The Benefits of Buying Semi-Truck Parts From an OEM

Semi-trucks are essential when it comes to the transportation of goods we use day in and day out. On the road, trucks face many hardships while transporting these heavy goods and covering long distances daily. That being said, semi-trucks need to be well-maintained to ensure their reliability; this, in turn, leads to timely deliveries with fewer complications along the way.

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The first step to reliability is having quality parts for your semi-truck. Buying truck parts from an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) will ensure just that. Whether you are a semi-truck driver or an owner of a fleet of commercial vehicles, there are many benefits to investing in OEM semi truck parts to keep your truck on the road longer.

What Does OEM Mean for Semi Truck Parts?

An OEM, or Original Equipment Manufacturer, provides parts that come from the original truck manufacturer or their equipment suppliers. These parts are manufactured in the same factory your truck was manufactured in and are designed with the same standards as the current parts your truck uses.

On the other hand, aftermarket parts come from third-party sources, but are designed to serve the same purpose. However, aftermarket parts have more drawbacks than OEM. First, the parts may fail to fit in the truck and potentially damage other parts. Second, they can be of low quality and thus have a short lifespan.

OEM semi truck parts are brand new and long-lasting parts. Take, for instance, a radiator or a propeller shaft for your truck. If you purchase these from an OEM, it will have the exact dimensions and quality material as the one already installed. Secondly, the manufacturer will have tested the equipment and indicated the miles you are expected to cover before replacing it.

What Are the Benefits of Buying OEM Truck Parts?

As mentioned previously, there are several benefits to buying from an OEM. Here’s a deeper dive into the advantages of purchasing parts from an OEM to ensure your truck stays on the road longer with fewer complications.  

Superior Quality

Semi truck parts from an OEM are made with the same technical specifications as the ones initially installed in the truck. The main advantage is that the original equipment manufacturer can maintain the quality, unlike the third party manufacturers who may use lower quality materials to minimize production costs.

Aftermarket parts tend to have a shorter lifespan and may not be as reliable, resulting in more money being spent on maintenance of the commercial vehicle.

As a rule of thumb, OEM parts offer the best value for the customer's money. So, choosing to buy semi truck parts from an OEM is choosing quality at all times.

Durability 

Trucks often come with original parts that cover an incredible number of miles before replacing. Unfortunately, if opting for parts from a third-party, you may be sacrificing the longevity of the parts, leading to higher maintenance costs in the future; this inevitably takes a toll on business operations as a whole.

It's wise to avoid taking shortcuts. The OEM products are made from high-quality and durable materials that serve the same as the original parts. Normally, you will get the products with the relevant paperwork that shows precisely how to install them and the number of miles of the duration it will serve you.

Product Compatibility

Generic products have always caused compatibility issues. They require fixing, modifications and adjustments, which can damage the existing components. Take, for example, installing a propeller shaft that needs a bit of grinding and other adjustments to fit. You may damage the differential axles at the back and on the gearbox; it can affect the teeth.

Luckily, OEM products are designed with the same dimensions and materials used in the original truck parts. As a result, they will never have issues other than just fixing and testing your truck. Suppose they have some issues; you can call the manufacturer and have them replaced.

Highly Reliable 

Many third-party sellers will argue that their products are reliable. But mostly, they don't meet the manufacturer's requirements because they need to find the exact material and the dimensions required, which can hike up the costs. This leads to quick estimations and altered thickness.
On the other hand, original parts are designed with high-quality materials and technology that promote slow wear and long-term reliability. This saves many business owners from the stress of late deliveries, drivers spending nights on the roadsides, slow business operations, and vehicle towing costs at all times. Most generic parts have faults in certain areas, affecting the whole system.

Enhanced Performance

Semi-trucks go for long distances and carry heavy loads. So, they need to be very reliable and have good performance. The truck manufacturer understands the engine power and other features that make the truck efficient. As such, they design their OEM products with vehicle performance and efficiency in mind.

For instance, high-quality engine parts will not expand or contract highly in the event of engine heat or winter coldness. This saves the other engine parts from wear due to friction. So, OEM products are made to save the vehicle from stalling, avoid additional maintenance costs, and enhance good performance and fuel efficiency.

