OEM or Aftermarket Auto Parts How to Decide in Windshield Wiper System

Choosing between Original equipment manufacturer and aftermarket windshield wiper parts depends on what you care about most. Many oem-customers want a sure fit and good reliability. Other people want to save money or have more choices. Surveys show over 58% of North American drivers now use aftermarket wiper blades each year. You can decide fast by thinking about fit, price, reliability, and warranty.

Tip: Think about what matters to you—cost, quality, and how often you change wipers—to pick the best one for your car.

Key Takeaways

• OEM wiper blades fit your car very well. They are made with strong materials. They work well and last a long time.

• Aftermarket wiper blades give you more options to pick from. They can help you save money. This is good if you change blades a lot or have an old car.

• OEM blades often come with a warranty. They help keep your car’s warranty safe. This matters for new or leased cars.

• Choose OEM blades for easy installation and a perfect fit. They also help with advanced car safety features.

• Pick aftermarket blades to save money. You can also find more styles and features with them.

What Are OEM？

OEM Explained

When you see "Original equipment manufacturer" for wiper systems, it means the parts are made just like your car’s first parts. These companies work with car makers. They must follow strict rules to make sure the parts fit and work well.

• OEM auto parts for windshield wipers are made using tough rules for quality.

• Companies need ISO9001 certification, which shows they have a strong system for quality.

• Many also have IATF16949 certification, which is special for car parts and adds more rules.

• These certifications help make sure OEM parts fit, last long, and work well for your car.

• If you pick an Original equipment manufacturer part, it is made and tested for your car.

Note: OEM wiper parts usually match your car’s first design, so they are easy to install and work well.

Aftermarket Explained

Aftermarket auto parts for wiper systems come from other companies, not the car maker. You can buy these parts in stores, online, or at repair shops. Many aftermarket parts are made to meet or beat the original rules. Some companies make both aftermarket and Original equipment manufacturer parts, but the car maker does not control them.
The aftermarket has everything for your wiper system, like blades, arms, motors, and refills. This market is here because wiper parts wear out or break. You need new ones to keep your windshield clear and safe. Car trade groups say the aftermarket is important for keeping cars safe and working. You get more choices and sometimes better prices when you buy aftermarket parts.

Original Equipment Manufacturer vs Aftermarket

Manufacturer Differences

Original equipment manufacturer wiper blades are made by companies that work with car makers. These companies must follow strict rules. They use new technology to make sure the parts fit the car. Aftermarket wiper blades are made by other companies. Some of these companies also make parts for car makers. Others only make replacement parts. Both types use certified materials like steel, rubber, and strong plastics. They get these materials from all over the world. They follow safety and environmental rules like REACH, RoHS, and ELV. This makes sure the parts are safe and high quality.

• Both OEM and aftermarket makers use materials like Celanese KP20 NATURAL B1 (POM) for plastic parts and steel from trusted suppliers.

• Rubber and elastomers must meet tough safety and environmental rules.

• Each batch of materials is checked before and after making the parts to keep quality high.

Fit and Compatibility

Original equipment manufacturer wiper blades are made to fit your car perfectly. You do not have to worry about problems when you put them on. These blades match your car’s first design, so they fit every time. Aftermarket blades are made to fit many cars. Sometimes you need adapters or extra steps to make them work. This can cause fit problems or less good wiping.

Note: If you want a perfect fit and easy setup, pick an Original equipment manufacturer wiper blade.

Quality and Materials

Original equipment manufacturer wiper blades are known for high quality. They use top materials and go through many checks. Tests show OEM blades last longer and work better because of their strong materials and careful making. Aftermarket blades can be different in quality. Some brands use great materials and test a lot, but others do not. If you choose a good aftermarket brand, you can get good blades. But OEM blades usually last longer and work best.

Performance

Tests show Original equipment manufacturer wiper blades wipe smoothly and quietly in any weather. They use special rubber and shapes to lower noise and keep the blade on the glass. This helps you see clearly in rain, snow, or heat. Some top aftermarket blades, made with silicone or treated rubber, can work as well or better than OEM blades. But universal aftermarket blades may not fit right and can leave streaks or make noise. OEM blades also work with advanced car systems, like ADAS, but some aftermarket blades may not.

Tip: For the best wiping in bad weather, use an Original equipment manufacturer blade or a top aftermarket brand.

Price

Original equipment manufacturer wiper blades usually cost more than aftermarket ones. The higher price is because of strict checks and a perfect fit. Aftermarket blades come in many prices. You can find cheap ones or expensive ones that are as good as OEM. If you want to save money and do not mind a possible fit problem, aftermarket blades can be a good choice.

Warranty

Original equipment manufacturer wiper blades often have a warranty from the car maker. This covers problems and helps keep your car’s warranty safe, which is important for new or leased cars. Most aftermarket blades do not have a warranty, so you may have to pay for new ones yourself. Using non-certified aftermarket blades could also cause trouble if you need to use your car’s warranty.

• OEM blades help keep your car’s warranty safe.

• Aftermarket blades may not have a warranty or could cause warranty problems.

Availability

You can find both Original equipment manufacturer and aftermarket wiper blades at big auto parts stores and online. Most stores have both types for many cars. You can get fast shipping and easy returns for both. This means you have lots of choices and can get what you need quickly.

