What's the Difference Between OEM Parts and Aftermarket Parts?

The parts you trust for the maintenance, service, and repair of your Subaru play an important part in future reliability and, quite often, your budget. OEM parts are the same that the factory used when your Subaru was first assembled. Many of these parts are made by Subaru, and others are sourced from an outside supplier contracted to provide parts as specified by Subaru engineers. Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are those that have been made for corporate parts suppliers that are typically not affiliated directly with the manufacturer. At Carter Subaru Ballard, we insist only using OEM and factory-approved parts, products, and accessories since their quality is unquestionable.

What Else Should You Know About Aftermarket Subaru Parts?

It's not that aftermarket parts are always terrible, and they can certainly save a couple of bucks at times. However, the chances of getting substandard quality can often result in paying more in the long run. For instance, if a set of aftermarket brake pads only last 6 months where OEM Subaru brake pads might last upwards of 5 years, it's clearly more affordable to buy the factory-original parts the first time.