What's the Difference Between Genuine and Aftermarket keys?

If you've broken or lost an existing car key, there are two main routes to go down when purchasing a new one: Genuine or Aftermarket. In this article we will discuss the explain what both options are and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both options.

Genuine (OEM) Keys

Genuine keys are referred to as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) keys and aftermarket keys refer to ones that have been made by a third party. These keys have been manufactured with genuine, authentic and durable materials and are under a warranty. Therefore, if you do experience any problems with the key, it's easier to have those problems resolved than if you'd bought an aftermarket item.

Aftermarket Keys

Classic car owners know how difficult it can be to get an OEM part for their car, the older the part the harder it can be to find, which is why buying an aftermarket key is often the only option available.

Aftermarket keys, more often than not, are the more affordable option. However, aftermarket parts are often designed to be compatible with as many vehicle makes and/or models as possible. Therefore, they won’t always provide the same superior fit of OEM parts.

One of the reasons aftermarket parts can be cheaper is they aren’t always made of the same high-quality materials as OEM parts. These inferior materials can lead aftermarket parts to fail and negate any initial savings that a driver may have experienced.