If you have owned a car for any length of time, you have probably already figured out that cars will break down from time to time. Cars are made up of a complex arrangement of mechanical and electronic parts, all of which have the capacity to fail or malfunction. Fortunately, replacement parts exist to replace virtually any component on your vehicle that breaks.
Automotive replacement parts are parts that are made to replace existing parts when they break. Replacement parts are manufactured by both the vehicle manufacturers and aftermarket parts manufacturers. You can by a replacement for virtually every component on your vehicle, including body panels, knobs, dials, wiring, belts, pumps, pulleys, sensors and even the mechanical parts such as the engine and transmission. Granted, if your vehicle is not a common make or model, you will often have a harder time finding replacement parts or have to get used parts, but the components are still out there and available for purchase.
Original Equipment Manufacturer parts (OEM) are auto parts that were manufactured by the same company that made the original part. This means that the part is identical to the original item that was in your car in every way possible. OEM parts are often considered desirable by mechanics and vehicle restorers because they keep the vehicle in as close to original condition as possible.
Performance parts are designed to be more sophisticated and higher quality than the original manufacturer parts. These may correct design flaws that the original parts experienced. They may also be designed to improve performance by increasing horsepower or the capacity of a component. for example, a larger radiator to improve efficiency of the cooling system.
There is a large market for second-hand or rebuilt auto parts. Some components, such as alternators and starters, can be professionally rebuilt and used again. Rebuilding typically involves replacing the internal components of the part. Used parts can be purchased from a parts reseller such as a junkyard. Used parts tend to be less expensive than new parts and many used parts come with a warranty.
