What are aftermarket parts?

Aftermarket parts refer to components that are produced by independent manufacturers rather than the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). These parts are typically designed to be compatible with specific vehicle makes and models but are not made by the automaker that manufactured the vehicle itself. Aftermarket parts can range from performance enhancements to replacement components that are often more affordable than their OEM counterparts.

They are widely used in the automotive repair industry due to their availability, variety, and often lower cost compared to OEM parts. Additionally, many aftermarket parts can offer better performance or aesthetic customization than the standard parts provided by the manufacturer.

In contrast, parts manufactured by the original equipment manufacturer are specifically designed and produced for the vehicles by the company that built them, which does not apply to aftermarket parts. Products solely for electric vehicles and those sold exclusively at authorized dealerships represent specialized categories that do not encompass the broader definition of aftermarket components.