Remanufactured Automotive Parts

Q: Last week when I purchased an alternator the salesperson said that it was remanufactured. What types of auto parts are commonly remanufactured and why don’t they just make new ones?

A: Remanufacturing some types of automotive parts is more economical than making them from new raw materials. This conserves energy resources, resulting in lower pollution emissions from the manufacturing process. “Remanned” parts meet or exceed original manufacturer specifications. Water pumps, alternators, starters, brake calipers, power steering pumps, and other parts are often remanufactured.