What is Genuine Truck Spare Parts and Why Do We Use Them?

Whether you're a fleet manager, truck owner or a truck driver, buying replacement truck parts is one of the most important decisions in keeping your vehicle running smoothly. 

Check now

When you get to the part counter or order online, you’ll typically have two options: aftermarket parts and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks that can impact your truck's performance, longevity and overall cost. So, how do you choose the best option for your needs? 

We’re here to help. Let’s look at the key differences between aftermarket and OEM parts, the pros and cons of each, and how to choose the best fit for your truck and its application. 

What Are OEM Truck Parts?

OEM truck parts come from your vehicle's original manufacturer. These parts are designed specifically for your truck model, ensuring a perfect fit and compatibility. 

Because these parts come straight from the manufacturer, they’re produced under very strict quality controls and guidelines. This is very important for critical systems, such as the engine, transmission and braking systems.

Pros of OEM Truck Parts

Quality Assurance

OEM parts have built-in quality assurance built. Since the original manufacturer produces these parts, they use exact specifications that guarantee good performance. This includes using the same materials and manufacturing processes as the original components. 

OEM truck parts tend to perform better and last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements and repairs. 

Warranty Protection

Another major benefit of using OEM parts is warranty protection. Many manufacturers require owners to use OEM parts to maintain the truck’s warranty.

If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer is more likely to cover the cost. OEM parts also increase resale value because prospective buyers often prefer vehicles with original parts.

Cons of OEM Parts

Higher Cost

The quality assurance of OEM parts, of course, comes with a price. OEM parts are generally more expensive than their aftermarket counterparts, meaning repairs can be very costly.

The costs can add up quickly, especially if multiple parts need replacing — even if you’re only bringing your truck in for routine maintenance. This price tag makes OEM parts less practical if you need to prioritize cost over quality, particularly for non-critical components.

Limited Availability

OEM parts aren’t always available, especially for older truck models or discontinued parts. This can lead to repair delays, which can have a ripple effect and lead to extended downtime. 

We all know that downtime is costly, so if you're unable to quickly source an OEM part, waiting for a replacement can hurt your bottom line.

When to Choose OEM Parts

OEM parts are a good option if you need reliable, high-quality replacements for critical truck components. We’d suggest taking advantage of OEM parts if your vehicle is still under warranty or if you want to ensure the longevity of systems critical to the truck’s performance.

For example, if you're replacing a part that directly affects your truck's safety and operation, such as brakes or steering components, OEM parts are the best choice. Specifically designed parts in these scenarios provide peace of mind that often outweighs the additional cost.

OEM parts can also save you money in the long run. Since these parts tend to last longer and perform better, you may find that you spend less on repairs and replacements over time. This is particularly important for fleet owners, as OEM parts will help minimize repairs and downtime.

What Are Aftermarket Truck Parts?

Aftermarket truck parts are made by third-party manufacturers and designed to fit various makes and models. They often provide a more affordable alternative to OEM parts, ranging from basic replacements to high-performance upgrades. 

The aftermarket industry has grown significantly because many aftermarket manufacturers specialize in making parts that improve performance. For example, you can easily find upgraded exhaust systems or enhanced suspension components that enable you to customize your truck to fit your performance needs. 

Pros of Aftermarket Truck Parts

Cost-effective

One of the most noteworthy benefits of aftermarket parts is their cost-effectiveness. Aftermarket parts are usually more affordable than OEM parts, allowing you to keep maintenance and repair costs down.

With competitive price and timely delivery, DONZHEN sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Variety

The aftermarket offers a wide range of part options, making it ideal if you’re looking for specific features or enhancements. This flexibility lets you better customize your vehicles to suit your operational requirements or personal preferences.

Cons of Aftermarket Parts

Variable Quality

Quality can vary greatly from one manufacturer to the next. While some are high-quality, others may not meet the same quality levels as OEM parts, leading to issues down the line. Low-quality parts can result in premature wear, and may even compromise your safety and performance.

To avoid this, make sure you do your research and choose reputable aftermarket brands.

Warranty Concerns

Many manufacturers require the use of OEM parts to maintain warranty coverage. If you install an aftermarket truck part, you could end up paying for repairs that would otherwise be covered. 

This is particularly important for new vehicles or those still under warranty, as the cost of repairs can be substantial.

