When it’s time to repair or maintain a truck, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is: Which kind of replacement parts should you use? Do you go with OEM, aftermarket, or remanufactured parts? The choice affects cost, reliability, warranty, performance, and long-term maintenance. In this blog post, we at Sounders Truck Repair walk you through the pros and cons of each type, real-world considerations, and how to choose the best option for your truck.

What do those terms mean?

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are parts made either by the original manufacturer of the vehicle or by a company contracted to the same specifications as the part that came originally with the truck. These are “factory” spec.

Aftermarket parts are made by third-party manufacturers, not the original to the truck. They may or may not conform exactly to the OEM specifications. Quality varies. Read more about aftermarket parts here

Remanufactured parts are used or worn parts that have been taken, disassembled, cleaned or repaired, replaced where needed, and rebuilt to meet or exceed original specifications. These are not just “refurbished” — they are often tested to high standards. Click here for more details about remanufactured parts

Pros and Cons: OEM vs Aftermarket vs Remanufactured

Here’s a comparison to help you evaluate which route makes sense for a given repair.

Table with comparison of OEM, Aftermarket and Remanufactured Parts

When to Choose Each Type

To help decide case by case, here are real-life situations and suggestions:

Critical safety or performance components — brakes, steering, suspension, sensors, engines: Go OEM or high-quality remanufactured. The risk of failure is high, and OEM gives peace of mind.

Budget repairs or older trucks — If truck is older or resale value isn’t high, aftermarket or remanufactured might make more sense.

Frequent downtime is bad — If reliability and minimizing breakdowns is vital (for example, long-haul routes), investing in OEM or tested remanufactured pays off.

Parts not available new — Sometimes OEM parts are discontinued; remanufactured is often only viable alternative.

Quick fixes or non-critical components — Cosmetic parts, non-structural panels, certain accessories might be fine as aftermarket.

Key Questions to Ask Before Buying

Before you decide, run through this checklist:

Is there a warranty? What length and coverage? Be careful with “refurbished” vs “remanufactured” vs “rebuilt” — the definitions may vary.

What are the specs / tolerances? If you go aftermarket or remanufactured, ensure they meet OEM tolerances.

What are reviews / reputation? Who made it? Are there documented field results?

Cost over time, not just upfront. A cheaper part that fails sooner costs more (downtime and replacement).

Transport / lead time impact. Can you get it quickly? Is shipping cost high? OEM might require longer shipping.

Resale / warranty issues. If part of warranty, OEM might be required. Also, resale value of truck might be affected by using non-OEM in some markets.

Remanufactured vs Rebuilt vs Refurbished: What’s the Difference?

Because these terms are often confused, it’s worth clarifying:

Remanufactured — the component is fully overhauled, meeting factory standards. Weak or worn parts are replaced. Testing is rigorous.

Rebuilt — may be similar to remanufactured but often less strictly tested. Might be simpler repairs rather than full teardown. Sometimes used interchangeably with remanufactured, though quality varies.

Refurbished / reconditioned — typically used parts that have been repaired or restored to working order, but not necessarily brought up to full factory spec or tested to the same degree.

Cost vs Value: A Balanced View

One of the biggest mistakes truck operators make is judging parts purely by the sticker price. That’s short-term thinking. Here’s how to think of value:

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): includes purchasing, installation, maintenance, downtime, performance, fuel efficiency.

Downtime & reliability: a slightly more expensive OEM or remanufactured part that lasts long and prevents breakdowns often saves more money than replacing cheaper parts frequently.

Fuel efficiency / performance penalties: parts that don’t fit well or are lower quality may degrade performance (e.g. bad seals, sub-par tolerances) leading to higher fuel consumption, more wear on adjacent parts.

Conclusion

Choosing between OEM, aftermarket, and remanufactured truck parts isn’t just about price — it's about reliability, safety, long-term cost, and fit. For Sounders Truck Repair, our goal is always to help customers get the best value: not just cheapest, but parts that perform, last, and minimize downtime. Always take the time to discuss both the parts and the overall health of your truck with the mechanic and shop. New is not always better—having that conversation helps you understand the true severity of your truck’s condition and ensures you’re paying a fair price for the parts you actually need to get it ready and safely back on the road. Whether you go OEM, remanufactured, or aftermarket, make sure you’re making informed decisions.

Choosing the Right Truck Parts: OEM vs. Aftermarket vs. Remanufactured