Among the many confusing elements that should be considered when filling out insurance claims and car repairs after a collision are which details will be used. Your insurance company may recommend one type, and your bodywork one another. So what is the difference and how do you know what is really best for your car? There are three categories of parts that can be used to repair a car. We will define them here in order from most desirable to least.
What are OEM parts (original equipment manufacturer)?
As the name implies, OEM parts are made by your car manufacturer. When it comes to replacing auto parts, OEM parts are the gold standard. They are specially designed for your car, so they will fit seamlessly and, in turn, provide the highest level of safety and cosmetic appearance.
However, insurance companies rarely use these parts to evaluate repairs, despite the benefits to the consumer, as they are a more expensive option. If you have an accident and want to use parts for repair, check your policy. You may already be paying for an OEM rider policy that ensures that these parts will be used whenever possible.
What are recycled or re-manufactured parts?
Refurbished or re-manufactured parts may also be original for a specific make and model of your car. The trick is that they were previously used. However, these parts are subject to stringent measures to ensure their quality and safety. Before put up for sale, they are cleaned, maintained and tested to ensure quality and integrity. When OEM parts are not an option, recycled and re-manufactured parts are the next best choice and are available at a lower price.
What are spare parts?
Aftermarket parts are at the end of the list. They may be the cheapest option available, but there is a reason for this. These parts are mass-produced by third parties for installation on various cars, and not just on one make and model. This means that even if they can get closer, spare parts will never fit your car like an original or remanufactured part. They may not necessarily be poorly produced, but even Slight landing differences can affect both the appearance of these parts on the car and the level of protection that they can provide. These parts should be considered the final option when the best alternatives are not available or not available.
At Grade Auto Parts, we understand how important quality parts are to repair. That is why we will always do our best to ensure that your car is equipped with original spare parts, when possible, and recycled or repaired parts, when OEM is not available. The quality of your car repair is directly reflected in our business, and even if this means that you must help you cover the spare parts covered by your insurance agent, we will do our best to provide you and your car with the very best. Contact our store today to learn more about our repair process or to schedule a free evaluation.