What does “aftermarket” mean?
It’s the opposite of OEM. Aftermarket parts are (supposedly) produced using the same specifications as the OEM parts, but that doesn’t mean they are the same. Aftermarket parts are generally not as good as OEM parts, but they are usually cheaper. In a few instances, aftermarket parts are superior to OEM parts, and we’ll let you know when that happens.
“Aftermarket” is a term used to describe repair/replacement parts for your automobile that are not produced by the manufacturer of your car. Many “Aftermarket” parts carry certification by “CAPPA” which helps ensure the integrity and basic quality of the part. Usually these parts are less expensive and therefore some insurance policies authorize the use of these parts. These parts are sometimes referred to as “Quality Replaced Parts” or O.E.R (Original Equipment Reproduction).
