When our customers’ Tesla vehicles require replacement parts, such as for collision-related damages like a hood or fender, aside from the well-known Original Equipment Manufacturer‘s (OEM) parts, what other options are available for them?
Sometimes, the OEM parts may not meet our customers’ needs.
By offering a variety of alternative replacement parts, we can not only help customers address their specific requirements but also enhance our own competitiveness and expand our business.
First, let’s introduce what OEM parts are.
If you are already familiar with this type of part, feel free to skip this introduction.
If you have any questions about these parts, please continue reading.
OEM Parts
OEM stands for “Original Equipment Manufacturer.”
OEM parts are automotive components that are produced by the same company that manufactured the original parts used in a vehicle during its assembly.
So OEM parts are also known as “original” or “genuine” parts.
These parts are designed and engineered to meet the precise specifications and quality standards set by the vehicle’s manufacturer.
Therefore Tesla’s genuine/original/OEM parts are the products that are made by Tesla itself or the companies authorized by Tesla.
As we all know, the biggest advantage of genuine parts is to help us maintain the original performance and reliability of our vehicle.
However, their most notable strength also leads to their biggest drawback: high prices.
Moreover, some of the best-selling car model parts used to take a long time to be shipped to us, and Tesla was one of them (now, this has improved significantly).
This could lead to our customers’ vehicles not being repaired promptly, forcing them to experience a “rest” from driving.
Undoubtedly, many people have mixed feelings about Tesla OEM parts—both love and frustration.
For new cars under warranty or for those seeking to preserve the car’s value, using original parts is often recommended.
In other situations, such as when the customer has a limited budget or needs the parts as quickly as possible, we can use alternative parts for Tesla Models repairs and upgrades.
We can categorize all Tesla parts available on the market into 5 types. Apart from OEM parts, there are 4 other types: aftermarket parts, remanufactured parts, refurbished parts, and second-hand parts.
Aftermarket Parts
Aftermarket parts are also called “generic” or “non-OEM” parts.
They are not sourced from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the vehicle, but produced by third-party manufacturers and suppliers.
Yes, you’re right. What we (ALSETTE) produce and sell are metal aftermarket parts for Tesla Model 3, Y, S, and X, such as hood, fender, door, trunk lids, etc. (click to see more on our product page)
Though much cheaper than genuine parts, it’s not easy to manufacture qualified metal products for Tesla, especially the wide range use of aluminum alloy on Tesla cars. (Click to know more about the materials Tesla use)
With over 20 years of experience in die development, our goal is to produce metal parts that are comparable to Tesla’s within our capabilities.
Ensuring the installed appearance on Tesla autos matches that of the original parts is the most fundamental aspect for us.
We place a strong emphasis on product details to achieve this goal.
I have already written an article to introduce how our aftermarket parts for Tesla Models are produced.
Click to read it – “How Are ALSETTE Metal Aftermarket Parts for Tesla Manufactured?”
Generic parts have gained a significant presence in the market due to their affordable prices.
As there’re many factories making auto aftermarket parts, the quality of these parts can indeed vary significantly.
This is also the most concerning issue for our customers.
However, a lower price does not necessarily mean lower quality.
It requires us to have a discerning eye to evaluate product quality and assist our customers in choosing the right metal non-OEM parts for Tesla Models.
We hope that our articles will help you improve your ability to discern and make informed decisions.
Remanufactured Parts
The last three types of parts can be grouped together if we classify them based on their sources.
They are all salvaged from used Tesla cars but undergo varying degrees of repair.
Based on the extent of refurbishment, we categorize them into these three kinds.
Remanufactured parts, or reman parts are the most thoroughly repaired.
The remanufacturing process involves comprehensive restoration of used components to bring them close to or even surpass the condition of OEM parts.
Compared to the production of aftermarket parts, the reman operation is much simpler.
Typically, the process includes disassembling, thoroughly cleaning and inspecting each part, replacing worn or damaged components, reassembling, and then subjecting the part to rigorous testing to ensure it meets the original performance standard.
Not all salvaged parts are suitable for remanufacturing.
