Badger Truck
Parts Center

OEM Parts vs. Aftermarket Parts

We’re committed to offering genuine OEM truck parts whenever possible, because we want to give you the very best. The OEM vs. aftermarket debate might seem trivial, but there are several reasons to choose OEM parts.

OEM parts, or Original Equipment Manufacturer parts, are made by the vehicle’s manufacturer specifically for a given model. That means that they’re an exact match for the truck parts they’re designed to replace, including the materials and manufacturing processes used. Since they are built to fit a given model by the automaker, you don’t have to worry about the part being a proper fit, and you can have confidence that it’s built to last.

Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are not made by your truck’s manufacturer — they’re produced by separate companies, many of which manufacture parts for a variety of makes and models. They may fit your vehicle, but their manufacturing standards are unlikely to live up to those of the maker of your vehicle, in terms of manufacturing processes, materials, and reliability. While aftermarket parts may be cheaper at times than OEM parts, there’s an inherent risk of getting lower-quality components.