Parts Information - Are They All The Same?

The cost and quality of replacement parts can vary dramatically, depending on where they come from and how they are selected. There are at least three types of parts which may be used in the repair of your car and you should know about how each may affect your car's safety and value. You as the consumer want your car to be as good after the repair as it was before the accident; you want it to be worth just as much. Insurance companies may be more concerned with the cost of the repair and the parts used in the repair. Be sure to find out which type of parts are being used in the repair of your car.

First, there are new, original equipment parts, called OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts, which are supplied by the vehicle manufacturer. These parts meet the same specifications and standards with respect to fit, finish, corrosion protection, and crashworthiness as the parts which came on your car when it was new. These parts carry the car manufacturer's warranty.

Second there are non-OEM aftermarket or imitation parts which are not made by the vehicle manufacturer. These parts are sometimes referred to as "quality replacement parts" or "economy parts" and cost less to purchase. Since they are not made by the vehicle manufacturer they are not subjected to the same testing and do not carry the same warranty. The use of imitation parts may void your car's factory warranty for the parts replaced, and may affect warranty coverage for other parts as well. Worse yet, if corrosion or other defects on an aftermarket part cause damage to wiring or affect air bag deployment, you could be putting more than just your warranty in jeopardy. A study conducted for General Motors by an independent firm has also shown significant Diminished Value for cars repaired with aftermarket parts.

Third, there are used, recycled, or salvage parts. IF the used parts are undamaged, IF they are taken from an identical model car in similar condition, IF they are the same age or newer, and IF they are prepared correctly prior to installation, they may be an acceptable lower cost alternative. But that's a lot of "IF's". Ask your body shop what type of warranty is provided with any used or recycled parts. If your car is still under the manufacturer's warranty, check to see if the installation of used parts will affect coverage. If the used parts happen to be used imitation parts, then all the concerns mentioned previously for non-OEM aftermarket parts apply here too.

If you ask the right questions before the repairs are started, you may save yourself a lot of headaches later. If your body shop can't assist you in getting parts which meet your approval installed on your car, see our Consumer Help page.