What to know about OEM in 2018

In order to understand OEM parts, OEM suppliers, and how they factor into the automotive industry today, it’s important to understand the characteristics of OEM and what you’re getting into by choosing them, especially if you are choosing them over other options. There are a few affordances that make OEM a superior choice in many cases. To learn more about that, be sure to read OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts: Pros and Cons.

OEM and aftermarket parts are both used for aftermarket purposes, and both of them have a place in the world of auto repair. But OEM is different because it is built to the original equipment specifications. It’s not remanufactured for fit and function like aftermarket parts often are. OEM is as designed and is an exact replacement part.

Before you read the rest of the article, it might be a good idea to check out our 10 OEM Terms You Need to Know. We believe that navigating the aftermarket world is easier when you recognize what is what.

To learn even more about the industry and aftermarket buying tips, be sure to stay updated on our blog. Now, here are a few things we think you should know about OEM:

What OEM parts are

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM auto manufacturers produce parts that exactly that – original equipment. They build parts that are made to the exact specifications and engineering of the part that originally came with the vehicle. Aftermarket parts are different because they are sometimes engineering to have a different function than the original part, or they are built to fit alternatively.

In many cases, this makes an OEM part superior in quality and basic functionality. There is no worry whether the part will fit or function like the original, because it is exactly like the original. If you’re looking to replace a part and not lose any of your vehicle’s integrity, OEM is the best choice.

They often have warranties

A major characteristic of OEM auto parts is that they have warranties that most aftermarket parts don’t. With the warranty comes a guarantee that the part will function as well as the original. If the replacement part doesn’t meet your needs, then it will be replaced again. This warranty doesn’t always come with aftermarket parts.

Sometimes your vehicle may be under warranty, but that warranty can be canceled if you buy aftermarket parts rather than OEM. This is another thing you should look into and consider before buying.

They have no problems with fit

OEM parts have no fitment problems and they will bolt right in to where they belong. When buying OEM, you will receive the original quality performance and life expectancy. This is due to the fact that they are built to the exact specifications and engineering as the original part.

Aftermarket parts often are built to different specifications. This might allow them to fit, and it might not. If they are engineering for different functionality, then there is a chance that the part will not fit like the original. But OEM will always fit.

They can be fitted by in-house assembly

Once OEM parts are manufactured, they can sometimes be assembled in-house, which reduces costs and saves you time. Muncy Corporation is one of these companies that offers in-house assembly solutions in addition to our OEM manufacturing. There are several advantages to having OEM assembly solutions, and saving time is one of them. In-house assembly eliminates the middleman, speeding up the process of constructing modules.

As you now know, OEM quality is often much better than other options. If parts are fitted using in-house assembly, chances are the manufacturer already knows the part very well and is equipped to fit it with extra care. And voila, the final product is high-quality.

At Muncy, our in-house assembly also allows us the opportunity to use automation, robotics, and other systems to monitor and improve the process of building a module. When parts are manufactured and ready to be assembled, they are met with superior technology and assembly solutions.