Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are made by the car manufacturer, in this case, Genuine Toyota Parts and are the exact parts that your Toyota vehicle was built with.
When you take your vehicle to be repaired at a Toyota Authorized Dealer, it is very likely that your car will receive brand new Genuine Toyota parts to replace whatever component failed. If you take your vehicle to be serviced or repaired at an independent mechanic shop, you will usually be given the option to use either OEM parts or aftermarket parts.
Aftermarket parts are components that are made by manufacturers other than the original manufacturer, in this case, not Toyota. Aftermarket parts are created to replace OEM parts and are available in wide ranges of quality and price. With OEM parts, you know exactly what you’re getting. With aftermarket parts, there is no real guarantee of what you’re getting. Let’s take a closer look at each part type.
When your Toyota needs a part replaced or repaired, the safest option is to have the repair made at a Toyota Authorized Dealer where Genuine Toyota Parts will be used. While there are arguments out there in favour of using aftermarket parts instead of OEM parts, consider the many advantages Genuine Toyota Parts have to make an informed decision for yourself when it comes time to have your Toyota repaired.
Quality and Consistency
Genuine Toyota Parts are well known to be of the highest quality. When you replace a part with a Genuine Toyota Part, you know that it will function exactly as it should.
Easier to Choose
Choosing the proper replacement part is easy when you use OEM parts. There are far fewer options when it comes to OEM parts, which means you’ll have an easier time finding the exact replacement.
Warranty Backed
OEM parts generally come with excellent warranties compared to their aftermarket alternatives. IMPORTANT: Only Genuine Toyota Parts are covered by the Toyota Replacement Parts and Accessories Warranties. Any failures or malfunctions resulting from the use of aftermarket parts will not be covered by any Toyota warranty.
Cost
Aftermarket parts are almost always cheaper than OEM parts. But, when you factor in the inconsistency of aftermarket parts, and the potential to have to replace them more than once, they may cost you more in the long run.
Quality
To be fair, significant improvements have been made to aftermarket parts to improve their overall quality. If you know where and what to look for, it is possible to find high-quality aftermarket parts.
Variety
Unlike OEM parts with their limited selection, aftermarket parts offer a wide range of variety and choices. If you want a specific effect on your vehicle’s performance, you just might find what you’re looking for in aftermarket parts. Just remember, aftermarket parts are NOT covered under Toyota’s Warranties.
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