Is it really necessary to get the original parts for your VW? To keep your VW in the best condition, you’ve got to ensure you’re keeping up with your services and using high-quality parts. Ideally, everyone would love to be able to afford OEM parts, but when it’s the end of a hard month or you’re in a pickle financially, it’s not always possible.
There’s an ongoing debate about whether it’s better to use aftermarket parts or to stick to OEM. In this article, we’re going to look at the benefits and drawbacks of choosing OEM or aftermarket parts to help you make your decision.
What are the main differences between aftermarket and OEM parts?
One of the major differences between OEM VW spare parts and aftermarket parts is who they’re made by. OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer, meaning that the parts they make come directly from the VW. Generally, this implies that the parts will have a higher standard and less risk associated with them breaking earlier or not fitting your car.
On the other hand, aftermarket parts are VW spare parts that are made by third party manufacturers who’ve copied the design of the original part and produced their own version of it. While there are some brands that even VW has noticed for their quality, it’s an unfortunate reality that aftermarket parts are often of lower quality than the OEM counterparts.
However, many people still buy aftermarket parts because they’re more affordable than the OEM parts. One must remember though, that aftermarket parts are usually made with different materials and thus, might wear faster or not fit your car correctly. So, this might result in parts breaking sooner and you need to spend more to replace them again.
What are some benefits of OEM parts?
Original parts are designed to work with your VW, meaning that they’ll provide your car with the best results after it’s repaired. Basically, they’ll restore your car back to the same standard it was when it came out of the factory.
There are some other benefits to getting OEM parts however, for example, many OEM parts come with a warranty. In some cases, repairs can go horribly wrong. With OEM parts, you’re assured that if a part malfunction from a factor fault and damages other parts as a result, the certified VW technician will fix the car under the warranty.
Finally, probably one of the major benefits of OEM parts is that they last. OEM parts are made with superior materials. Not to mention, they’re designed to perfectly suit your car, meaning that they won’t have any wiggle room that can cause premature wear and tear.
What are some drawbacks of OEM parts?
Now, like most things, OEM parts do have a downside, the price. Generally, OEM parts that come directly from the manufacturer cost significantly more than aftermarket parts. Because of this, many people aren’t always able to purchase OEM parts and have to settle for aftermarket spares.
What are some benefits of aftermarket parts?

WHile OEM parts are of a higher quality generally, we can’t completely throw out aftermarket parts. Some aftermarket part manufacturers have developed products that are so good that their quality in some cases is actually better than the OEM parts.
There’s also a larger range of aftermarket parts to choose from because there may be many manufacturers who all produce the same part. This offers vehicle owners a range of options to choose from that vary in price, too. Likewise, the parts are also typically more affordable, making them a more convenient option for many.
What are some drawbacks of aftermarket parts?
Unfortunately, the trouble with aftermarket parts comes in when you have to search for good-quality parts over bad-quality ones. Because there’s such a large selection of aftermarket parts, you’re also presented with parts of different qualities. If you choose wrong, you may purchase parts that’ll last a few months and then break.
So, while aftermarket parts are cheaper, they also come with more risk. But, if you play your cards right, you can find quality aftermarket parts that’ll save you some cash, too. Be sure to check reviews of parts and ask some professionals, too. By doing this, you can sift through the bad quality parts to find the good.
Final thoughts
VW OEM parts are always going to reign supreme when it comes to quality assurance, but when considering your budget, they can sometimes feel out of reach. By checking out these benefits and drawbacks of OEM and aftermarket parts, you can decide which route you would like to take. You can save some money by going for aftermarket parts, but always ensure you buy from a reputable supplier.