Are Remanufactured Parts as Good as OEM Parts?

In an effort to save money, car owners may be tempted to opt for a remanufactured part over an OEM component. Is this advisable, or should you always go with original Mazda parts? Learn the truth about remanufactured parts and whether there are any drawbacks.

What Is a Remanufactured Part?

A remanufactured part is a used part that has been reconditioned to function identically to a new part. During the remanufacturing process, the part undergoes re-machining. New mechanical inserts may also be added. The reassembly process must meet standards set by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Remanufactured parts should not be confused with aftermarket parts. While nearly all remanufactured parts are from aftermarket brands, not all aftermarket parts are remanufactured.

Remanufactured Parts Vs Rebuilt Parts

Similarly, these parts shouldn’t also be confused with rebuilt parts. With a rebuilt component, a technician will take your existing part and replace just the components within it that need to be replaced. In a transmission rebuild, for example, the technician may replace the torque converter or clutch pack, but the original transmission remains intact.

Remanufactured Part Vs OEM Part

When replacing a part, we always recommend OEM parts over remanufactured and aftermarket parts. Even if the remanufactured component is certified by the FTC, it’s still not the original part intended specifically for your Mazda model.

With this in mind, quality assurance cannot be guaranteed. While it’s true that remanufactured parts are cheaper than their OEM counterparts on average, you also have to take quality, longevity, and function into mind.

Make an appointment at Superior Mazda for vehicle servicing. Whether you need repairs for the Mazda CX-50 or Mazda CX-9, we only use OEM parts intended to be a model-specific fit.