VW Parts: Choosing OEM Parts vs Aftermarket
With over 21.5 million sold, the original Volkswagen Beetle was the best-selling car of the 20th century. With such a popular and well-loved brand, VW parts aren't hard to come by. The question, though, is whether you should choose OEM parts or aftermarket.
There are pros and cons to each. Read on to find out the difference between the two and what your best option is.
What Are OEM VW Parts?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. Volkswagen parts produced by the company are considered OEM parts. Not all parts are made by VW, though. VW performance parts that are not officially produced by VW are known as aftermarket parts. VW OEM parts are made of quality materials and designed to unlock performance potential.
When you buy OEM parts, you'll either be going through a dealership or ordering them directly from the manufacturer. You can buy aftermarket parts in other places, such as auto part stores or the internet.
What Are the Benefits of OEM Parts?
There are certain advantages associated with choosing OEM parts over aftermarket options. OEM parts can help keep your vehicle running at an optimal level. The performance of aftermarket parts can vary.
Below are a few of the main benefits of choosing OEM parts.
OEM Parts Are Usually Warrantied
Many Volkswagen performance parts come with a 1-year manufacturer's warranty. If your part is damaged or faulty, the manufacturer will frequently replace it at no extra charge.
Guaranteed Quality
Volkswagen stands behind the quality of its parts and mini parts. It is a perfect match for the part that you replace. They are all tested, designed, and put together to VW's stringent quality standards.
OEM Parts Last Longer
Parts produced by VW are intended to last a long time. They're made of quality materials and designed with integrated engineering to unlock performance potential.
Aftermarket Parts
Aftermarket parts are usually less expensive than OEM, which makes them an enticing choice for the budget-conscious VW enthusiast. Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks you may face if you opt for aftermarket VW parts.
They Could Void Your Warranty
When your vehicle is still under warranty, you may want to choose OEM parts. A lot of warranties do not cover damage related to unapproved parts.
However, this is not an issue if your VW isn't under warranty. Many aftermarket VW performance parts offer an affordable alternative to OEM products, without sacrificing quality.
Aftermarket Parts May Not Be Thoroughly Tested
OEM Volkswagen parts are put through rigorous testing since they're identical to the part you're replacing. These include performance and crash tests.
Aftermarket parts aren't always identical to VW parts and don't necessarily have the same testing history.
The Quality Varies
Not all aftermarket parts are necessarily bad. There are aftermarket manufacturers that provide quality parts. That being said, the quality tends to vary between manufacturers and doesn't come backed by VW's guarantees.
The Choice Is Yours
VW parts manufactured by Volkswagen are considered OEM. They come backed by several guarantees and are produced using VW's stringent manufacturing guidelines. Aftermarket parts are often less expensive and can sometimes be delivered faster. They can have the same and sometimes even better quality as OEM parts.
There are some risks involved with aftermarket parts, but that doesn't make all of them bad. If you'd like to know more about VW parts, check out our blog.
