What’s the difference between OEM, genuine and aftermarket Ford parts?

What’s the difference between OEM, genuine and aftermarket Ford parts? main image What’s the difference between OEM, genuine and aftermarket Ford parts? image
As a Ford owner, you only want the very best for your vehicle. You want to make sure it can reach peak performance across the board, experience the best possible fuel efficiency and eliminate any possibility of costly repairs in the future.

As a Ford owner, you only want the very best for your vehicle. You want to make sure it can reach peak performance across the board, experience the best possible fuel efficiency and eliminate any possibility of costly repairs in the future. A majority of this comes down to ensuring you’re opting for parts and components that embrace your vehicle’s needs and don’t jeopardise its performance in any possible way.

The modern market offers plenty of options to choose from when it comes to finding replacements. The problem with this is that it can be hard to tell the difference between a genuine product or counterfeit, and not examining the variances could be detrimental to the integrity of your Ford overall.

So here’s what you need to know about the three main types on offer – be it online or from a brick-and-mortar store:

  • Original equipment manufacturer parts (OEM)
  • Genuine products
  • Aftermarket components.

OEM parts

Original equipment manufacturer products are specially made by the manufacturer. This means they’re made to exact specifications but are still created by an external brand. A lot of the time, these designs are crafted to look and feel exactly like the original by using reverse engineering techniques. The challenge with these options is that they can mean there are a number of gaps between quality vs. price.

Aftermarket parts

These components include any designs that aren’t specifically sourced from the maker – in this case, Ford. It’s important to understand if the options you’re looking at will void your vehicle’s warranty, if you choose aftermarket over genuine designs.

Our tip is to shop around, ask plenty of questions and ensure you’re setting your sights on a quality-made product. If you’re not sure how a certain design weighs up against a genuine or OEM alternative, we recommend getting in touch with Jefferson Ford’s team.

Genuine parts

It goes without saying but investing in components that have been made and blueprinted by the maker of the vehicle (e.g. Ford), will obviously be far more quality-orientated than alternatives. Beyond this, you’re backed by warranties for peace of mind, and the avoidance of risking current ones.

Moreover, genuine options are typically created on the same sites that act as production lines for the cars themselves.

Unfortunately, aftermarket designs aren’t able to perfectly replicate the standards of originals, mostly because they’re created to fit a wide number of models and makes.

A note on safety

It’s worth being said that opting for a cheaper aftermarket alternative may mean you put the safety of those in your vehicle at risk. While there are bodies that test cars before they hit the road, there aren’t necessarily any watchdog actively keeping an eye on all parts that hit the market. It’s a matter of buyer beware, so we always encourage you to give us a call if you’re unsure about what path to take.

Call us now on 1300 88 1234 (Press 2) for helpful advice and support about your needs.