Are OEM Shocks Better Than Aftermarket?
It has been established that OEM parts are better than aftermarket parts. You may be wondering if this applies to shocks, as well. The answer is a resounding yes.
Consumers are often misled into thinking that aftermarket shocks are of better quality than OEM ones. The aftermarket industry is booming, after all. Well, it’s not quite true. OEM shocks are a much better investment than aftermarket shocks. Here are several reasons why:
1. OEM Manufacturers Use Superior Materials And Technology
OEM shocks are a result of superior engineering and design. That means OEM shocks often last longer and perform better than aftermarket shocks. There are three reasons OEM shocks are high quality:
- No manufacturer knows your vehicle more than your automaker does. Your automaker has all the right dimensions, tolerances, and other specs for your vehicle. They know how to build a set of shocks that will last a long time on your vehicle. They select the right materials and use the right technology to build your shocks.
- It’s in the automaker’s best interests to ensure that your shocks last as long as possible. The automaker warranties all its vehicles. Automakers don’t want to cheap out on shocks. They don't want to have to pay to replace all the shocks that failed under warranty.
- Fitment is rarely an issue with OEM shocks. They are usually produced to very exact specifications.
Aftermarket shocks are essentially scaled down versions of OEM shocks. Have you ever wondered why aftermarket shocks are so cheap? It's usually because aftermarket manufacturers use low quality materials. Many of them also build their shocks with universal specs. They don’t spend the time and money necessary to develop the ideal set of shocks for your particular vehicle. You'll be likely to run into quality and fitment issues with aftermarket shocks.
2. OEM Shocks Perform Better Than Aftermarket Shocks
Generally, aftermarket shocks perform quite miserably compared to OEM shocks. The reason for that is OEM shocks are designed specifically for your vehicle. They have the correct compression and rebound valving. Aftermarket shocks are rarely set up for exactly your vehicle. For example, aftermarket shocks:
- Usually have compression and rebound valving that is generic for your class of vehicle. But some SUV's, for example, can be 500-1000lbs heavier or lighter than another.
- Usually are set up for the typical tire and wheel. But some wheel and tire combinations are 20lbs heavier or lighter than those on another vehicle.
- Are not really tuned for your vehicle. OEM manufacturers spend a lot of time doing that.
In a nutshell, if you're looking for high quality shocks, go for OEM. It’s because OEM shocks are made with quality materials, they perform better, and they're guaranteed to last a long time.
How To Find Genuine OEM Shocks At Aftermarket Pricing
Many consumers still buy aftermarket shocks only because they’re cheaper than OEM shocks. The quality of OEM shocks is what makes them more expensive. It's just a simple matter of economics. The higher quality a product is, the more expensive it is to manufacture it.
OEM shocks don’t necessarily have to be more expensive than aftermarket shocks, though. You can save quite a bit of money on OEM shocks if you know where to look. It depends on whether you shop online or at a dealership. You’ll likely save money by shopping online. Dealership prices are usually sky high, and online prices can be very competitive.
For instance, we’re an authorized online retailer of OEM parts for many different automakers. Our overhead costs are so low that we can offer wholesale pricing for all the OEM parts in our inventory. You can save hundreds of dollars on OEM shocks if you shop with us. Look up your vehicle here to see if we have OEM shocks for your vehicle. If you need help finding the right part number(s), please don’t hesitate to contact us!