What genuine, OES and aftermarket mean, how prices and quality compare, and when each one is the right choice for your car.
The three types
- Genuine (OEM): sold by the carmaker in its own packaging, with the carmaker's logo. Usually the most expensive.
- OES (original equipment supplier): made by the same company that supplies the carmaker, often on the same production line, but sold in the supplier's own box. Same part, usually lower price. Examples include Denso, Aisin, Bosch and NGK for many Japanese and European cars.
- Aftermarket: made by other manufacturers to fit and work like the original. Quality ranges from excellent to poor, so the brand matters.
How to choose
For safety-critical parts such as brakes, steering and suspension, choose genuine, OES or a well-known aftermarket brand. For service items like filters, wipers and bulbs, a reputable aftermarket brand often gives the best value.
If your car is under the manufacturer's warranty, check the warranty terms before using non-genuine parts for major repairs.
How Partova shows it
Every listing on Partova states the part type, the brand, the part number and the warranty, so you can compare like with like.