The first step to a successful autobody repair experience is to fully understand the parts listed in a written estimate provided to you by your auto repair professional. It may be helpful, before you go in, to know what kind of parts you would like used to make repairs to your vehicle. Understanding the types of automotive parts available for repairs will make you a more knowledgeable consumer that can have a well-informed conversation at the auto body repair shop, while saving yourself from unnecessary costs. These are the four types of parts that may be used in your repair, the benefits of each, and when they should be used.
Genuine Parts
When to Use Them: For warranty repairs
Your repair estimate will include the cost associated with the parts needed for the repair, and this cost may form the bulk of the total and will usually be listed first. The first types of parts that will probably be used on your car, while it is still under warranty, are genuine parts. These are parts directly from the company that manufactured your car, which many people use since they are afraid any other type of part will void their warranty. However, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act specifically prohibits a company from voiding your warranty simply because non-genuine parts have been used in repairs.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts
When to Use Them: For cars less than 4 years old
Second, there are OEM, or original equipment manufacturer, parts, which are exactly like genuine parts but come directly from whoever supplied them to your car’s manufacturer so they don’t have a car company logo branded on them. They are significantly less expensive. Since they are manufactured specifically for your vehicle, the quality of OEM parts may be more reliable than other types of parts, and they often come with a warranty.
Aftermarket parts
When to Use Them: For cars more than 4 years old
Aftermarket parts may be used at any time to repair your automobile, but are often the best option if your car is more than four years old or out of warranty. Some aftermarket parts may come with a warranty, and may also have a quality level that is comparable to many OEM parts at a significantly reduced cost. However, it may be difficult to determine the difference between a high quality aftermarket part, and one that isn’t up to par.
Recycled, refurbished, or used parts
When to Use Them: For older cars with high mileage
Recycled or refurbished parts may be a good option if your automobile is starting to show its age and may not be on the road too much longer. Parts that qualify as recycled or used will be significantly less expensive and are a wise environmental choice since automotive recycling is actually one of the most efficient forms of recycling, with over 75% of a car being reused or repurposed.
Make sure that you discuss the best parts for your needs with your autobody repair professional before repairs are started. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to make the most useful, cost-efficient decision to get your car repaired.
