Aftermarket vs. OEM Car Keys: What's Safe, What's Not, and What We Recommend
Not all replacement keys are created equal. Here's how to tell the difference between OEM and aftermarket keys and which option fits your situation best.
When replacing a lost or broken car key, you’ll usually be offered two options: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or aftermarket. The price difference can be significant, but so can the performance. Here's how to choose wisely.
What Are OEM Keys?
OEM keys are made by the same manufacturer that supplied your original key. They’re identical in build, chip type, frequency, and finish. These keys are what dealerships sell, and they’re typically the most reliable and guaranteed to work without compatibility issues.
What Are Aftermarket Keys?
Aftermarket keys are third-party copies of OEM designs. Some are excellent. Others cut corners. While many work just fine, cheaper versions may use subpar chips, lower-frequency signal ranges, or fragile housing that breaks easily over time.
Where Things Can Go Wrong
Poor-quality aftermarket keys can fail to sync with your vehicle, intermittently lose connection, or stop working altogether. Some can't be programmed at all due to incompatible chips. Others may work temporarily but degrade quickly in harsh weather or daily use.
When Aftermarket Makes Sense
For budget-conscious drivers with older vehicles, high-quality aftermarket keys are a smart choice. They cost significantly less than OEM and often work just as well, especially if you’re replacing a basic transponder key instead of a smart fob.
When OEM Is the Better Call
Luxury vehicles, push-to-start systems, or complex immobilizers benefit from OEM keys. If your car has security modules that are picky about chip frequency or sync timing, it’s worth investing in an OEM key to avoid repeat failures or programming issues.
What We Recommend
We carry both OEM and premium aftermarket options. For most standard makes and models, high-grade aftermarket keys are reliable and cost-effective. For high-end or encrypted vehicles, we advise OEM or OEM-grade replacements only. Either way, we walk you through the options so you don’t pay more than you need to or settle for less than you should.