What does “remanufactured” mean, and is it something you want? At Harold's Used Auto Parts Inc in Philadelphia, PA, we strive for great service and a job well done. Part of that is equipping you with the knowledge you need to understand what’s going on when a repair is necessary on your car, truck or SUV. “Remanufactured” is a word that you’ll encounter in the automotive world. Many people perceive that to mean “used”, but that isn’t the case - here’s what you need to know.
What does “Remanufactured” mean? - A remanufactured component, or a reman, is different than used or rebuilt. A reman undergoes a thorough inspection and standard replacement of parts - meaning that while certain parts are re-used, other wearable parts are replaced new every time, regardless of condition. For example, an alternator; a used one is pulled directly off a junk vehicle, a rebuilt one has been disassembled and had bad parts replaced, and a reman has had all the wearable items replaced new or requalified, and is in like-new condition. From alternators to engines, remans are all over the automotive world.
All Remanufactured Components Are Not Created Equally - When it comes to remanufactured parts, quality is important. You want to make sure you’re getting something from a company that is focused on inspection and quality control and warranties its product. A reman made with poor components and quality control may not last. When it comes to remans, the brand name is the way to go.
Why buy a reman? - The obvious reason is that remanufactured components are often cheaper, and at least as good quality-wise as a new part from the original manufacturer. However, that’s not always the case - sometimes a reman is as much or more expensive than buying brand new. The reason for this is quality. Often, OE (original equipment) manufacturers stop making a new component, which results in other manufacturers filling that gap. Just because it’s new, doesn’t mean it’s good. Remanufactured components utilize OE equipment, and build them back to specification - so the end result is an OE quality component, built as well as the original, which is most often better than a brand new knockoff. Remanufacturers also have the opportunity to correct the original issues an OE component had, and are often better than even a brand new, OE part.
Often, whether or not a reman vs. new part should be used comes down to a case by case basis, but don't fret because we’re here to help. Familiarity with certain failures, different reputations, and overall value is something we know, and our technicians here at Harold's Used Auto Parts Inc will help you make the right decision. No matter your repair or maintenance needs, we’ve got you covered. For the best auto service shop in Philadelphia, PA call or stop by Harold's Used Auto Parts Inc today.
