What are OE aftermarket parts?
OE, which stands for original equipment, is a term most people in the car and commercial vehicle sector have heard of. Referring to the factory fitted part, OE equipment can also be described as ‘genuine.’ That’s exactly what they are – genuine car parts supplied by original equipment manufacturers to vehicle manufacturers, who then assemble them to create a vehicle.
But while cars and commercial vehicles are made of OE parts such as engine actuators, fuel systems and sensors, these components eventually need to be replaced due to the wear and tear. Yet while it’s advised to use OE replacement parts, customers can be tempted to opt for a third-party, non-genuine option.
This is understandable, as buying equipment from a VM dealer can mean paying slightly more upfront. Customers looking to make quick savings may choose not contact an OE supplier but, as parts manufacturers are keen to point out, this will likely lead to much higher costs in the long term.
Why choose OE?
Unlike OE aftermarket parts, non-genuine components do not have the same performance guarantees. Certain non-critical vehicle parts, like window wipers, will wear down quicker as the materials used will often be of lower standard. As a result, owners can end up replacing the same component multiple times over the lifespan of OE quality parts.
OE aftermarket parts, such as those from VDO, are made in the vehicle manufacturer’s plant. These replacements are perfectly fitting OE equipment of the highest quality. When it comes to sensoring equipment such as an OE TPMS, or tyre pressure monitoring systems, this OE equipment can better minimise the risks of defects, contribute to fuel savings and maximise tyre life.