Brand-named vs/ generic auto parts: is there a difference?

Dear Car Talk | Aug 01, 1992
Dear Tom and Ray:
Gregg
RAY: Well, Gregg, you may both be right. The right filter is important AND you may just like to argue. How can we tell? We don't know you that well.
TOM: The important thing is that you use an OEM rated filter. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, which means it meets or exceeds the specifications of the car's original equipment. And if the oil change place uses an OEM filter, then that's fine.
RAY: If you're not sure they use OEM rated parts, or they say they do but you don't trust them, then you ARE better off bringing them your own OEM filter.
TOM: What I'd do is go back to this oil change place and ask them to show you the filter they use. If it says "canned peas" on the outside, it's probably not OEM. But if somewhere on the filter or the filter box it says "meets or exceeds OEM specifications," then your friend wins the bet. But don't let it get you down, Gregg, there will be plenty of other things to argue about.
Gregg
RAY: Well, Gregg, you may both be right. The right filter is important AND you may just like to argue. How can we tell? We don't know you that well.
TOM: The important thing is that you use an OEM rated filter. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, which means it meets or exceeds the specifications of the car's original equipment. And if the oil change place uses an OEM filter, then that's fine.
RAY: If you're not sure they use OEM rated parts, or they say they do but you don't trust them, then you ARE better off bringing them your own OEM filter.
TOM: What I'd do is go back to this oil change place and ask them to show you the filter they use. If it says "canned peas" on the outside, it's probably not OEM. But if somewhere on the filter or the filter box it says "meets or exceeds OEM specifications," then your friend wins the bet. But don't let it get you down, Gregg, there will be plenty of other things to argue about.
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