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New vs refurbished car products; what's the difference?

September 23, 2025
5 min reading time
Glenn Roozing
New vs refurbished car products; what's the difference?

A broken car part is never convenient. The sound of a faltering pump, a steering wheel that feels heavy, or an air conditioner that suddenly quits causes instant stress. What will this cost? How soon can I drive again? And above all, which solution is really the best?

At Auto Elect we understand that feeling all too well. We stand daily alongside motorists facing this choice. And we believe: it's not just about parts, but about confidence, safety and worry-free driving pleasure. That's why we take you through the two main options: new parts and remanufactured parts.

New auto parts: OEM or aftermarket

New components sound obvious, but there are two categories, each with its own character.

  1. OEM (original equipment manufacturer)
    OEM parts are made by or for the car manufacturer. They are identical to what was originally in your car. That gives absolute assurance: you know it will fit perfectly and perform as intended. The downside? They are often more expensive and sometimes more difficult to obtain.
  2. Aftermarket parts
    Aftermarket parts come from outside manufacturers. They are usually cheaper, often available faster and - if carefully selected - as good or even better than OEM.

At Auto Elect, we don't leave this to chance. We subject aftermarket parts to rigorous testing and put where necessary reverse engineering in: we analyze the original, improve the design and re-produce it with better materials or clever technical improvements. Thus, sometimes an alternative becomes an upgrade.

Overhaul: craftsmanship with a second life

A remanufactured part is not a stopgap, but a model of technical craftsmanship. Think steering boxes, turbos or air conditioning compressors that are completely restored to like-new condition.

At Auto Elect, we tackle this thoroughly:

  • Disassembly - each part is carefully taken apart.
  • Cleaning - all components are deeply cleaned.
  • Replacement - Wear parts go out as standard and are replaced with new ones.
  • Reassembly - the whole thing is constructed with attention.
  • Test phase - Only after extensive testing on our own benches does the component get the green light.

For us, overhaul is not second-guessing, but pure pride: bringing a technical heart back to life. That's why we often give up to 24 months warranty, just like new.

Overhaul of all types of steering boxes.

When do you choose aftermarket or overhaul?

The choice often depends on price, availability and performance:

  • Aftermarket - ideal if you want affordable and fast service. With the right selection, this is as reliable as OEM.
  • Rebuild - perfect for older vehicles, cost-conscious drivers and anyone who values durability.

In either case, we make sure you get the solution that fits your situation.

Sustainability as an added bonus

Every time we overhaul a part, we save raw materials, energy and CO₂ emissions. So you not only save on the bill, but also contribute to a cleaner future. For us, overhaul is therefore not only smart, but also a statement: technology and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Making the right choice together

Whether you choose brand new or smartly reconditioned, you don't have to decide on your own. At Auto Elect, we listen to your story, look at your car and give honest advice. Because in the end, it's not just about replacing parts, but restoring confidence, driving comfort and enjoyment in your car.

Unsure which option is best for you? Please contact usWe like to think with you and make sure you can get back on the road quickly and carefree.