Auto Care Tips From Capitol Subaru: 3 Differences Between OEM And Aftermarket Car Parts

January 22, 2021

When it's time to have maintenance or repairs performed on your vehicle, and components need to be replaced, you have an important choice to make. At the local mechanic or quick-lube franchise location, you'll most likely get aftermarket parts built by third-party manufacturers. But at Capitol Subaru, we use OEM parts made by Subaru! Original Equipment Manufacturer-made parts are the best choice for the long life and reliability of your vehicle. We'll give you three reasons why that is below.

3. Fit

Many aftermarket parts, such as shocks and struts, wheels and tires, even accessories like mirrors and floor mats are built to fit on just about any car. That can create problems if they don't fit just right. OEM parts direct from Subaru are identical to the parts originally used to assemble your vehicle at the factory. That means you can count on a precise fit and reliable, familiar performance when installed on your car. Generic aftermarket components may not always fit precisely, and that can mean it wears out faster or doesn't provide the same quality as OEM.

2. Performance

OEM parts work best in concert with other OEM parts. Choosing cut-rate aftermarket designs can reduce performance and compromise the quality and comfort of your drive. Take brake pads for example: Genuine OEM Subaru brake pads are made from a material designed to provide smooth, quiet and consistent stopping power with linear brake pedal feel when used with Subaru brake discs. Generic aftermarket brake pads may have a softer lining and thus wear out faster, or a harder material that creates more dust and brake noise and is harder on the brake discs. When you want to maintain the precision-tuned ride of your Subaru, choose OEM parts for all your repairs and maintenance.

1. Price

OEM parts from Subaru are designed to provide the best overall value, with a middle of the road price point compared to the aftermarket. For many components, you can select from a wide range of aftermarket replacement parts -- some may be more affordable, but may lack the build quality and reliability of their OEM equivalents. You might also find premium or racing-inspired parts that promise even greater capabilities, but that can cost you a whole lot more. As a rule, we strive to make OEM the best option for your wallet over the long term. Since OEM parts fit better and perform as expected, it ensures your whole car runs smoother and lasts longer over time. So you don't have to pay for any additional maintenance down the road.

Best of all, our parts department even has special coupon offers to help you save even more money on OEM components! You can get a great rate on genuine OEM parts and all the service you need to install and maintain them on your ride at Capitol Subaru.