In general, spare parts can be divided into two large groups:
Original spare parts
These spare parts are distributed through the official representative offices of car manufacturers, always have the original packaging and appropriate markings. At the same time, the quality of the part is guaranteed by the car manufacturers themselves. In the warehouses of the official representatives of the manufacturer, there is usually an assortment of all spare parts for a car of this brand. If any part is missing, it can be delivered from the central warehouse as soon as possible.
Non-original spare parts
The definition says nothing about the quality of the parts. This only means that they are not sold in the original packaging of the car manufacturer and are not distributed through official representative offices of the company. The main backbone of this group is made up of well-known manufacturers of spare parts, supplying parts to assembly lines, sometimes several automobile plants at once. In view of the high capacity of their production, such companies also ensure the supply of spare parts for sale on the free market. Such parts are packaged and marked by the manufacturer of the spare part and are in no way inferior in quality to original spare parts at a noticeably lower cost (the price difference can be up to 50%). True, the assortment is usually a little more modest due to the fact that for free sale they try to produce only the most popular, most in demand parts. Many large Western parts dealers use their own packaging, buying a wide range of non-genuine parts in bulk directly from manufacturers and selling them under their own brand. Non-genuine parts are usually distributed through independent auto accessory stores, auto repair shops and service stations (ONE HUNDRED).
Particular attention should be paid to the quality of purchased spare parts. Try to avoid buying very cheap parts (compared to original and non-original parts from well-known companies), because they often do not meet quality and safety standards. While the installation of a second-rate decorative molding can only negatively affect the appearance of the car, the use of low-grade brake pads / oil filter poses a road safety hazard and can cause serious engine damage. At the same time, the cost of refurbishment is sometimes many times higher than the amount saved when buying a cheap part. This means that you should try to use the services of official representative offices of the car manufacturer (original parts), or well-established suppliers of non-original spare parts.
There is also the option to purchase remanufactured parts, with the old, failed item usually traded in for a refurbished one. This approach is most productive when replacing such complex, expensive components as powertrain components, generator, starter, etc. This service is provided both by the official representative offices of the car manufacturer and by independent spare parts suppliers and allows you to significantly reduce the cost of car repairs. At the same time, the company offering the remanufactured unit usually gives almost the same warranty on it as on a new one.
Spare parts identification
As mentioned above, car manufacturing companies, being typical representatives of mass production, strive to constantly improve their products, constantly introducing certain changes and additions to the design of the produced models. It may happen that within the same series and one version of the car, some components and assemblies will differ slightly from each other, and a spare part intended for completing cars of one, for example, an earlier year of manufacture will not be suitable for others manufactured later. In view of the above, when purchasing spare parts, it is very important to provide the seller with as much information as possible about your vehicle.
In addition to the standard set of data, including the year of manufacture, body type, body version, chassis number, engine number, etc., the seller may be interested in the following information:
- Gearbox type;
- Type of power system;
- Is there any additional equipment installed on the vehicle? (for example, an additional heater, a more powerful generator, an air conditioner, etc.);
- Does the model include a catalytic converter;
- Place of installation of the purchased part.
If for any reason there are no documents reflecting the listed information, it makes sense to first consult with the specialists of the representative office of the car manufacturer.
Sometimes, when buying a particular spare part, it is useful to take with you an old part to be replaced for comparison.