In general, available spare parts can be divided into two large groups:
Original spare parts
These spare parts are distributed through official representatives of car manufacturers, always have original packaging and appropriate markings. At the same time, the quality of the part is guaranteed by the car manufacturers themselves. In the branded service centers of the car manufacturer, you can buy any spare parts produced for the models sold. If any part is missing at the time of visiting the center, it can be delivered from the central warehouse in a short time.
Non-original spare parts
The definition of "non-original" does not say anything about the quality of the parts. It only means that they are not sold in the original packaging of the car manufacturer and are not distributed through the official representatives of the company. The backbone of this group is made up of well-known manufacturers of spare parts, supplying parts to the assembly lines of sometimes several car factories at once. Due to the high capacity of their production, such companies also supply spare parts for sale on the open market. Such parts have the packaging and marking of the spare part manufacturer, are in no way inferior in quality to original spare parts at a significantly lower cost (the difference in price can be up to 50%). True, the assortment is usually a little more modest due to the fact that for open sale they usually try to produce only the most popular, most in-demand parts.
Many large Western parts dealers use their own packaging, purchasing a large range of non-original parts in large quantities directly from manufacturers and selling them under their own brand.
Non-genuine parts are typically distributed through independent auto accessory stores, auto repair shops and service stations.
Particular attention should be paid to the quality of the spare parts purchased. Try to avoid buying very cheap parts (compared to original and non-original parts from well-known companies), as they often do not meet quality and safety standards. If installing a second-rate decorative molding can only negatively affect the appearance of the car, then using low-quality brake pads/oil filter poses a threat to road safety and can cause serious damage to the engine. At the same time, the cost of restoration repairs sometimes exceeds the amount saved by buying a cheap part many times over. This means that you should try to use the services of official representatives of the car manufacturer (original parts), or well-established suppliers of non-original spare parts.
There is also the option of purchasing reconditioned parts, whereby the old, failed part is usually given in exchange for a reconditioned one. This approach is most productive when replacing such complex, expensive components as powertrain units, generator, starter, etc. This service is provided by both the car manufacturer's branded service centers and independent suppliers of spare parts and allows for a significant reduction in car repair costs. At the same time, the company offering a reconditioned unit usually provides almost the same warranty as a new one.
As mentioned above, car manufacturers, being typical representatives of serial production, strive to constantly improve their products, constantly introducing certain changes and additions to the design of the models produced. It may happen that within one series and one version of the car, some units and assemblies will differ slightly from each other, and a spare part intended for the assembly of cars of one, for example, earlier year of production will not fit others, produced later. In view of the above, when purchasing spare parts, it is very important to provide the seller with the most complete information about your vehicle. In addition to the standard set of data, including the year of production, body type, body version, chassis number (VIN number), engine number, etc., the seller may be interested in the following information:
- a) Gearbox type;
- b) Type of fuel injection system, etc.;
- c) Installation location of the purchased part;
- d) Is there any additional equipment installed on the vehicle (e.g. additional heater, more powerful generator, air conditioning, etc.);
- e) Does the model come with a catalytic converter?.
If for any reason the documents reflecting the listed information are missing, it makes sense to first consult with specialists from the representative office of the vehicle manufacturer.
Sometimes, when buying a particular spare part, it is useful to take the old part that needs to be replaced with you for comparison.