OEM, short for original equipment manufacturer, refers to parts that are manufactured by the same company that produced the original parts that were included with the vehicle when it was originally sold.  These parts can be manufactured by the car company themselves, or supplied via officially franchised manufacturers and distributed in specially branded packaging to auto retail outlets or motor factors.  When a repair shop or a parts dealer tells you that you are purchasing an OEM part, your know that what your are receiving is, for all intents and purposes, identical to the part that originally came with your automobile, manufactured the same way on the same type of machinery.

More importantly, what you are purchasing is peace of mind.  In the automobile industry, OEM implies that the part in question has been inspected and certified, bringing with it a guarantee that aftermarket parts -- which don't undergo the same level of scrutiny -- just can't match.  Aftermarket parts tend to be cheaper than their OEM counterparts, and while that doesn't always mean an inferior product, the truth is that the lack of inspections means that you can't always be sure about the safety and reliability of the part you're installing in your automobile.  Is saving money really worth risking your passengers, yourself, or your vehicle?

Recycled parts are another important element in the industry.  Previously, there were issues with availability, quality, delivery, fit, and more.  These potential problems left many repair professionals, insurance companies, car owners, and even the parts recyclers feeling dissatisfied.  However, the automotive recycling industry has changed in recent years, working to standardize parts and make it easier for buyers to know the reliability and even typical turnaround time for recyclers.   These changes have made recycled parts a far more viable option for those who want the best of both worlds -- the safety of OEM parts and the affordability of aftermarket parts.  Thanks to the explosion of the ecommerce marketplace and the easy availability on online information, it's easier than ever to find the recycled parts you need and a reliable recycler to purchase them from.