Severely damaged components have to be discarded.
For instance, when reman the metal aluminum doors of the Tesla Model 3, if the inner panel and reinforcement inside are damaged, the used door will be useless.
The deformation of the door’s outer panel is not a problem, as it will be entirely replaced.
The new skin for the door of Model 3 is indeed an aftermarket part, not an OEM part.
We need to develop a new die to produce this component first.
Additionally, the used doors always come with various colored surface paints, and we need to strip these paints completely before starting to assemble the new outer aluminum panel.
Stripping paint is specific to the production of metal remanufactured exterior parts.
Other types of parts do not involve this step.
Besides, to achieve the OEM-like effect, after assembly, just like with aftermarket parts, we have to perform electrophoresis to apply the primer for the remanufactured parts.
The primer color for remanufactured parts must match the color of the OEM parts or at least not deviate significantly.
Yet aftermarket parts do not have such strict requirements.
As we can see, except for OEM parts, remanufactured parts are the most expensive among the four types of parts.
Refurbished Parts
Refurbished parts are also referred to as “reconditioned” or “rebuilt” parts.
Unlike remanufactured parts, which involve a more extensive rebuilding process, refurbished parts typically focus on cosmetic repairs and minor functional fixes.
Continuing with the example of the door for Tesla Model 3, let’s compare it to the remanufactured door mentioned earlier to help you better understand the differences between the two.
Similarly, severely deformed used parts are not suitable for refurbishment.
Not only is the repair process difficult, but their safety is also compromised.
Attempting to refurbish heavily deformed parts may lead to uncertainties in their structural integrity and performance, making them unsafe for use in vehicles.
Refurbished parts address minor scratches, dents, or cosmetic damages, without involving extensive repairs or component replacements.
Therefore, Model 3’s refurbished doors do not have the entire exterior skin replaced, and there is also no need for full paint stripping.
Skilled panel beaters will apply multiple methods to handle the damages on the second-hand doors:
1, using body filler to fill in and repair shallow scratches and minor dents;
2, straightening and reshaping dented areas using specialized tools and equipment.
As aluminum alloys are softer than iron alloys, it is more challenging for autobody repair technicians.
3, sanding and smoothing surfaces to prepare them for repainting, etc.
As you can see, reconditioned parts may not reach the same level of consistency as Tesla OEM parts.
They still offer a more budget-friendly option than brand-new components, particularly suitable for minor damages.
Second-hand Parts
People also name second-hand parts as “used” or “pre-owned” parts, which have been previously installed and used in Tesla cars.
These parts have been removed from a vehicle that is no longer in service, such as a car that has been scrapped, salvaged, or taken out of circulation due to an accident or other reasons.
I believe you’ve already guessed it.
Used parts undergo no repairs and are kept in their original condition when removed from Tesla EVs.
Those parts are more suitable for repair shops with the capability to perform restorations.
Remanufactured and refurbished parts, on the other hand, are both processes of reworking based on these pre-owned parts.
The prices of second-hand parts will differ due to the levels of damage they may have.
For conventional fuel-powered vehicles, aftermarket parts are generally cheaper than used parts.
Yet in the case of electric vehicles like Tesla, some non-OEM parts are more expensive than pre-owned parts because of higher raw material and technology development costs, such as the products made from aluminum alloy.
We can buy online all 5 kinds of replacement parts for Tesla.
For example, on e-commerce platforms like eBay or third-party websites.
Aftermarket parts for Tesla are generally more readily available and easy to find due to their stable supply.
The other 4 parts are not the same.
Once we are familiar with these five types of components, we can recommend different products based on our customer’s individual needs.
Tesla’s electric car sales are continuously increasing, especially for the Model 3 and Model Y, two popular models.
The demand for aftermarket parts for these vehicles is also expected to rise.
More and more people have joined the growing market to seize potential business prospects.
If you’re interested, we suggest sourcing parts from China.
China’s manufacturing industry chain is the richest in the world.
Our factory is one of the members of the supply chain to provide metal aftermarket parts for Tesla Model 3, Y, S, and X.
Welcome to contact us if any needs.
