quality of our aftermarket parts so strongly.
These strong supplier relationships, combined with careful quality control, keep the fitment, finish and durability of our aftermarket parts consistent. Today, many of our customers choose aftermarket parts as their first option.
OEM and aftermarket parts side by side
Place an aftermarket part next to its OEM equivalent and you won't be able to tell which is which. Here’s what to compare:
-
Fitment: Mounting points, dimensions and connectors match the original part so it installs the way the factory part did.
-
Finish and materials: Coatings and markings are consistent with the original.
-
Part numbers: Every aftermarket listing shows the OE cross-reference number, so you can confirm compatibility with your vehicle before you order.
-
Packaging: Each part arrives in clearly labelled packaging showing the brand and part number.
Why drivers choose aftermarket parts
The decision between aftermarket and OEM parts often comes down to value and availability. Aftermarket parts are typically available at a lower price than their OEM equivalents. Older vehicles that are no longer supported with OEM parts can stay on the road with aftermarket alternatives, particularly once a model has been out of production for a decade or more and manufacturer stock starts drying up. Fleet operators managing multiple vehicles also choose aftermarket parts across their range, gaining consistent quality at a lower cost per part.
Quality you can trust
At My Auto Parts, our aim is to give drivers across Australia options for repairing and maintaining their vehicle. Our extensive range covers the majority of car brands on the road, with different classes of each part available where possible, so you can choose the option that suits your vehicle and your budget. Each listing shows the brand, part number and OE cross-reference, so you know exactly what you're fitting before it arrives.
All our parts are sold with Australian Consumer Law guarantees in place and as an Australian-based business, we can resolve any issues with a part quickly. Our team can compare OEM and aftermarket parts with you for your vehicle's make and model, and help you choose the part that suits your vehicle and your budget.
Ready to stock up on parts you can trust? Sign up for our latest offers and be the first to know when the OEM and aftermarket parts you need are back in stock.