OEM VS. Aftermarket: Parts and Warranties
For a long time now, people have assumed that the best quality parts come from the OEM—and the OEM isn't going to do anything to make them think differently. They benefit from the misinformation surrounding the aftermarket. You've heard the stories, I'm sure, of junk metal being crammed into a box and shipped out to customers in desperate need of a repair, only to have the part break shortly after install. We've heard them, too. But as a supplier of quality aftermarket parts, we know that that's not the case everywhere any more.
So, just what is the difference? That's what we want to show you. In the end, whether you're running an on-highway, agriculture, or construction application, it can save you time, and, most importantly, money!
Want to know more about aftermarket vs. OEM? Check out our video:
Looking for quality aftermarket parts? Our ASE Certified Technicians can help you find the right parts for your diesel engine!
Warranty
A warranty is one of those things you never want to need, but are always glad to have. Most OEMs give you a warranty on their parts, usually 6 months to a year. And that's fine. But wouldn't you rather have better?
Our suppliers stand behind the quality of their products so much that in most cases the warranty on our parts is double that of the OEM. Not only does that give you peace of mind that what you're installing into your engine can handle anything you throw at it, but it also smashes those images of aftermarket suppliers who sell terrible parts with no warranty just to save a few bucks.
Even more than that, our warranties transfer to shops across the country, so you don't have to worry about being stuck on the side of the road or out in a field somewhere, unable to get a replacement part that should be covered under your warranty. We've got your back!
Quality is Key
The OEM stands on its reputation for quality. But any more, that's really the only edge they have over quality aftermarket suppliers—their name. We will admit that some aftermarket suppliers out there do not sell quality parts. You have to be careful who you order from. We've ordered those parts ourselves, just to test the quality, and we decided right away that we would never sell such an inferior product to our customers.
Now, more often than not, the OEMs don't even make their own parts. They contract it out to other manufacturers, who stamp the big name on the box and ship it out under the OE label. So there's really no such thing as a genuine OEM part any more.
Even more than that, though, is the fact that a lot of our parts are made by the same manufacturers the OEMs contract. They're made exactly the same, meeting, and sometimes exceeding, OEM specifications. We just don't have their fancy label on our boxes. But our quality is the same, regardless of whose name is on the packaging.
With a quality aftermarket supplier like HHP, you get another added bonus. Even though the aftermarket has to wait a few years to sell parts for newer engines, because of patents, when they do release them, they've often been able to make improvements on the design for additional functionality. You'll be getting a better working part for less money than you'd spend at the OEM.
Sometimes, it can be hard to find parts for the older engine models. That's because oftentimes the OEM stops manufacturing as many when the next big thing comes around the corner. But that doesn't help you out when you need a repair, does it? We make sure that you can still get the parts you need for your engine—and at a quality that meets or exceeds what the OEM would give you.
How Much Do You Want to Pay?
Do you like throwing away your hard-earned money? I think it's safe to assume that you don't. Well, we don't think you should have to! For these same quality parts, you'll be paying double at the OEM. And that would be fine, if there were added value accompanying those parts. But as we've established, there really isn't. They have shorter warranties and they don't even make their own parts any more. All you're really paying for is the name. In the end, that doesn't do you much good. I don't know about you, but I'd rather keep my money and go with a quality aftermarket supplier.
Are You Really Getting New Parts?
When you're buying new parts, it's reasonable to assume that the components are new. At least it should be. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. As we mentioned in our blog about rebuild kits, the OEMs sneak in used parts. Not only do they hide them, they market it to you as if it's helping you out!
Take their cylinder kits, for example. It's not uncommon for them to sell them preassembled, to save time. And maybe that's the case. But what you may not be able to see is that they're putting used parts in those kits. You just can't tell when they've already been put together!
Plus, a lot of mechanics prefer to assemble things themselves. That way they can make sure everything is done correctly. Why trust the manufacturer with a job you can do yourself and do it right?
Unlike the OEM, we’re not trying to pull the wool over your eyes. When we say new, we mean new!
In the end, we feel that quality aftermarket parts offer you so many more benefits than the OEM can. We truly believe in the quality of our parts. That's why we sell them!
Do you have any questions about your diesel engine or parts? Want to talk more about the benefits of a quality aftermarket diesel parts supplier? Call us at 844-304-7688 to speak with one of our certified techs. Or, you can request a quote online.
Originally Posted February 19, 2019; Edited August 21, 2020