CO2 balance
Car repair: New spare parts bad for the climate
Germany’s car insurer has been complaining about the high prices of new spare parts for years. According to a study, used spare parts are not only cheaper, but also much better for the climate.
In the case of expensive car repairs, the installation of used spare parts not only saves costs, but is also considerably less harmful to the environment. This is the conclusion of a new study from Great Britain published by the Allianz accident and traffic researchers.
Using the example of the door of a Volkswagen ID.3, the authors calculated that the repair of the damaged part causes the lowest CO2 emissions. If the repair is no longer possible, the installation of a used car door causes 19 percent higher emissions of the greenhouse gas. However, the vehicle workshop sets in a new door, the emissions of the climate-damaging greenhouse gas increase again by 157 percent, i.e. compared to the used part by more than two and a half times.
Steel production causes a large part of CO2 emissions
The study was written by experts from the British Vehicle Recyclers’ Association (VRA), the Oakdene Hollins, which specializes in sustainability, and the recycling company Synetiq. The study is based on complex calculations: the authors included 3 steps into their analysis when repairing an accident car and calculated the CO2 burden of each individual steps. In the beginning, the drive by towing the towing car to the scene of the accident, at the end the assembly of the spare part. The estimated CO2 emissions of the packaging during transport were also included. The main emission source When using used spare parts, painting including the curing is. With new parts, on the other hand, according to the study, it is primarily the energy-intensive steel production that worsens the CO2 balance.
Insurers and car manufacturers in the clinch
The alliance had approved the use of used spare parts in the car repairs of its customers a year ago. Safety -related parts such as steering or axes are not used. In the UK, repairs with used parts have been common. It’s not just about the CO2 balance. The German car insurers have been complaining about excessive repair costs for years, in which the high prices of new spare parts play a significant role.
dpa
Source: Stern
