OEM, aftermarket or remanufactured?
| Type | What it is | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| OEM | Made by or for the vehicle manufacturer, the same as the part that came on the car | Electronics, sensors and anything where exact fit matters; newer cars |
| Aftermarket | Made by another company to fit your car. Quality ranges from economy to better-than-original | Brakes, filters, wipers, lights, suspension: big savings from reputable brands |
| Remanufactured | A used part rebuilt and tested to work like new, often with a warranty | Alternators, starters, steering racks, calipers: costly parts at a lower price |
| Used / salvage | Pulled from another vehicle | Body panels, trim, mirrors and hard-to-find parts on older cars |
How to make sure it fits
- Search by VIN when you can. The 17-character VIN pins down engine, trim and build options that year, make and model alone may not.
- Check the sub-model and engine size. Two cars of the same model and year can use completely different brakes or sensors.
- Compare with the old part. Before installing, hold the new one next to the old one: connectors, mounting holes and length should match.
- Note front/rear and left/right. Many parts are side-specific. "Left" means the driver's side in the U.S.
Core charges, explained
Remanufactured parts such as alternators, starters and calipers often carry a core charge: a refundable deposit you get back when you return your old part. The rebuilder uses it to make the next one. Keep the box, return the core within the seller's deadline, and the charge comes back to you.
Before you order
- Read the return policy, especially for electrical parts, which some sellers won't take back once installed.
- Check the warranty length, and whether it covers just the part or labor too.
- Add up shipping. A cheap part with expensive shipping can cost more than buying locally.
- Order gaskets, clips and single-use bolts with the job. Many repairs call for new ones.
Where to buy parts
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PartsGeek
Large online catalog of OEM-equivalent and aftermarket parts for most makes and models.
Shop PartsGeek →BuyAutoParts.com
Online auto parts store with a wide catalog for domestic and import vehicles.
Shop BuyAutoParts →Frequently asked questions
Are aftermarket parts as good as OEM?
Reputable aftermarket brands can match or beat OEM quality for many parts, especially brakes, filters and suspension. Very cheap no-name parts are where problems start. For complex electronics and sensors, OEM is often the safer choice.
Do I get my core charge back?
Yes, if you return the old part in rebuildable condition within the seller's time limit. Keep the new part's box and receipt so you can send the old one back in it.
Can aftermarket parts void my warranty?
Not by themselves. A manufacturer has to show that the aftermarket part caused the problem before it can deny that warranty claim.