When to Choose OEM

New or Leased Vehicles

If you have a new or leased car, pick OEM wiper parts. Car makers make these parts to fit your car just right. You get the same fit and quality as the first parts. Many new cars have special safety features. These include lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and heads-up displays. These systems need wipers that work well with sensors and cameras. Using OEM parts helps these features work as they should. Brands like Audi, Subaru, and Mercedes-Benz say to use their parts for safety and best results.

Tip: If your car has driver assist features, OEM wipers help them work right.

Warranty Concerns

You want to keep your car’s warranty safe. Using OEM wiper blades is the best way to do this. Most car makers cover OEM parts with their warranty. If something breaks, you do not pay for repairs. Aftermarket parts may not have a warranty. If an aftermarket part causes trouble, you might pay for repairs yourself. The table below shows how warranties treat OEM and aftermarket wipers:

Guaranteed Fit

You want wipers that fit right the first time. OEM wiper blades match your car’s size and shape. You do not need to guess or use extra adapters. This makes them easy to put on and work well. Experts say OEM parts give you a perfect fit, clear view, and support for safety systems. If you want to feel sure, pick OEM for your windshield wipers.

Note: OEM wipers help keep your car safe, your warranty strong, and your view clear in any weather.

When to Choose Aftermarket

Cost Savings

You may want to spend less on car care. Aftermarket windshield wiper blades cost less than OEM blades. Many people pick aftermarket blades because they work well and save money. You can find cheap blades that still keep your windshield clear. If you change wipers a lot or have an old car, aftermarket blades help you save. You do not need to give up safety to save money. Many good aftermarket blades last long and work in all weather.

Tip: Look at your wipers every six months. Using aftermarket blades can help you save money and see better.

Wider Selection

Aftermarket wiper blades give you more choices than OEM blades. You can pick from many sizes, materials, and styles. Some aftermarket blades have special things that OEM blades do not have. Here are some features you might see:

• Beam-style blades for better touch with the windshield

• Blades with different speeds for rain and driving

• Blades with sensors that change speed by themselves

• Heated blades to stop ice in winter

• Blades with coatings to stop smears

• Blades shaped to stop wind from lifting them

You can pick the features that fit how you drive. Aftermarket blades let you upgrade your wipers without spending too much.

Older Vehicles

If you have an old car, aftermarket wiper blades are a good choice. They are easy to find and fit most cars. Many frame-style blades are cheap and work well for old or budget cars. You can also pick silicone or beam-style blades for better wiping and longer life. Silicone blades last longer and help water slide off your windshield. New aftermarket blades can stop scratches and help you see better. You can put them on yourself and keep your car safe in any weather.

Note: Good wiper blades help you see better, lower eye strain, and make driving safer—even if your car is old.

How to Decide

Step-by-Step Guide

You can choose the right wiper blades by following some easy steps. First, find out your car’s make, model, and year. This helps you get blades that fit your car. Next, think about the weather where you live. If you get lots of rain or snow, you might want blades with special coatings or silicone. Check if the blades are simple to put on. Some blades snap on fast, but others need extra parts.

Tip: Pick Original equipment manufacturer blades if you want them to last long and fit perfectly. Choose aftermarket blades if you want to save money and do not mind checking if they fit and work well.

Checklist

Here is a checklist to help you pick wiper blades:

• Find your car’s make, model, and year.

• Decide if you want a perfect fit or can handle small changes.

• Think about the weather where you drive.

• Look at how much money you want to spend.

• Check if there is a warranty for the blades.

• Ask yourself how often you want to change your wipers.

• See if you want extras like coatings or heated blades.

• Make sure the blades work with any special car systems.

If you use these steps, you can pick the best wiper blades for your car. Your windshield will stay clear and you will drive safely.

You can pick from many kinds of windshield wiper blades. OEM blades fit your car just right. They also work well with special car features. Aftermarket blades give you more choices. They can help you save money, especially if your car is older.

• OEM blades are high quality and fit perfectly.

• Aftermarket blades give you more styles and help you save money if you change them a lot.

Think about how much you want to spend, how old your car is, and what features you want. Both types can keep your windshield clear and help you drive safely. Pick the one that works best for you. Check your wipers often so you can always see well.

FAQ

What is the main difference between OEM and aftermarket wiper blades?

OEM wiper blades come from your car’s maker. They fit your car exactly. Aftermarket blades come from other companies. You get more choices and prices. Both can work well if you pick the right size.

Will aftermarket wiper blades void my car’s warranty?

No, using aftermarket wiper blades will not void your warranty. The law protects you. If the aftermarket blade causes damage, the warranty may not cover that part. Always check your car’s manual for advice.

How often should you replace windshield wiper blades?

You should change your wiper blades every 6 to 12 months. If you see streaks, hear noise, or notice skipping, it is time for new blades. Weather and use can make blades wear out faster.

Can you install wiper blades yourself?

Yes, you can install wiper blades at home. Most blades come with simple instructions. You do not need special tools. Watch a quick video or read the guide that comes with your new blades.

Are expensive wiper blades always better?

Not always. Some high-priced blades last longer or work better in tough weather. Many affordable blades also do a great job. Check reviews and pick blades that fit your needs and budget.