In general, spare parts can be divided into two large groups:
Original spare parts
These spare parts are distributed through official representatives of the car manufacturer. They always have original packaging and appropriate markings. The quality of the part is guaranteed by the car manufacturers themselves. All spare parts for the models sold are available in branded service centers. If any part is missing, it is quickly delivered from the central warehouse.
Non-original spare parts
The definition "non-original" does not say anything about the quality of the part. It only means that it is not sold in the original packaging of the car manufacturer and is not distributed through the official representatives of the company. The backbone of this group is made up of well-known manufacturers of spare parts, supplying parts to the assembly lines of sometimes several car factories at once. Due to the high capacity of their production, such companies also supply spare parts for sale on the open market. Such parts have the packaging and marking of the spare part manufacturer, are in no way inferior in quality to original spare parts at a significantly lower cost (the difference in price can be up to 50%). True, the assortment is usually a little more modest due to the fact that for open sale they usually try to produce only the most popular, most in-demand parts.
Many large Western spare parts dealers use their own packaging, purchasing a large range of non-original spare parts in large quantities directly from manufacturers and selling them under their own brand.
Non-original spare parts are usually distributed through spare parts stores, auto repair shops and service stations.
Particular attention should be paid to the quality of the spare parts purchased. Try to avoid buying very cheap parts (compared to original and non-original famous brands), because they often do not meet quality and safety standards. If installing a second-rate decorative molding can negatively affect the appearance of the car, then installing low-quality brake pads or an oil filter is a threat to the safety of passengers, or can cause enormous damage to the engine. At the same time, the cost of restoration repairs sometimes exceeds the amount saved by buying a cheap spare part many times over. This means that you should try to use the services of official representatives of the car manufacturer (original parts), or reputable suppliers of non-original spare parts.
There is also the option of purchasing refurbished parts, whereby the old, broken part is usually given in exchange for a refurbished one. This approach is most productive when replacing such complex, expensive components as the engine, generator, starter, etc. This service is provided by both the car manufacturer's branded service centers and independent suppliers of spare parts and allows you to significantly reduce the cost of car repairs. At the same time, the company selling the refurbished unit gives almost the same guarantee for it as for a new one.