How do OEM parts differ from off-brand parts that you find at the hardware store? OEM parts, such as the parts made by Ford for Ford vehicles or the Mopar parts made for Jeep® vehicles, offer a level of fit and finish that you won't find among off-brand parts. OEM parts are the same kinds of parts that went into your vehicle when it was assembled, which means that using OEM parts helps to maintain your car's reliability. You just replace worn parts with new ones that are exactly the same.

Off-brand parts always have an element of risk attached to them. They're not backed by your car's manufacturer, so it's difficult to be sure of their reliability. Furthermore, they're designed with a one-size-fits-all approach that makes it easier for them to be used in a wider range of vehicles. This approach also increases the likelihood of them causing more problems than they're worth.