In general, available spare parts can be divided into two large groups:
Spare parts of original production
These spare parts are distributed through the official representative offices of the vehicle manufacturer and always have the original packaging and appropriate markings. At the same time, the quality of the part is guaranteed by the car manufacturers themselves. In branded service centers, you can purchase any spare parts produced for the models sold. If any part is not available at the time of visiting the center, it can be delivered from the central warehouse in a short time.
Non-original spare parts
Definition "non-original" says nothing about the quality of the part. This only means that it is not sold in the original packaging of the car manufacturer and is not distributed through official representative offices of the company. The main backbone of the sources of this group are well-known manufacturers of spare parts, supplying parts to assembly lines, sometimes several automobile plants at once. In view of the high capacity of their production, such firms also ensure the supply of spare parts for sale on the free market. Such parts are packaged and marked by the manufacturer of the spare part, they are in no way inferior in quality to original spare parts at a noticeably lower cost (the price difference can be up to 50%). True, the assortment is usually a little more modest due to the fact that for free sale they usually try to produce only the most popular, most in demand parts.
Many major Western parts dealers use their own packaging, buying a wide range of non-genuine parts in bulk directly from manufacturers and selling them under their own brand.
Non-genuine parts are usually distributed through independent parts stores, auto repair shops and service stations.
Particular attention should be paid to the quality of purchased spare parts. Try to avoid buying very cheap parts (compared with original and non-original well-known firms), because they often do not meet quality and safety standards. While the installation of a second-rate decorative molding can only negatively affect the appearance of the car, the use of low-grade brake pads / oil filter poses a safety hazard to passengers, or can cause serious engine damage. At the same time, the cost of refurbishment is sometimes many times higher than the amount saved when buying a cheap spare part. This means that you should try to use the services of official representative offices of the car manufacturer (original parts), or well-established suppliers of non-original spare parts.
There is also the option of purchasing remanufactured parts, with the old, failed part usually traded in for a remanufactured one. This approach is most productive when replacing such complex, expensive components as powertrain components, generator, starter, etc. This service is provided both by the branded service centers of the car manufacturer and by independent suppliers of spare parts and can significantly reduce the cost of car repairs. At the same time, the company offering the remanufactured unit gives almost the same guarantee for it as for a new one.