Trucks are responsible for moving nearly 71.5% of freight in the United States by weight. Because they play such an important role in keeping our nation connected, it’s essential that your rig uses the highest quality parts available. Finding truck parts online can be easy; however, if you’re struggling to understand the difference between OEM — original equipment manufacturer — parts and aftermarket replacement parts, here are some pros and cons to both options.
The Benefits of OEM Big Truck Parts
OEM parts come directly from the original manufacturer meaning you can trust that they will work for your truck and be of the same quality you’ve come to expect. These parts will be designed specifically for your vehicle and you can expect consistency when ordering. Overall, OEM parts are a safe bet for truck owners who what to order semi truck parts without any guesswork. You can usually find these truck parts online easily, and won’t have to worry about having to shop around.
The Disadvantages of OEM Big Truck Parts
The biggest downside to ordering OEM parts is the pricing and selection. Original manufacturers often spend a lot of time and money designing their parts, and a portion of that cost is passed on to consumers. Because aftermarket parts are essentially re-engineered versions of OEM parts, the cost can be significantly lower as the aftermarket manufacturer wasn’t responsible for the costly design process. Aftermarket parts can also come in a larger variety which can be beneficial to those who wish to customize their rigs.
The Benefits of Aftermarket Big Truck Parts
First and foremost, price is the biggest benefit of aftermarket parts. You can often find aftermarket truck parts online for a fraction of the cost of OEM parts. With a bit of searching, you may also be able to find aftermarket parts that even exceed the quality of OEM. You can do this by reading reviews from past users or asking a parts specialist or mechanic for their advice. Oftentimes these professionals will be able to recommend the best aftermarket brands that they trust. Additionally, as mentioned above, you’ll often be able to find a larger selection from aftermarket suppliers, allowing you a wider range of parts to choose from.
The Disadvantages of Aftermarket Big Truck Parts
There are two reasons why some folks prefer OEM over aftermarket parts, one is how the parts fit. Since OEM parts are designed for your truck they will fit without a hitch. Due to patenting, aftermarket parts usually have to change subtle designs to prevent infringement. This can cause the parts to fit; however, it could take a bit of work. The second reason is quality. While high-quality aftermarket parts exist, some can fall short of expectations. In this case, you basically get what you pay for. This is one reason why research is key when it comes to aftermarket purchases.
The Bottom Line
When looking for truck parts online you can choose from either OEM or aftermarket. While OEM is a safe bet all around if you consult a mechanic or parts specialist you can find some pretty great aftermarket deals that are worthwhile. When shopping online you can also consult reviews from past customers and compare listing across multiple websites. With a little bit of diligence, aftermarket parts can be exactly what you need.
, In the end, there is no right or wrong way to order your truck parts. Whether you decide to stick with OEM parts or branch out to aftermarket selections, the choice is yours to make. Hopefully, this article has helped you make heads or tails of these different types of parts, but if you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional near you so that you can find the best parts for your rig.