OEM parts
Parts made by or for the vehicle's original manufacturer, sold new or recovered used from junk cars.
OEM parts are made by, or for, the company that built the vehicle, to its original specifications. You can buy them new from a dealer or used from a salvage yard, where most parts on donor cars are OEM.
Many owners prefer OEM parts for fit and quality, which is part of why used OEM parts from junk cars keep their value. Price, availability and warranty differ between new OEM, used OEM and aftermarket choices.
You are generally not required to use OEM parts to keep a warranty. The Federal Trade Commission says a warranty stays in effect if you use aftermarket or recycled parts, unless the manufacturer or dealer proves such a part caused the damage.1
References
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Federal Trade Commission, “Auto Warranties and Auto Service Contracts”, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/auto-warranties-and-auto-service-contracts ↩