If you’ve spent any time at a garage with your mechanic’s head buried in your engine bay, you’ve probably heard the term ‘aftermarket car part'.

For many car owners, ‘aftermarket’ sounds risky, as if it’s something cheap, unreliable, or even fake. In reality, quality aftermarket parts are often smart upgrades: they can match OEM performance, cost less, and unlock customisation that your car’s manufacturer never offered you.

Tune in to this guide to learn more about aftermarket car parts and to bust all the myths that surround them: 

Key Takeaways:

• Aftermarket car parts are manufactured by third-party companies and offer a suitable alternative to OEM components.
• They are generally more affordable, widely available, and provide better customisation and performance upgrade options.
• OEM parts guarantee factory fit and manufacturer assurance, while quality aftermarket parts can deliver similar performance at a lower cost.
• Buy only from trusted online retailers that offer warranties and sell genuine products.
  

What are aftermarket car parts?

In layman’s terms, aftermarket car parts are components that are made by companies other than your car’s original manufacturer. They are designed to fit and function like the factory-installed parts, but are produced by independent brands.

The best aftermarket parts follow the same specifications as OEM components, so they fit correctly and work as intended, while often costing less.

These are also capable of enhancing your car's performance, as they come with options to upgrade and modify, unlike an OEM component that’s more rigid and non-upgradable.

From everyday items like filters and wiper blades to critical parts like brake pads, shock absorbers, exhaust systems, and suspension kits, the aftermarket world covers almost everything you might need for maintenance, repair, or upgrades.

OEM vs aftermarket car parts

Aftermarket car parts, also known as alternative parts, are perfect for replacement. But, only if you choose them wisely.

Let’s take a look at how they stack up against OEM parts on key factors:

Cost-effectiveness

One of the foremost and most popular advantages of aftermarket car parts is their budget-friendly nature. We all know how established brands charge for their name tag. But when you purchase an aftermarket part, you don't have to worry about paying extra for the brand name.

In almost all cases, you get a suitable replacement on par with OEM quality at a much lower price.

Easy availability

To get OEM parts, you need to go to an authorised spare parts seller or an authorised service centre in your town, with no guarantee that the part you need is in stock. But for aftermarket car parts, this problem is less likely to happen.

You can get wider availability of stock, both offline and online.

Performance enhancements

The element that makes aftermarket car parts stand out from the OEM crowd is their performance upgrade feature. With customisation at your choice, your car can now go into a store in its simple form but come out as an upgraded version. Sort of like Captain America's transformation after he gets the serum.

For car enthusiasts thinking of not only replacing but also upgrading their car's overall performance, this is the way to go.

Wide options

With multiple companies competing to get your attention and money, you have the privilege of weighing multiple options. Look at various components and quality checks before making the right choice.

Having said that, it's important to know some of your car’s needs and specifications beforehand so as not to get tricked by a dishonest seller.

Perfect for older cars

Finding OEM parts for your old or vintage car can be a little tricky. Parts may not be so easily available or might be very expensive. That is where aftermarket parts come to the rescue.

They provide a practical and cost-effective alternative to keep your old car running smoothly.

How to choose the right aftermarket part for your car?

Enough about the why of choosing aftermarket parts. Let's discuss how to correctly choose one so you end up happy and satisfied:

Know your needs

Know what you want and why you want it. This may sound a little philosophical, but it helps save a lot of time and effort. Whether you want an upgrade feature or a manufacturer-backed assurance, make sure you know what your actual needs are. 

Clearly knowing your needs will help you navigate between OEM and aftermarket faster.

Research the brand

The aftermarket space is pretty crowded. To avoid being handed cheap or fake quality parts, it's best to research the brand by looking at reviews and seeing whether they have a proven track record.

Research well so you don’t end up regretting your purchase later.

Balancing price and quality

Since we have talked a lot about the cost-effectiveness of aftermarket car parts, it is easy to get swayed by the cheapest part available in the market. But this can cost you more in the long run.

Always try to maintain a balance between cost and quality to get the best output. Think of it more as an investment in the long term that will work in your car’s favour.

Check certifications and standards

While purchasing parts for your car, look for products with industry approvals, safety certifications, and tested performance claims. Also, make sure they meet standard quality protocols.

This is especially important for critical components like brakes or suspension, but it’s good practice to check this for all components. 

Where to buy car spare parts online in India?

Let's be honest: ordering spare parts online (factoring in how expensive luxury car spare parts can be) is a tricky task. 

This happens due to the fear of fraudulent practices or ordering from untrustworthy sources. No need to worry now! 

Here are some things to take care of while buying spare parts online: 

Choose trusted online retailers: Check the reviews, ratings and warranties on the company's products, along with confirming from reviews and platforms like Reddit. We at AtoZ Auto Parts stand tall in terms of trust and product quality.

Compatibility check: Before ordering, ensure the OEM spare part is compatible with your car make, model, and manufacturing year. You can try contacting the spare part dealer and sending your VIN number to verify the part prior to ordering.

Don't judge by price alone: You are in this for the long haul whenever you purchase a spare part online. Don't fall for websites offering the lowest price for your product.

Conclusion

Searching for the perfect component for your car has always been a cause of trouble, whether it’s aftermarket car parts or OEM. The basics, however, do not change. Research well, know your car’s needs, take time, and then decide accordingly. 

And in case you’re still reading and searching for aftermarket car parts, you can get all your luxury car spare parts at AtoZ Auto Parts.

We stock over 53000+ spare parts, including both aftermarket and OEM parts, delivered right at your doorstep in 3-5 days, wherever you are in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are OEM parts?

OEM parts are components made by the original vehicle manufacturer or authorised suppliers, identical to factory-installed parts, unlike third-party car parts.

Are OEM parts better than aftermarket car parts?

The actual answer is 'it depends'. Though OEM parts ensure perfect fit and quality, modern aftermarket car parts often match standards and provide upgrades. Careful research can help you choose the right option.

Why are OEM parts more expensive?

They are more expensive than aftermarket automotive parts due to brand assurance, strict quality control and guaranteed compatibility.

Can I buy OEM parts online in India?

Yes, OEM parts can be purchased online in India through numerous websites, such as AtoZ Auto Parts, which provide speedy delivery and a 6-month warranty.