OEM, Original Equipment Manufacturer, is a term with at least two meanings.
Be sure you understand what is meant when the term is used.

The first meaning, and most likely to be presumed, is that the parts are made by the same manufacturer that made the original part that came from the factory in your vehicle. Often, when "OEM" is used to describe automotive parts, the underlying intent is for the consumer to presume that it means exactly the same part as the original, even if this is not the exact truth.

The second meaning is the one more widely used in the industry. In this case, "OEM" represents a part that is manufactured by an "original equipment manufacturer," any manufacturer who has ever supplied similar parts to the automobile factory. When used in this sense, there is still an indication of quality and reputation behind the part based upon the presumption that any OEM manufacturer must produce high quality parts.

A third meaning is actually a misuse of the term. "OEM" is often used to represent parts that are reputed to be " equivalent to original equipment in quality and performance." A slightly more accurate and honorable way to express this definition is to use the phrase, "OEM quality." Although acceptable, even this phrasing is little more than a statement of opinion and is seldom backed by statistical performance data.

When a repair facility says they are using "OEM" parts be sure to ask these questions:

     "Who is the manufacturer of the parts you are installing?"
     "Is this the same manufacturer and part number that came from the factory in my vehicle?"
     "Is the manufacturer of this part a current OEM provider for my vehicle?"

Keep in mind that there are many reasons why a repair facility might use parts that are not strictly "OEM." In some cases, due to price or performance issues, the use of non-OEM could be in your best interest. But as a consumer, you are entitled to know the truth as well as any justification for use of any non-OEM part.
     

888-WIZARD8
888-949-2738