OEM vs Aftermarket Wheels


July 24, 2019


You care about your vehicle, which is why you only want to install the best equipment. When it comes time to replace your wheels, you might wonder what the benefits of purchasing OEM vs. aftermarket are. We have the complete breakdown on what OEM means and what the benefits are to choosing this style.


What Does OEM Mean?

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. It refers to any component, including your wheels, that come equipped on the vehicle from the factory. If you have wheels that weren’t originally installed, they might be aftermarket, non-original or replica instead. These terms simply imply that they weren’t wheels provided by the automaker.


OEM Wheel Materials

You can choose a couple of OEM wheel materials. The two types that manufacturers use are steel and alloy. Steel is a cheaper material and found on the base models to keep the price down. You will also find them on trucks quite often. With an alloy wheel, you receive a higher class appearance and exceptional durability, but they cost more.

new OEM Audi Wheel


Advantages And Disadvantages Of OEM Wheels

OEM wheels offer several benefits. Most importantly, it keeps the vehicle original. This allows you to protect your investment and retain resale value. If you replace OEM wheels with aftermarket counterparts, it’s likely the value might decrease.

Another perk is that manufacturers have a higher standard than many aftermarket companies. You know you are getting a durable wheel created solely for your vehicle.

The third benefit is that OEM wheels look perfect on any car, truck or SUV. That’s because the manufacturer explicitly designed it for that vehicle. You can expect the fit to be exact. If you install aftermarket wheels, you might end up with an undesirable look.

Of course, most OEM wheels cost more than the aftermarket option. This is because when you purchase these parts, you pay more for quality and precise engineering - which will end up saving you money down the road.

new OEM Mercedes Wheel


Advantages And Disadvantages Of Aftermarket Wheels

Many rims installed today are aftermarket parts. This means they didn’t come from the automaker and weren’t made to work with that specific vehicle.

Most aftermarket wheels feature aluminum construction. This is a higher grade metal and provides a strong base, under many circumstances. However, there’s no telling how diligent the manufacturer was in creating them.  Therefore, you can’t determine how durable or reliable these rims will be. 

Many aftermarket wheels won’t have quality control checks. If they do, they go through a minimal evaluation before getting released into the market. That’s why you find so many reports of breakage or collapsing of these wheels. In addition, stress and weight on a poorly manufactured wheel can cause it to fail. Defective and faulty rims are a hazard to everyone on the road.

Furthermore, aftermarket wheels are created to work with many vehicles. With an OEM rim, you know it was engineered to fit your car specifically. Without the guarantee of a proper fit, the handling and stability of a vehicle become compromised.

The manufacturer utilizes electronic and computer systems which automatically adjust the suspension and handling to fit standard wheels. When you add aftermarket rims to your vehicle, the computer doesn’t interpret the information the same. Not only does this alter the handling, but it also adds wear to your suspension. Once the electronic stability system is affected, there is a heightened risk of bodily injury.

Aftermarket Wheel by itself


Buy OEM Wheels Today

If you want to retain the value and integrity of your vehicle, it’s vital that you choose OEM wheels. Whether you’ve been in an accident, hit a curb or simply want the look of new rims, we can help. We are a top supplier of OEM wheels that fit your vehicle. When you purchase from us, you are guaranteed the right fit at an exceptional price. Don’t compromise your safety; buy the best wheels for your car.