When it comes to replacing car parts, you’ve probably come across terms like OE and OEM. But what do they mean, and which one is right for your vehicle? Ultimately, OE car parts are the original pieces fitted to your car while OEM car parts are the same, just sold under different branding for a more affordable price.
At Halfords, we know that choosing the right car parts is key to keeping your car running smoothly, so we’re here to break down the differences.
Keep reading as we cover the difference between OE and OEM car parts.
What are OE car parts?
OE stands for Original Equipment, which means these parts are exactly the same as those originally fitted to your car when it was built.
OE car parts:
- Come from the manufacturer that supplied the car company.
- Meet all the exact specifications required by your vehicle’s brand.
- Provide exact compatibility and performance, just like when your car was brand new.
What are OEM car parts?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer.
OEM car parts are:
- Made by the same company that produces OE parts but might be sold under their own branding rather than the car manufacturer’s.
- Essentially identical to OE parts in quality and fit.
- Often sold at a more affordable price because they don’t carry the car brand’s logo.
What are the key differences between OE and OEM?
As mentioned above, branding is one of the main differences between OE and OEM car parts but there are a few other variances too.
1. Price
OEM parts are usually more cost-effective than OE parts because they don’t include the car brand’s packaging or markup.
2. Warranty
OE parts often come with a manufacturer-backed warranty, whereas OEM parts may have a warranty from the supplier instead.
It’s important to remember that both OE and OEM parts meet the same high standards and specifications for performance, ensuring a perfect fit for your car.
Should you choose OE or OEM car parts?
Choosing OE or OEM car parts comes down to personal preference.
The benefit of OE car parts:
- They’re an exact replacement part with the car brand’s name on it.
The benefit of OEM car parts:
- They offer the same quality as OE car parts.
- They come without the premium price tag.
At Halfords, we stock a wide range of high-quality OEM car parts to keep your car in top condition. From Ford to BMW, we’ve got OEM car parts for a wide range of vehicle makes and models.
Whether you choose OE or OEM, you can trust our expert range to deliver reliability and performance. Shop online our range of car parts online and simply enter your vehicle registration to find parts that fit your vehicle. Or alternatively, you can shop by manufacturer.
