What does OEM really mean and is it really better?

If you have been inside a new car dealership and looked around in the service or waiting area you have probably seen at least one sign stating that you should ask for OEM parts and that they are far superior to non OEM parts (you can also see these ads in pretty much every automotive related magazine). Usually this is accompanied by a picture of a worn or broken part which they clearly state is an aftermarket part. Pretty convincing, Huh? Makes you really want to make sure you get that OEM (which stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer) part so that doesn't happen to you, doesn't it?

Well, what their not telling you in these advertisements is that in todays cars and trucks virtually all parts are built by companies other than the manufacturer. Many are made in Korea, Guam, Malaysia and China or Japan. They are made by other stand alone companies. These same manufacturers make products for several new car manufacturers and also sell their own brand items. Also, there are numerous manufacturers like Brembo brakes which manufacture brake rotors and callipers that far exceed OEM parts. So, this could actually be seen as false advertising.

Dirty headlights are dangerous, restore them to new again with New Lite headlight cleaner!

What made me write this today was that I saw an add in Motor magazine in which Nissan, true to form, showed a picture of a Nissan brake and rotor and a very poorly designed and built brake and rotor. Yes there are perts out there worse than OEM. But, notice that they said OEM was better than any aftermarket part and this is completely untrue. Just watch some TV shows like Horsepower and similar and they will show you how they are constantly upgrading and replacing OEM equipment and auto parts to make a car faster, stronger and better.

So, in the future, remember the fact that OEM parts aren't really OEM in the first place. There is always better parts and equipment out there and you can always get a better deal by using Google and searching for that part rather than paying a huge markup at your local new car dealer.