Aftermarket versus OEM Hubcaps

Posted by Rick Dynek on 22nd Mar 2023

When going about purchasing hubcaps for your vehicle it is important to understand the difference between OEM and aftermarket varieties. OEM or Original Equipment Manufacturer hubcaps are the ones that have been made by the manufacturer of the vehicle, whereas aftermarket hubcaps have not. Although there is some debate about which is better, it all comes down to the preference of the individual. It is important to keep a few things in mind when trying to select the very best hubcaps for your vehicle.

OEM hubcaps are viewed by some as being superior to aftermarket because they are made and installed by the manufacturer of the vehicle, but this isn’t necessarily true. While OEM parts such as these do carry the reputation and reliability associated with the vehicle’s manufacturing company, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are completely flawless or superior to aftermarket parts. Many people choose to buy OEM hubcaps because they feel comfortable with the brand name, and in many cases it is a wise decision. These hubcaps are usually branded with the name of the manufacturer so you know that they are OEM.

There are many different kinds of aftermarket hubcaps available for purchase, and one of the main attractions for a lot of car owners is their aesthetic appeal. Aftermarket hubcaps come in a variety of sizes and styles, similar to OEM hubcaps, with the most noteworthy difference being that they do not carry the name of the vehicle’s original manufacturer. While it is certainly true that there are some less-than-reliable aftermarket hubcaps on the market, many of them are aesthetically pleasing and practical when it comes to protecting the wheels on a vehicle.

A majority of aftermarket hubcaps are made in Asian countries such as China and Taiwan, and they are usually significantly cheaper than the OEM parts. Those who are looking to save money on their hubcaps and willing to take a little bit of a risk might want to look into some of the different aftermarket hubcaps that are on the market.

There are certain manufacturers of these aftermarket parts that are more reputable than others, and it is extremely important to find one that is trustworthy so you can get your money’s worth. Hubcaps are definitely not something which you will want to skimp on, so it is crucial to take enough time to see what your choices are before deciding to get anything in particular. Reliability is everything when it comes to buying new hubcaps, whether they are aftermarket or OEM, which is why it is so important to get ones that are sturdy and come from a well known brand.

In general, aftermarket hubcaps are inferior to factory original ones because they are not made with the same quality standards, though there are some exceptions. While it is true that some aftermarket hubcaps may be able to provide you with the kind of look you want, it is still crucial to consider just how sturdy and long lasting they are.