What do “OE auto parts,” “OEM auto parts” and “aftermarket auto parts” mean?

The terms “OEM auto parts,” “OE auto parts,” and “aftermarket auto parts” may seem confusing to a new or unfamiliar buyer of auto parts. On the other hand, to those who are seasoned pro’s when it comes to shopping for car parts, the distinction between OEM auto parts / OE auto parts and aftermarket auto parts is important.

OEM stands for “original equipment manufactured.” For example, OEM car parts from Ford are car parts that are manufactured by Ford specifically for Ford cars. Likewise, Acura car parts are made by Acura, BMW car parts are made by BMW, and Chevrolet car parts are made by Chevrolet.

Similarly OE auto parts are “original equipment” auto parts. However, OE is a more general term that refers to basically any car part that came as original equipment on the original car. Sometimes, OE car parts and components are not manufactured by the car company, but they are bought and assembled by the automakers to be added to the vehicle.

Aftermarket auto parts, unlike OEM and OE auto parts are not made by the original car manufacturer. For example, aftermarket car parts for a Volkswagen Jetta are not made by Volkswagen. These car parts are purchased and added to cars either at dealerships or by the cars’ owners. Aftermarket auto products are very similar to the stock auto parts car dealerships use since they are mostly used to replace a damaged or broken original car part. You can buy either OEM or aftermarket auto parts if you need to repair your car.

The key difference between OEM auto parts and aftermarket auto parts is that aftermarket parts often serve additional purposes. Buyers often purchase aftermarket car parts to add specific additions to their cars. Many of these parts are not made by the original car manufacturers. For example, if you have purchased an older Chevrolet, you can add aftermarket parts like Chevrolet spoilers, Chevrolet mirrors, Chevrolet lights and so on.

Many times, if an older car’s original parts are worn out, people will replace them with aftermarket car parts.

Also, people add aftermarket auto parts to their cars to personalize them, update their looks or equipment or make them more comfortable. One might purchase taillights for their Honda Civic or a chrome bumper for their Chevrolet Cavalier. The possibilities are unlimited.

Car enthusiasts often purchase custom car parts specifically for their automobiles. They buy custom car parts and specialty equipment manufactured specially for their cars in order to customize them to their liking. Custom car parts and specialty car parts are often used to make cars more unique and stylish, by updating the car’s appearance.

The key difference between custom or specialty car parts and universal fit car part is that universal auto parts can be installed on vehicle make, model and year, while custom aftermarket auto parts are designed to fit only one make, model and year and serve a specific application.

In terms of quality, there is no significant difference between OEM auto parts, OE auto parts and aftermarket auto parts. While some car parts stores may sell inferior aftermarket parts, all of the replacement car parts sold by Seattle Parts Express are made by car part manufacturers who are mandated by strict quality standards.

Sometimes aftermarket auto parts are less expensive than OEM and OE auto parts. However, we guarantee that we have the lowest possible prices on all of the top quality auto parts we sell.

Ultimately, both types of auto parts serve important purposes to car manufacturers and care owners.

Now that you know more about the various purposes of OE, OEM and Aftermarket Auto Parts, Browse Our Selection!