An Overview Of 3 Auto Part Classifications

There will eventually be a time when you need to have your car fixed at a local automotive shop, and you will need to decide on what kind of part to put into your car. It is common for automotive shops to put in brand new parts, but if you are looking to save some money, you can purchase a previously used part. Before you make a decision, be sure to understand what the differences are between the 3 main classifications of auto parts.

OEM and Independent Auto Parts

There are two different types of new parts that you can have installed on your car. You may hear the term OEM, which stands for original equipment manufacturer. These parts were created by the manufacturer that originally made your car, and are the most trusted source for automotive parts.

There are also independent brand parts not made by the original manufacturer. They are made to all the specifications of the original part, but simply not made by the company that made your car. Think of it as buying the store brand cereal on the bottom shelf in the cereal aisle at the grocery store. Independent parts are usually cheaper than OEM parts.

If the repair being done is part of an insurance claim, your policy might require that you purchase an OEM part. Or, your policy may only cover a specific amount for the part, which means an independent part will be more affordable for you.

Remanufactured Auto Parts

A used part that is remanufactured has been reconditioned so that the part is stronger than it was after it was used. The part may not be as strong as an OEM part, but it will be better than if nothing was done to the part at all. When purchasing a remanufactured part, make sure to check if there is a warranty that will cover it if the part breaks.

Salvaged Auto Parts

When a car has been recycled, the car is typically salvaged for any working parts that it has. These parts are significantly cheaper than new or remanufactured parts, but will not come with any type of warranty.

The challenge with getting a salvaged auto part is finding one that is good quality. Since these parts are coming off of cars that are past their prime or were in an accident, they might not be of the best quality. The older your car is, the harder it will be to find a salvage part in working condition at a scrap yard or used auto parts shop. 

Now that you are aware of the three classifications of auto parts, you can make an informed decision about which one will work best in your car.

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