You're faced with a major auto repair such as an engine, transmission, or differential replacement. Your service provider asks you, do you want to rebuild, use remanufactured or used parts? The price differences are significant. To make an educated decision, you first need to know how these three solutions to the same problem compare. And only then can you decide which one is the best choice.

Rebuilt Auto Parts

If you choose rebuilt auto parts, the rebuilder will use your vehicles old part and replace just the worn components. If your vehicles old part cannot be rebuilt because it is too worn, he will use a part from another vehicle (referred to as a core. If a core is used, then he will replace only what is needed in the core. For example, if an engine is rebuilt, maybe just the bearings and piston rings need to be replaced (the original crankshaft, pistons, and connecting rods would be used). This approach, in lieu of using new or remanufactured parts, usually saves the customer money. There's just one glitch. Mechanical wear is relative. In other words, before rebuilding the unit, all of the components within the unit are equally worn. After rebuilding, some of the components are new, and some are used. Although the used components still function and do not need replacing, they are worn to some degree. Factors such as heat stress and cracks cause wear that is invisible to the human eye. Consequently, other problems could crop up later, resulting in premature failure of the repair.

Remanufactured Auto Parts

What is a re manufactured auto part? The term re manufactured usually refers to a part that, for all practical purposes, has been completely re manufactured to the standard of a new part. Using a re manufactured engine as an example, mechanical tolerances have been restored either by re-machining or by installing the necessary mechanical inserts to restore original mechanical tolerances. Either way, the engine meets the standard for OEM tolerances, durability, and quality. New pistons, connecting rods, rings, bearings, camshafts, lifters, and oil pump are installed. All related bearing surfaces are restored, and the upper half of the engine, which includes the cylinder heads, is rebuilt. Usually, the only component from the old engine that is used is the bare engine block, and this part is only used if its in top-notch condition, to ensure longevity of service. These same rules apply to other re manufactured auto parts, whatever they may be. You will find that re manufactured auto parts usually carry a longer and stronger warranty, covering parts and labor for longer periods of time as compared to rebuilt auto parts.

Used Auto Parts

What about used auto parts? Let me start with a well-known Latin expression, caveat emptor. Translation: Let the buyer beware. Yes, used auto parts have their place in auto repair. And no, I am not discouraging the use of used parts. But be careful when buying them. When selecting a salvage yard from which to purchase used auto parts, look the place over. Is it clean and well organized? Are the parts in order and sheltered from the environment? Too many times I have seen delicate electrical components laying out in the weather and then picked up off the ground and sold to an unsuspecting customer. What kind of cars does the salvage yard have in its inventory? Late model, import, or old clunkers? There's nothing wrong with a good mix of all of the above. If the yard is loaded with outdated rust buckets, however, move on. There are many respected salvage yards that take pride in their businesses and in serving their valued customers. Be especially careful when buying certainly used auto parts, specifically engines, transmissions, transfer cases, differentials, hydraulic units, and electrical parts. They are subject to the environment and can rust and wear away internally where you can't see it. Look for a salvage yard that has an organized dry storage building on the premises, with everything neatly stacked and categorized. In addition, I like to see an up-to-date computer system used to cross-reference parts. I also like to see the salvage yard connected to a network of salvage yards via computer across either the region or nation. This is especially helpful if you need a hard-to-find part for a particular year, make, and model. When selecting used parts, ask about the warranty and the return policy. Also, watch the way in which the part(s) are removed from the vehicle. I've seen yard attendants use oxygen-acetylene torches to remove parts that should have been removed with wrenches and hand tools. I've also seen yard attendants use forklift trucks to carry parts across yards and then drop them in front of the facility, denting or damaging the part. Am I condemning salvage yards? No, just the chop shops. Ask around. You'll find out who they are.

Which Auto Parts To Use?

When selecting auto parts for an effective auto repair, first determine exactly what plan you have in mind for your vehicle. To keep it long term? Mid-term? Or to get by until next spring when you replace it? For most of us who do not work on our own vehicles, it is our service advisors job to determine what we need based on our plan for the vehicle. Our responsibility lies in communicating this information effectively. Only then can he find the right parts for an effective repair based on our budget, needs, and goals. I always asked people a lot of questions. Who drives the car? How often? Will the car be used to make long trips frequently or periodically? Is it your son's or daughter's car and is he or she going to college? All these factors come into play to help you make a wise repair decision. So make sure that you have a trusted advisor leading you through significant repair decisions.

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