Long-Term Cost 

Generic truck parts lead to additional costs of replacement once they fail. For example, a spare part expected to serve in the vehicle for 30,000 miles completely wears out at 17,000 miles. The truck owner will spend some extra money to replace it, which may make the business operation costs higher than estimated.

With OEM truck parts, the truck owner will have an assurance of the exact duration they will serve in the truck, giving them time to plan and budget for servicing the truck. Investing in OEM parts for your semi-truck will be more than worth it in the long run with fewer costly complications and increased longevity and durability.

OEM Parts Come With Warranty 

Unfortunately, with most generic product sellers, parts are not returnable after sale. However, OEM products have warranties, which vary depending on the manufacturer. You may learn that some products have one-year warranty or a warranty that covers the part up to a specific number of miles.
The good thing is that if you face faults with these products, the manufacturer can replace them quickly and you can be back on the road in no time.

Peach State Truck Centers’ Parts Department Can Help Keep Your Truck On The Road

Peach State Truck Centers has been in the Atlanta area for over 40 years selling heavy-duty semi trucks and OEM semi truck parts, as well as servicing trucks at state of the art body shops.

Reliable operations are key for ship owners and operators. Genuine, high-quality spare parts play a critical role in delivering reliability. But buying spare parts is made more difficult by the many misconceptions about genuine spare parts. To help you get it right, here are seven truths about genuine OEM parts – meaning genuine parts supplied by the equipment manufacturer – some of which may come as a surprise to you.

1. Not all manufacturers are OEMs
2. Not all parts labelled as OEM parts are genuine
3. Quality is not guaranteed to be the same
4. Parts made by the same component manufacturer may not be the same
5. Non-OEM parts could affect your vessel’s compliance
6. OEM parts are not necessarily more expensive
7. Not all suppliers or dealers are authorised re-sellers

1. Not all manufacturers are OEMs

Many people think that all manufacturers (including component manufacturers) are OEMs, but this is not true.

Reality: An OEM is generally perceived as a company that designs and manufactures engines and spare parts for those engines. A component manufacturer on the other hand is a company that manufactures components that will be used by OEMs or other manufacturers to build their products. The term OEM is often used in a misleading way, which causes confusion for ship owners and operators.

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

2. Not all parts labelled as OEM parts are genuine

It is wrong to think that a part labelled as an OEM part is always the genuine article.

Reality: Non-OEM products are everywhere. They can look genuine, and the marketing tactics used by dealers or suppliers can be misleading, which makes it difficult for ship owners and operators to determine if a product is genuine or not. Many spare parts are marketed as genuine or original OEM parts by including the equipment manufacturer’s name, but in reality, they may not be sourced from the builder of the equipment.

To make it easier for customers, OEMs such as Wärtsilä often include a logo on genuine parts. For parts that contribute to an engine’s emissions, Wärtsilä also includes a unique IMO ID number. These act as a quick and easy reference for genuineness and compliance with the EIAPP certification requirements and IMO regulations. But if you ever have doubts about whether a part is genuine, always contact the equipment builder.

3. Quality is not guaranteed to be the same

Many believe that non-OEM and OEM parts are of equal quality, but this is not always the case.

Reality: Ship owners and operators need to ensure everything runs smoothly, and high-quality spare parts play a key role in this. But what makes a high-quality spare part? OEM parts will perform as designed in your engine, whereas there is no guarantee of success when using non-OEM parts.

OEM parts are thoroughly checked and tested to comply with internationally recognised quality standards and relevant regulations. They are also made of high-quality materials according to the correct design specifications and tolerances to ensure proper fit and performance. Strict quality management also ensures that all OEM parts can be delivered with a full warranty.

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To learn more about why using OEM parts is a good idea, download the white paper: "Why genuine spare parts are the best choice for your vessel – 5+1 great reasons".

4. Parts made by the same component manufacturer may not be the same as OEM parts

Many think that if a component manufacturer makes parts for an OEM and the same part as a non-branded alternative, they must be identical. But this may not be the case.