When to Choose Aftermarket Parts

Aftermarket parts are a good option if you need more affordable parts, especially for noncritical components. For example, aftermarket options can save you money on floor mats or body panels that don't affect the truck's core functionality. They’re also the go-to choice for performance upgrades, such as enhanced braking systems or modified exhausts. 

Aftermarket parts are also more readily available, making them ideal if you need to avoid the downtime associated with waiting for an OEM part.

Parts Solutions from Rush Truck Centers

Whether you choose OEM or aftermarket truck parts ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. OEM parts offer reliability and quality while aftermarket parts provide a cost-effective alternative with a broader selection. Considering the above pros and cons, you can choose the option that best suits your application and budgeting needs. 

At Rush Truck Centers, we understand the importance of finding the right replacement truck parts. We stock an extensive inventory of genuine OEM and quality aftermarket components from industry-leading brands. Aftermarket replacement parts from our private-label brands, Rig Tough® Truck Parts and Premium Power™ Powertrain Parts, are also available at Rush Truck Centers nationwide.

Shop Parts

Find a Location

Quality spare parts are essential for keeping a truck in peak condition and maximizing its uptime. So, what are the key factors to consider when selecting spare parts for your truck? 

Price is understandably an important consideration, but incorrect installation, expired warranty or simply being forced to wait for a parts delivery can all contribute to your overall costs. For this reason, it’s important to evaluate a range of parameters such as quality, warranty coverage, availability and technical support. The safest, surest options are often the parts certified by the truck’s manufacturer.

Five reasons to choose Genuine Volvo Parts:  

1. Access to highly trained technicians

When it comes to reliability, how a part is installed can be just as important as the part itself. If the job is not done properly, it can fail – or even cause damage to the rest of the vehicle. It’s essential that technicians have the necessary training and experience to get it right first time

We continuously invest in training and competence development programs for our technicians, so that they’re always up to date. One example of this is VISTA, the world’s largest competition for technicians. Its purpose is to train and develop our personnel, as well as lifting standards across our dealer networks. We also ensure that our dealerships are equipped with the necessary specialist tools and resources to enable our technicians to replace parts as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

2. Comprehensive warranty coverage

Most spare parts come with some sort of warranty, but the extent of their coverage can make a big difference. It’s never nice to think you’re covered by a warranty, only to learn of a loophole later on. This can lead to consequential damage. If a faulty part causes damage elsewhere on a truck, a part’s warranty quite often only covers the part itself – repairing the rest of the damage is your responsibility.

When installed at a Volvo Trucks dealership, Genuine Volvo Parts come with a two-year warranty. On top of that, the warranty covers consequential damage. This way, you have complete peace of mind knowing that you're covered.

3. Industry-leading parts availability for speedy repairs

Ideally, any workshop visit should be as quick as possible, so your truck can get back on the road. Spare parts availability is vital for ensuring that this happens.

Thanks to Volvo Trucks’ extensive network of warehouses and our efforts to continuously monitor stock levels across our network, our parts availability is exceptionally high. Furthermore, if a dealership doesn’t have a part in stock, we have the logistics in place to enable them to quickly source it from another dealership – even from abroad if necessary.

4. A one-stop shop

Every workshop visit decreases your vehicle’s uptime. If you’re making multiple visits for different parts and repairs, the loss of time can be substantial. However, when using an authorized Volvo Trucks workshop, all repairs and services can be done in one place, regardless of the truck’s age or driveline. You can also combine scheduled services, software updates and even trailer repairs. We have it all under one roof.

5. A perfect fit

Your truck isn’t just any truck – it’s been built for the specifics of your business. Whether you’re working in construction or long-haul distribution, the truck has been specified to deliver the best performance for that application. The same principle applies to spare parts. Genuine Volvo Parts have been designed to fit your Volvo truck perfectly, so they can be installed seamlessly and easily into the truck without risking any damage. In addition, our maintenance plans are also adapted to suit each individual business. The result is a complete package of parts and services that are designed to prolong your truck’s life and improve its overall performance.

To learn more, visit the Genuine Volvo Parts website. To learn more about service contracts, read our article about What to look for in a service contract for your truck. And to learn more about preventive maintenance, read our Top 8 preventive maintenance tips to avoid truck breakdowns.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Genuine Truck Spare Parts(fa,ru,fr). Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.