There are several benefits in choosing remanufactured parts versus new.
Remanufactured parts are often an attractive option due to their cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and improved performance compared to new parts. Below are the key benefits of buying remanufactured truck parts:
1. Cost Savings
- Lower Price: Remanufactured parts are typically 20% to 50% less expensive than new parts. This makes them a cost-effective solution, especially when maintaining or repairing older vehicles where buying brand-new parts might not make financial sense.
- Reduced Operating Costs: The cost savings associated with remanufactured parts help reduce the overall operating costs for fleet managers or owner-operators. This is particularly important for heavy-duty trucks, where parts can be expensive to replace.
2. Comparable Quality and Performance
- High Standards of Remanufacturing: Reputable remanufacturers follow strict processes to bring used parts to ‘better than new’ condition. The parts are disassembled, cleaned, inspected, and tested, with any worn components replaced or refurbished.
- Testing for Reliability: Some industry associations have established guidelines to ensure parts are remanufactured at the highest quality level. They are tested to ensure those parts meet or exceed OEM specifications, offering reliable performance without compromising on quality.
3. Environmental Benefits
- Sustainability: Remanufacturing is an eco-friendly process, as it reduces the need for raw materials and energy required to produce new parts. By choosing
remanufactured parts, you are contributing to a circular economy, which helps minimize waste and the environmental impact of manufacturing.
- Lower Carbon Footprint: Since the remanufacturing process reuses existing materials, it results in significantly lower carbon footprint compared to producing new parts from scratch.
4. Availability of Older Parts
- Hard-to-Find Parts: For older trucks or models that are no longer in production, remanufactured parts may be easier to source than new parts. This is particularly important for older heavy-duty trucks that still have years of life left but require components that may no longer be manufactured as new.
- Continued Support for Legacy Models: Remanufactured parts help extend the life of trucks by providing a supply of critical components, which is especially beneficial if your fleet includes older vehicles.
5. Warranties and Guarantees
- Comparable Warranties: Many remanufactured parts come with warranties similar to those of new parts, which can range from 6 months to a few years, depending on the manufacturer. This provides peace of mind, as you’re still protected in case the part fails prematurely.
- Reputable Manufacturers: Well-established remanufacturers stand by the quality of their parts, offering guarantees that are often competitive with new parts.
6. Reduced Lead Time
- Faster Availability: Remanufactured parts are often readily available, especially for older vehicles or components that are back-ordered or have long lead times when ordered new. This can minimize downtime, which is crucial for trucks that need to be on the road to generate revenue.
7. OEM Quality Approval
- OEM-Specified Parts: Many remanufactured parts are built to meet or exceed original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications. Some OEMs even offer remanufactured parts through their own programs, which ensures the quality and compatibility of the remanufactured part with your truck.
8. Reduced Downtime
- Quick Turnaround for Repairs: Choosing remanufactured parts can shorten the time your truck is out of service, as these parts are often in stock and ready for installation. This is especially useful in critical situations where minimizing downtime is crucial to your business operations.
- Option for Part Replacement vs. Repair: In some cases, remanufactured parts allow for a quicker solution than repairing a component, such as an engine or transmission, since remanufactured options are typically ready to be installed without needing to wait for diagnostics or repair work.
9. Customizable Components
- Enhanced Features or Upgrades: In some cases, remanufactured parts can be upgraded or enhanced during the remanufacturing process to incorporate newer technologies or materials that improve durability or performance. Common failures are typically corrected during the reman process.
- Adjustable to Your Needs: Since remanufactured parts involve a full breakdown process, it’s possible to incorporate specific needs or adjustments, which may offer a tailored solution that new parts may not.
10. Support for Small and Local Businesses
- Contributing to the Local Economy: Many remanufacturing businesses are small or local operations and purchasing from them supports local economies. In addition, smaller remanufacturing companies may offer personalized customer service and provide more flexible solutions than larger manufacturers.
11. Economic Lifecycle
- Extending the Life of Trucks: Remanufactured parts help extend the economic life of a heavy-duty truck, allowing you to maximize your investment in the vehicle. This is particularly important when you're trying to get as much mileage and usage out of an older truck before it needs to be replaced.
Buying remanufactured heavy-duty truck parts offers a host of advantages, including cost savings, comparable performance, sustainability, and availability for older models. By sourcing parts from reputable remanufacturers, you can enjoy a lower total cost of ownership while still ensuring your truck operates reliably and efficiently. However, it’s always important to evaluate the condition of the part and verify warranties to ensure you're getting the best value for your investment.
At River City Truck Parts our experienced team is ready to help you determine if it’s time for an engine overhaul or if your engine’s symptoms are the cause of other parts. We maintain an inventory of new, remanufactured, used, and machined components to help through the overhaul process. Our team is here to discuss options such as cylinder heads, blocks, crankshafts, camshafts, injectors, and turbos.
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