Debunking the myths of expensive original spare parts

Spare parts represent a fair share of maintenance costs for bus and coach owners, and their prices can vary considerably. Why should you buy original spare parts when there are alternatives at much lower cost?

Roland Henriksson, who is responsible for Volvo Buses’ circular parts business and chassis and body parts assortment, gets to the heart of the matter, explaining how price and cost are two very different things.

What is the main reason for buying original parts?

Well, maybe it’s a surprise but the most obvious upside is cost, by which we mean the total cost of ownership during the vehicle’s lifetime. We know for a fact that genuine Volvo parts have a high and consistent quality, and that they perfectly match the technical environment in which they function. You could say that all the Volvo parts are made for each other. So basically, it’s a quality matter: genuine parts and service will keep the vehicle at the specified quality level. One single, unexpected breakdown of a non-genuine part will effectively wipe out any saving on parts price.

Are third-party spare parts equally good in quality?

In theory, they could be. The problem is that you just don’t know: you don’t know how they are manufactured, how they are tested or, most importantly, how long they will last. Durability is something that can only be secured by full control of the manufacturing process, from engineering and choice of material to tests and production quality assurance. Here, Volvo can assure that the parts are identical to those used in the vehicle when it left the factory. 

What do you say to a bus owner who wants to save money on spare parts?

Buy original. Saving on parts price can turn out to be terribly expensive. All original parts pay off in the long run, compared with counterfeit. Having said that, Volvo fully understands operators’ everyday realities; to support, in particular, vehicles of some age, we offer remanufactured and refurbished parts. A Volvo “Reman” part has been remanufactured to its original condition, for example, and is always up to the latest technical specifications. Since it must meet the same quality standards as a brand-new part offering, we also give the same warranty as for new parts: same quality at a good price.

What is the price difference between new, Reman, and third-party spare parts?

Well, that depends on which part we are talking about, but a Volvo Reman part will easily outperform any third-party alternative, considering quality for money – especially for critical components such as turbo units, charging equipment, air compressors, and water. Not to mention replacement engines, where the saving really makes a difference. 

What are the other benefits of Reman parts?

Remanufacturing means less use of raw materials and less use of energy in production. For a manufacturer of Volvo’s size, this will mean a significant reduction in environmental impact, and since Volvo Reman parts fulfil the original specification, they are qualified to be offered as genuine Volvo parts.

Why are spare parts important for the vehicle’s safety?

That’s something people seem to forget about, but some types of spare parts have direct and crucial safety functions. The most drastic examples are brakes: discs and brake pads with insufficient material composition could lead to sudden loss of brake power and ultimately an accident. A cheap alternator may not function properly with the electrical system, while a failing water pump could result in overheating. 

What is the difference between original spare parts and counterfeit?

Consistent quality assurance. New parts, Reman, or refurbished are all Volvo original, taking uncertainties out of the maintenance equation. The fact remains that because of the way we produce, test, and follow up on the quality of genuine Volvo parts, we can assure you that your Volvo remains a Volvo – inside and out. It’s simply the safer choice.