Shock absorbers, doors, headlights or even steering wheel – as a rule, the list of parts that appear when scrapping a car is very long. And depending on the age of the car, there are probably new parts that are actually too good to throw away. Is it possible to fix a car using used parts for it?
“In principle, all parts can be replaced with those that have already been used. In the case of wear parts, of course, you have to be very careful that they still have a sufficient safety margin,” says Arnulf Thiemel from ADAC. At the same time, special attention should be paid to used parts directly related to safety.
If, for example, they come from a car that was involved in an accident and the exact damage is unknown, it is better to use other parts, advises Thiemel, adding: has other damage. In the event of a rear collision, the situation changes dramatically.
According to the ADAC, after a while new parts stop being supplied, especially for the design and interior. As a result, many automakers and third-party suppliers today offer remanufactured parts. “They’re usually much cheaper, but the quality isn’t affected in any way, and sometimes they even come with a full warranty,” notes Thiemel.
Do all workshops offer it?
Sometimes the brand workshops themselves install industrially restored parts from their manufacturer, sometimes they only do it on request. “Independent workshops can also offer repairs with used parts,” explains Thiemel. “However, in this case we are not usually talking about a guarantee.”
Not yet operational
A few years ago, the Association of German Automobile Dealers and Repairers (ZDK) dealt with the use of used parts, including in the context of repairs after accidents.
“The most important condition for the use of used parts is that they can be clearly identified and that there are no safety risks when using them,” explains Ulrich Köster from ZDK. “However, it is not always possible to determine which particular spare part was used – for example, due to the lack of a suitable designation or marking.”
A catalog of requirements has been compiled by market players such as ZDK but has not yet been implemented.
How economical?
If all goes well, you can save the ADAC a lot of money. Especially if you do simple repairs yourself using parts that were used and not safety related. Hagen Hamm estimates the savings potential to be around 50%.
And in terms of security details?
According to the ADAC, this largely depends on the origin of the details. If they come from large, reputable car dismantling companies, are checked and guaranteed, the risk is quite manageable.
The situation is different with spare parts from unknown or private sources, if there is no information about other damage to the car. In this case, the ADAC recommends using a reconditioned or new original part.
Where can I find used parts?
“Thanks to the online form, everyone will find the exact car model for which they need a part”, says Verbund deutscher Autoverwerter. Through the portal www.ecarsearch.de you can not only search for the necessary spare parts, but also find the contact details of a suitable workshop that can install used parts.
In this case, a completely logical question may arise: how does the use of used parts affect the warranty of the car.
“As a rule, in the case of a new car with a valid manufacturer’s warranty, depending on the conditions, only new original spare parts from the manufacturer can be used for repairs,” explains ZDK.
Whether your vehicle has a Gebrauchtwagengarantie, this also depends on whether the conditions allow repairs with used parts.
Is there a warranty on used parts?
Yes, for parts from trusted sources. However, the warranty period may vary. “We always give a six-month warranty,” says Hagen Hamm. However, manufacturers or third-party remanufactured parts may have different warranty periods.
Why are second-hand parts used less?
According to Hamm, this mainly happens for three reasons:
The car is still under warranty, so it is repaired by the dealer, and he usually uses new parts, as it is written in the terms and conditions. The insurance company covers the repair. “Insurance companies are particularly cautious in this area. They often have special agreements with workshops, so they want to save money,” notes Hagen Hamm. The car is rented. In this case, depending on the terms of the contract, repairs are generally required using new original parts.
Germany says this:
How to get money for broken things in Germany – answers from a lawyer
Speedmarathon in Germany – where increased speed checks on the roads have been taking place since April 17. What are the penalties for violators?
Are foreign passports issued for 10 years to Russians living in Germany
Secure card payments in Germany – when you need a PIN and when you need a signature
Why it is necessary to verify the content of the letters of the German pension fund
The period of spousal support in Germany after a divorce – the lawyer answers
What changes await the German people in April 2023
How much does TV and radio cost in Germany and who is exempt from paying
Supplement of €2,000 for patients insured in Germany
Russian internal passport for compatriots living in Germany
59% of the German population is against the increase in the number of refugees
Read the Russia Ukraine News on The Eastern Herald.