Reality: Non-OEM parts made by the same component manufacturer as genuine OEM parts may look the same and seem like an attractive option. But, as with everything, there is far more to consider than meets the eye when buying spare parts. While non-OEM parts may look the same as genuine OEM parts, it is short sighted to assume that they will be of the same quality. 

OEMs such as Wärtsilä keep their component part specifications confidential and share only necessary information with suppliers under a confidentiality agreement. Even if a non-OEM somehow got hold of the specs, they may not have the latest ones. What’s more, they may not adhere to the same manufacturing or quality assurance processes as the OEM. The end result could be a part that wears prematurely or, worse, results in damage to the engine in which it is installed. For example, abrasive foreign particles from a low-quality part could get into the fuel or lubricating oil system, and potentially damage your engine.

Reputable OEMs such as Wärtsilä monitors and tests the quality of parts to ensure they meet the specifications and perform according to the design criteria. OEMs who follow this kind of stringent process can identify systemic quality or design problems with specific parts and implement corrective actions if needed.

5. Non-OEM parts could affect your vessel's compliance.

Many think that non-OEM parts will have no effect on vessel compliance, but they could have.

Reality: Maintaining and upgrading your vessel with quality spare parts is essential for optimal performance and safety. Every owner and operator in the marine sector is also accountable for their engines being emission-compliant after repair or maintenance. 

Using a non-OEM part could mean your engine is not compliant according to the IMO compliance process set up by an OEM, such as Wärtsilä. This can lead to potential fines, lost business and damage to your reputation.

With an OEM part you have the equipment builder’s warranty that the part will perform as designed in your engine, whereas there is no guarantee of success when using non-OEM parts. OEM parts are also IMO compliant. Where necessary, an OEM will test emission-critical parts in specialised laboratories to ensure they comply with major quality standards and applicable regulations aimed at reducing emissions from shipping. This means they eliminate the risk of non-compliance. They may also be less prone to premature wear or deterioration.

To make it easier for customers, OEMs such as Wärtsilä include a unique IMO ID number on emission-critical spare parts. This ID number acts as a quick and easy reference for compliance with the EIAPP certification requirements and IMO regulations.

6. OEM parts are not necessarily more expensive.

One would be wrong thinking that non-OEM spare parts are always cheaper than genuine OEM parts.

Reality: Many ship owners and operators typically focus on short-term cost savings, ignoring the potential long-term cost of a non-OEM part. This has led to them incorrectly assuming that non-OEM spare parts are cheaper than genuine OEM parts. While non-OEM spare parts may seem a cost-effective solution, using them can lead to expensive repairs, costly downtime and revenue loss in the long run. Added together, these costs far exceed the price of OEM spare parts.

Using original spare parts can also lead to fuel savings that more than compensate for any extra costs. According to a report by the World Shipping Council, fuel can account for 50–60% of your vessel’s operating costs. A cost-efficient spare parts agreement with your original engine manufacturer can also offer considerable savings and reduce the overall lifecycle cost of your equipment.

7. Not all suppliers or dealers are authorised re-sellers.

One might think that if the supplier uses the OEM’s name and logo in their communications, then it’s OK to trust the supplier – but one could be wrong.

Reality: Some suppliers or dealers may claim that they’re authorised resellers of OEM parts, but that is not always the case. This is very misleading and confusing for buyers because when suppliers or dealers use the OEM’s name and logo in their communications it implies that they have a commercial connection with the OEM. Everything may not be what it seems at first sight.

But how can you tell if a parts supplier or dealer is an official or authorised reseller? If you’re unsure, give the OEM a call and ask. To make it easier for customers, Wärtsilä original spare parts are often marked with the Wärtsilä logo.

Genuine spare parts – the best choice

At first glance, non-OEM spare parts may seem like a cost-effective solution. But genuine, high-quality original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts offer value that goes far beyond their initial cost. They will perform as designed in your engine and they are built to last, which means they can save you money in the long run.

Are you interested in learning more about Genuine Truck Spare Parts(tr,es,fa)? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!