If you are in the market for a new alternator, there is one question you should ask yourself before purchasing: Is it OK to use a remanufactured alternator? There are many reputable companies that sell these parts. The answer to this question will depend on your specific needs and budget. In this blog post, we review some of the pros and cons of using a remanufactured alternator versus buying a new part.
Contents
What are Remanufactured Parts?
A remanufactured part is when all of the parts, except for a few that are replaced due to wear and tear or consumer-requested replacements, have been completely taken apart. The old materials are recycled and new ones are found in order to put them back together into the original shape with function as close to their initial state as possible.
Overall, remanufactured parts look almost as new as the day they were made.
Many people prefer to use a remanufactured alternator instead of buying an entirely new one due to the cost savings and environmental benefits.
However, you always have the option to buy a brand-new part if that is your preference.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Remanufactured Alternators
Remanufactured alternators have their own pros and cons, in comparison with new ones. Knowing this will help you decide which option is right for you.
Advantages of Remanufactured Alternators
Cost Savings
The first advantage of using a remanufactured alternator, or remanufactured parts in general, is the cost savings. It can be more affordable to purchase remanufactured parts than brand new ones, especially if it’s hard-to-find parts you need or special order items.
Fewer Emissions to the Environment
Another pro for having a remanufactured alternator is that there are fewer emissions from manufacturing them. New alternators use the same manufacturing process as cars, which is just more emissions from one source.
Disadvantages of Remanufactured Alternators
The disadvantage to a remanufactured alternator is that it may not last as long and can have shorter warranties than new ones. Though they are inspected before installation, there’s still an error that can occur.
Tips on Purchasing Remanufactured Alternators
So if you opt for remanufactured alternators, bear in mind these tips will help you to get a good one.
#1 Get the Remanufactured Alternator from a TRUSTED source
Make sure the company has been in business for a while and you can find many reviews on them.
Some people might not be happy with this answer because it’s more expensive than new alternators, but there are ways to save if you buy from a good source!
#2 Pay Attention to Warranty
The warranty will be different with every company. Some offer a year warranty and others only have 90-day warranties, so make sure you find out about this before buying!
#3 Have the Remanufactured Alternator Tested Properly
This is a precautionary measure that will ensure you’re getting the right one. Tested in your vehicle before it’s installed, of course!
Whatever company (or individual) you buy from, these three tips will help to get an alternator for your car that works as expected and doesn’t burn out after only a few months.
FAQs
#1 How Long Will a Remanufactured Alternator Last?
A brand new alternator normally lasts for about 150,000 miles while a remanufactured one definitely has a shorter lifetime. If you want to get the most out of your purchase and not have it fail prematurely, make sure that when shopping for a remanufactured alternator you buy from a place with a solid warranty and test it before installation.
#2 How much is a remanufactured alternator?
Many mechanics say the cost to replace for a remanufactured alternator ranges from $310 to almost $500, which is about half of that of a new alternator.
#3 Is It OK to Use A Remanufactured Alternator?
A lot of people are unsure about using a remanufactured alternator because they are not sure of the quality or how long it will last. Another reason is that there’s no guarantee with a used part, so if you want to replace your old one with a new one and know for sure it won’t fail within months, go ahead and get one from a reliable auto shop.
Final Words
Some have experienced badly with remanufactured alternators while others have no problem using them at all. In order to avoid disappointment with remanufactured alternators, don’t blindly buy them from an auto shop just because of their cheapness. Make sure you keep our tips above in mind when shopping for it.
Hey, Naomi O’Colman here.
With years working at an auto repair shop in Texas and passionate about the auto industry. I want to share with my readers the best quality products through my well-researched reviews as well as fixing minor defects in your car.
