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The maintenance processes not only require professional technical skills but also involve two fundamental techniques. Firstly, professionals must determine the best solution for each case. For instance, if it's necessary to modify the control arm of a car, they should carefully assess whether it's better to make the modification with original parts or replacements, depending on the vehicle's situation. Secondly, it is essential to communicate to customers the reasons, differences, and benefits so that they can make an informed decision. Therefore, a thorough understanding of what replacement parts entail is important.
What is the difference between original auto parts and replacement parts?
When an automobile manufacturer builds a vehicle, they use a variety of parts, assemblies, and components to assemble both the engine and the structure of the car. Due to the existence of warranty services, these components are often supplied to authorized dealerships and workshops for vehicle maintenance and repairs. This does not prevent customers from acquiring auto parts directly from the car manufacturer, but many prefer to buy replacement parts.
Automotive workshops are aware that replacement auto parts have a significant market, where products of similar or superior quality to the originals can be manufactured and sold at a more affordable price. Let's assume a car has a damaged control arm; in that case, the mechanic can offer both an original control arm and a replacement one. Evaluating which is more appropriate based on the vehicle's situation and explaining in detail the differences between the two is crucial for the car owner to make an informed decision.
Original Part
The dimensions, specifications, structure, and materials of these original parts are identical to those used during the manufacturing of the automobile. In any case, these original parts possess the same strength and reliability as the parts installed during the vehicle's production, without being either better or worse. Generally, these parts tend to be more expensive than replacements.
Replacement Part
Replacement parts (its calles aftermarket parts also) are manufactured in large specialized factories, where professional manufacturing of these car parts takes place. The manufacturing process involves the use of mechanical equipment, technicians, and a team of specialized professionals to develop and produce replacements with 100% compatibility, reliability, and durability.
The Price Difference Between Original Auto Parts and Replacements
"Generally, auto parts come from four sources: the original ones, replacements, processed parts, and those from dismantled vehicles."
Original Auto Parts
Refer to parts manufactured directly by the original factory or by factories authorized by the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). Typically, these original auto parts come packaged with the brand, part name, and the exclusive code of the original factory.
Replacement Parts
Refer to auto parts manufactured in unauthorized factories, including duplicated and modified OEM parts.
Processed Parts
Refer to parts that have been modified, processed, or renewed, and generally, they have a higher cost. These parts are also known as renewed or processed parts.
Dismantled Auto Parts
Refer to second-hand parts. The difference between processed and dismantled parts lies in the fact that dismantled parts come from dismantled vehicles and have not undergone modification or renewal processes.
*Due to the wide variety of models, we can only offer approximate prices as a reference. In general, replacement parts (including OEM) usually cost half the price of original parts. Machined parts have an approximate price of one-third compared to original parts, while dismantled parts are around one-eighth of the original price.
Excelent Quality Metric for Replacement Parts
As far as we know, replacement parts are a fundamental pillar in the automotive market, propelling every sector of the global automotive industry. However, if you still believe that this production chain only caters to the demand for more economical parts, you are mistaken.
Indeed, the replacement parts market is one of the key drivers of innovation in this sector. It integrates and combines technology, specialized knowledge, and advanced techniques to manufacture parts that are more durable, lightweight, and capable of delivering superior performance. It is a precise science where iron and carbon combine with chemical elements like nickel to create special metallic alloys that enhance their properties, producing materials suitable for various needs. These materials are lighter, less polluting, and more ductile. For example, these special alloys can outperform original parts in many aspects.
CARICO is dedicated to studying, innovating, and improving parts. The optimization and subsequent processing of stamping dies are possible thanks to various combinations of technical and engineering equipment. It is capable of enhancing and optimizing the mechanical properties and safety of our products while ensuring versatility and compatibility.
If you are looking for reliable, compatible, and high-quality parts, choosing us is your wisest decision. We have more than 30,000 types of auto parts, no matter the type and model of your car; we can meet your needs.