What Does OEM Mean for Car Parts?

When you’re looking for classic car parts, you’ve probably encountered terms like OEM, OER, NOS, and other such terms that refer to different types of auto parts. The most common term is OEM, which stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer.

OEM car parts are those parts made by the original manufacturer of a particular part in your car. In other words, OEM parts are made the same way, and to the same specs, as the auto manufacturer that originally sold the automaker that part.

Do Automakers Manufacture Their Own Parts?

In the earlier days of auto manufacturing, you could expect that automakers made every part that went on their cars. However, these days, most automakers have contracts with other companies to make parts.

In many ways, this is more ideal as it allows automakers to contract with companies that specialize in making specific auto parts. In this way, OEM parts from Ford generally don’t mean that Ford makes that part, but that the part was made by the same manufacturer that Ford contracted to make the original part.

What is an OE Part?

OE stands for Original Equipment. That indicates the part that was installed when the car was produced in the factory.

Technically, the only way to get a real OE part is to buy the same vehicle with that part. In the case of classic car parts, it’s certainly possible to get an OE part if you are able to take one off a salvage vehicle that was never replaced.

What are OER or OE Replacement Parts?

Technically speaking, all parts that you buy for your car are OEM or aftermarket parts, at least from the perspective of the original manufacturer. For example, you can buy aftermarket classic car parts that are OER or OEM parts.

OER stands for Original Equipment Replacement. These parts are designed to replace the original equipment on a vehicle, but they may not be OEM parts. OER car parts can also be OEM parts, but in general, they are similar enough to the OEM version of a part to be used interchangeably.

What are Genuine Parts?

Genuine parts are another type of replacement part, but the category is a little different. These parts were made to be installed on your vehicle during factory assembly.

In other words, if 60 identical parts are constructed for a vehicle and 30 of them are installed on the vehicle during factory assembly, the other 30 end up being sold as replacement parts. These parts come in branded packaging; for example, Genuine Toyota parts.

This part category is as close as you can get to OE parts. However, Genuine parts are the most expensive type of part available, and they are not necessarily superior to OEM or OER auto parts.

What Does Aftermarket Mean?

As previously mentioned, the vast majority of auto parts fall under the category of aftermarket car parts. All auto parts, whether classic truck parts orclassic car parts, or any other type of part, were generally built after the car was assembled.

The only exception to this is the exact part swapped off another version of the exact car, or Genuine parts sold as replacements. After a car is built, various auto part makers buy the rights to make certain parts.

The parts they make aren’t OEM parts as they weren’t the original equipment manufacturers. However, many aftermarket parts look and function just like the original part and are built to the same standards.

What are New Old Stock Parts?

Sometimes called NOS, or New Original Stock, these parts are similar to Genuine parts in that they were originally intended as OE parts, but were never used and remained in inventory. These parts can be considered the same as brand new, though they may have been constructed many years ago.

What are OCM Parts and ODM Parts?

OCM stands for Original Component Manufacturer, and these parts are sold through a network of authorized distributors and service providers. These parts are the same as the original equipment parts, which makes OCM and OEM basically the same thing.

ODM stands for Original Design Manufacturers. After being designed and assembled, the finished products are then distributed and sold under the brands of other companies.

What Does MOPAR Stand For?

MOPAR is a portmanteau of the words “motor” and “parts” (MOtor PARts). It was once the parts provider for the Chrysler Corporation, but they are now owned by, and serve as the primary OEM retailer for, the automobile manufacturer Stellantis.

Find Original Equipment Manufacturer Parts at Collectors Auto Supply

Finding manufactured replacement parts, OEM reproduction parts, and aftermarket parts is easy to do through Collectors Auto Supply. These parts are made with the same care as original equipment parts and designed to do the same job.

Even better, we have decades of experience helping classic car restorers find the perfect parts for their next project. We’re passionate, collaborative, and knowledgeable.

So if you’re in the market for OEM, Genuine, or NOS parts, then you’re in the right place. For more information on the best parts for your classic car restoration, reach out to our team today.