Remanufacturing can provide an attractive alternative to purchasing brand new automotive parts, yet many are unfamiliar with its process and how it differs from reconditioning. As such, misunderstanding often arises.
LKQ supports maintaining the Guides, which offer guidance to rebuilding industry members about making disclosures to consumers who purchase used, rebuilt or reconditioned auto parts from sellers in an effective alternative parts market. Doing this helps avoid consumer deception while encouraging competition within this highly effective alternative parts marketplace.
Cost
In most instances, purchasing new auto parts should only be necessary if their existing components have become inoperable or irreparably damaged. This may especially apply for systems like engine and suspension where rubber hardens over time and plastic becomes weaker with use.
Purchase of new auto parts can quickly add up. Rebuilt or remanufactured components often cost between 20-50% less than their counterparts when bought secondhand.
Rebuilders recondition components by inspecting them and replacing worn parts, while sometimes also repairing components that still function. Rebuilders usually sell their products at less than the cost of new parts due to not needing to pay for expensive tooling and jigs; yet their quality and durability standards often match that of their new counterparts; many remanufactured auto parts also typically come with warranties, though the length of these warranties varies depending on both the rebuilder and product being reconditioned.
Lifespan
As you shop for replacement car parts, understanding the differences between rebuilt, reconditioned and remanufactured can help ensure you select what will work best. Unfortunately, the aftermarket can often be confusing and many become confused between product terms like rebuild, recondition and remanufacture.
Rebuilt parts range in quality from bargain priced items that have been cleaned and painted using spray paint (“spray & pray”), to fully remanufactured components restored to OEM standards that incorporate many new replacement parts; such remanufacturing requires substantial investment of both equipment and materials.
Rebuilt auto parts can cost 25-40% less than their brand-new equivalents while providing equivalent performance and durability. Refurbished parts can save money without compromising performance or durability, depending on what parts are needed for your vehicle and type.
Environmental Impact
Refurbished auto parts can not only save you money but can help you to reduce your environmental impact as well. Manufacturing new car parts requires using many natural resources – including metals and plastics – which deplete finite resources while emitting CO2. By contrast, recycled auto parts require significantly less energy to refurbish or reuse, significantly decreasing resource consumption.
Rebuilding parts with remanufactured components is an integral component of automotive greening efforts, and disassembling and salvaging reusable components from dismantled parts helps minimize waste by cutting manufacturing costs and saving resources.
Many suppliers are committed to net zero emissions, which means producing as few greenhouse gasses as possible. Utilizing durable packaging when shipping parts and making sure products arrive undamaged are both important steps towards reaching this goal.
Warranty
Reputable rebuilders take great care in inspecting, cleaning and refurbishing parts for quality control reasons – helping avoid warranty returns or other problems in the future.
Used auto parts come with limited-time or limited-miles parts and labor warranties to make customers more at ease when making the purchase decision. Unfortunately, however, using used components may pose risks when dealing with delicate electrical systems, critical engine components, and suspension systems; rubber hardens over time while plastic disintegrates and metal rusts away over time.
Rebuilt or new parts? That is ultimately determined by costs, environmental sustainability, quality and reliability, warranties available and warranties available to drivers. By supporting rebuilt, reconditioned and remanufactured parts drivers can feel confident when making replacement part choices. By supporting refurbished parts consumers are contributing to automotive recycling initiatives like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). By supporting such programs they reduce demand for new manufacturing processes while saving on raw material costs.