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Used electric car parts: What to look out for

Content

1. Which electric car parts can be replaced?

2. Which parts for e-cars are available second-hand?

3. What should be considered when buying used car spare parts for e-cars?

4. How do I check the condition of used spare parts for electric cars?

5. How do I buy the right spare part for my electric car?

Electric cars have special components that distinguish them from traditional vehicles with combustion engines. There is no manual gearbox or clutch at all. Other components, on the other hand, hardly differ from those in a classic combustion engine. Our guide shows the differences, gives helpful tips on buying used car parts for electric cars, and answers many questions.

Which electric car parts can be replaced?

In electric cars, as in vehicles with combustion engines, almost all parts can be exchanged for suitable spare parts. This applies, for example, to body parts that are damaged in an accident or can degrade due to corrosion, as well as other car parts.

All components of the chassis and all parts of the brake system can also be replaced in the e-car. The same applies to the interior trim and the glazing. Parts of the heating and air-conditioning system can also be easily replaced in electric cars.

Replacing the motor and battery in an e-car

The batteries and motor of electric cars wear out with increasing mileage. Replacing a battery in an electric car is quite complicated and is therefore usually carried out by specialised companies. The situation is different with drive motors. It is sometimes easier to replace a motor in an electric car than in a combustion engine.

In Germany, all work on electrical high-voltage components of the electric car may only be carried out by trained specialists. The high-voltage supply must always be disconnected, for example by removing the service disconnect plug.

Which parts for e-cars are available second-hand?

Car parts for electric cars are readily available on the market. Almost all components of the e-car can be purchased second-hand in good condition. The vehicle parts are removed from donor vehicles in the course of car recycling, tested and then offered for sale.

  • Electronics and lighting: Electronic components for electric vehicles are readily available second-hand. These include sensors of various kinds, as well as radar components and electronic control units. Other components such as window regulators, cameras, displays or components for the audio system are also available second-hand. The same applies to headlights or rear lights. Even used charging cables for charging stations are sometimes available.
  • Drive parts and suspension: Even in an electric car, the power must be transferred from the engine to the wheels. The appropriate drive shafts are available as used car parts, and wheel hubs can also be purchased used. All suspension components are also available second-hand for the electric car. These include, for example, suspension struts, shock absorbers, coil springs and wishbones, or components such as the stabiliser and the steering gear.
  • Brakes and wheels: Although an electric car often brakes by recuperation, a complete brake system is still present. Many brake components, such as brake calipers or brake discs, can also be purchased second-hand for electric cars. ABS components, brake boosters and parts such as the brake cylinder are also available second-hand. Complete wheels, individual rims as spare parts or hubcaps are also available.
  • Body parts and glass: All body components can be damaged or rust even in an electric car. Good used body parts, such as doors, boot lids and bonnets, can then provide a cheap remedy and are readily available. The same applies to bumpers, wings and add-on parts such as spoilers. Even windows, such as the side windows, are available second-hand and can be replaced cheaply in an electric car.
  • Interior fittings, switches and mirrors: All components of the vehicle interior, such as seats, door panels, the dashboard or the centre console can also be purchased second-hand for electric cars. This also applies to all control parts in the interior, such as switches, control handles, the steering wheel, the pedals or the steering column. Mirrors such as the interior mirror and the exterior mirrors on both sides of the vehicle can also be bought used for the electric vehicle.
  • Motor and air conditioning: Motors for electric vehicles are also available as used parts. A defective motor in the e-vehicle can often be easily replaced in this way. However, the high-performance electric motor often needs cooling. But all components of the cooling circuit, such as radiators or the electric radiator fan, are also available second-hand. Components of the electric heating and cooling system are also available as used parts.

What should be considered when buying used car spare parts for e-cars?

All spare parts for the electric car should still be in good condition, even when used. When assessing the condition, pictures of the car parts are just as helpful as the information provided by the supplier.

Usually, used components for electric vehicles are offered with information on the year of manufacture or the mileage of the donor vehicle. Components such as charging cables can be assessed by looking at photos of the connectors.

Matching spare parts and good quality

Spare parts must match the respective model. Even if electric cars share a common platform with the combustion model, the design of components is not always the same. Components of electrically powered vehicles also differ depending on the model version and the year of manufacture. While the charging cables for connection to the charging stations hardly change, other car parts are completely revised in a facelift.

When buying parts for electric cars, care should be taken to purchase either original parts from the manufacturers or OEM parts from the original suppliers. Even manufacturers of electric cars do not produce all parts themselves, but commission subcontractors or buy standard components. However, cheap replica parts have no place in electric cars. Better and cheaper are used spare parts from the original manufacturers.

Reliable providers and prices

Spare parts for electric cars should only be bought from a reliable source. Reliable suppliers of used spare parts only work with certified partners such as car recycling companies that deliver good quality. They also offer an uncomplicated return of the items and are available for questions or complaints. A guarantee or warranty within the legal framework is also a matter of course.

The price of the components and the cost of delivery should always be considered, even for electric car parts. Are expensive delivery charges added, or are the shipping costs already included in the price of the car parts? And how quickly will the ordered electric car parts be delivered? Reliable payment methods, such as credit card or bank transfer, are also important.

How do I check the condition of used spare parts for electric cars?

After purchase, used vehicle parts for the electric car should be subjected to a brief check. Some components are quite easy to check visually, others require measuring equipment.

  • Body components: Body components such as doors or bonnets should be visually checked for fit and defects before installation. The same applies to mirrors and vehicle glass.
  • Suspension and drive: The components of the drive and suspension, such as drive shafts, springs and other chassis parts, can also be visually checked for good condition before assembly.
  • Electronic components: The condition of electronic and electrical components can usually only be checked using measuring instruments and with the appropriate expertise. Alternatively, provisional installation can be used for an initial test.
  • Interior equipment: Parts of the interior equipment can be tested both visually and for their function. A used driver’s seat, for example, should look good, not be saggy, and be easily adjustable.
  • Motors: The drive motor of an electric car can sometimes be measured before installation, but an extensive function test with a test run in all driving situations can only be carried out after installation in the vehicle.

How do I buy the right spare part for my electric car?

Spare parts must fit the respective electric car exactly. While charging cables for corresponding charging columns are often universal, other car parts by no means fit every vehicle. Platforms such as Autoparts24 make it easier to select the right components.

All you have to do is enter the vehicle model or the vehicle identification number in the search mask. The listed car parts can then be selected to check part numbers and visual match again before buying.

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