Should You Buy OEM Parts for Your Semi-Truck?

If you’ve ever gone shopping for semi-truck parts, you may have noticed that a majority of components are split into two categories: OEM and aftermarket models. If you’re not very familiar with truck maintenance, you may not be sure what the differences between these two options are, or why they’re important. Thankfully, we’ve written up the helpful article below to explain the significance of these two parts, their individual pros and cons, and which option is the better choice for you. 

The Benefits of OEM Truck Parts

While OEM truck parts aren’t without their faults, if you have to make a choice between an OEM and aftermarket component—always go with the OEM option. While a bit pricier than aftermarket parts, OEM truck components are made with higher-quality materials and manufacturing processes to ensure their longevity. They’re also guaranteed to be 100 percent compatible with your semi-truck’s specific equipment, ensuring your model continues to perform at its absolute best. As an added bonus, many OEM parts also come with a manufacturer-backed warranty, meaning you’re completely covered if the part happens to malfunction or fall apart. 

Should You Buy Aftermarket Truck Parts? 

While aftermarket parts certainly have their benefits—such as their lower price tag and a wide variety of available options—we don’t recommend purchasing them for anything other than a temporary fix. While convenient, aftermarket parts don’t guarantee the same quality, performance, or compatibility an OEM component does. They’re also mass-produced at an extremely fast rate, meaning they’re much more likely to malfunction or break over time, potentially leaving you with a more serious repair issue than you may have started with. 

Having trouble finding your semi-truck’s specific OEM parts? Then come visit us here at California Truck Centers and browse our massive selection of OEM truck parts and accessories for sale! If we happen to be missing the components you’re searching for at any of our 8 locations across California, feel free to speak with one of our helpful staff to have them order the parts for you.