Remanufactured Car Parts, often termed ‘reman’ parts, represent a smart and sustainable alternative in the automotive aftermarket. It’s crucial to understand that a remanufactured part is distinct from a refurbished or reconditioned one. A remanufactured part begins as a used OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) component. This part is then meticulously disassembled, cleaned, and inspected. Any components showing wear or damage are replaced with new parts. The result is a part that meets the same high standards of performance and durability as a brand-new part. In essence, choosing remanufactured car parts means opting for reliability and quality comparable to new parts, but with significant added benefits.
One of the most compelling reasons to consider remanufactured parts is their contribution to environmental sustainability.
Sustainability: Reducing Environmental Impact with Remanufacturing
Remanufacturing plays a vital role in reducing CO² emissions and offers an environmentally responsible and economical approach to vehicle maintenance. Organizations like Circulate have highlighted the profound energy savings associated with remanufacturing. Remarkably, up to 80% less energy is required to remanufacture automotive parts compared to manufacturing new ones. This process significantly reduces the demand for energy-intensive raw material extraction and processing, conserving valuable resources such as steel, aluminum, and copper. By choosing remanufactured car parts, workshops and vehicle owners actively participate in a more sustainable lifecycle for automotive components.
Obsolescence Management: Keeping Vehicles on the Road Longer
Remanufacturing is also a key strategy in combating obsolescence in the automotive industry. By extending the lifespan of existing petrol and diesel vehicles, remanufactured parts reduce the immediate need for new vehicle production, lessening the environmental impact associated with manufacturing new cars. This is particularly relevant as the automotive sector transitions towards electric vehicles. Companies like TRW collaborate with organizations such as The International Institute of Obsolescence Management (IIOM) to proactively manage component lifecycles.
Obsolescence management in remanufacturing involves carefully monitoring component lifecycles and providing customers with timely notifications about parts that are nearing the end of their production run. ‘Last time buy’ notices alert customers to impending component obsolescence, allowing them to secure necessary parts for future maintenance. In an era where vehicles are aging and electronic components are becoming obsolete at an increasing rate, remanufacturing often provides the only viable solution for maintaining older vehicles. For hard-to-find or obsolete parts, specialized remanufacturing groups like the TRW Remanufacturing Group (RMG), with facilities in the UK, Czech Republic, and the USA, can source and provide these essential components.
Economy: Cost Savings without Compromising Quality
Choosing remanufactured car parts also makes strong economic sense. Even when new parts are available, their production costs can be significantly higher, especially for the lower volumes required by the aftermarket compared to OEM production. Remanufactured parts offer a cost-effective alternative, often providing savings of up to 25% compared to new replacement parts, without sacrificing quality or reliability.
For instance, remanufactured brake calipers from TRW undergo rigorous 100% checks, cleaning, and replacement of worn components, followed by 100% line testing. These parts are rebuilt to OE quality standards, ensuring performance equivalent to original parts. This process not only delivers cost savings but also contributes significantly to environmental preservation. TRW estimates that their remanufacturing of brake calipers alone saves over 1,500 tonnes of CO² annually.
In conclusion, remanufactured car parts present a compelling option for workshops and vehicle owners seeking a sustainable, economical, and reliable solution. They offer enhanced resource efficiency, address parts obsolescence, provide significant cost savings, and minimize environmental impact, all while maintaining high standards of performance and quality. By choosing remanufactured parts, you are making a choice that benefits your business, your vehicle, and the planet.
