Not all auto body repair jobs require replacement parts, but for those that do, it’s your job as a vehicle owner to understand which type of parts you’d like installed on your vehicle. At Minnetonka Collision, it’s our goal to restore your vehicle to its pre-collision condition, regardless of the type of parts you choose. That said, a variety of other factors play into the type of parts you may want to select, including longevity, durability, warranty, and of course, overall cost.
In this blog, we explain the three different parts options you can choose from and the benefits of each.
OEM Parts
OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer, which means OEM parts are exact replicas of the parts that were originally installed on your vehicle. But that doesn’t necessarily mean the company that manufactured the original part fashions all OEM parts.
Rather, OEM parts can also be manufactured by companies that contract with the original auto manufacturer to produce parts. These parts are designed to the exact specifications of the original part and look, feel, and perform exactly like the original.
Genuine parts, on the other hand, are only manufactured by the original automaker. These are the most expensive of all replacement parts, but if authenticity is the name of your game, genuine parts are the way to go.
Both OEM and genuine replacement parts come with a manufacturer’s warranty. If your vehicle is still under warranty, it’s always best to opt for OEM parts for auto body repair. Installing any other type of part will void the vehicle’s warranty.
Aftermarket Parts
Aftermarket parts may be called by several names, including non-OEM parts, competitive replacement parts, and even generic parts. But don’t let the word generic throw you off! Aftermarket parts aren’t low quality; in fact, they may be your best option, depending on your situation. In some cases, aftermarket components even feature a better design or improved technology that the original parts didn’t have.
If you’re considering opting for aftermarket parts, you should be aware that they don’t always look exactly like the original. This is because aftermarket parts manufacturers must purchase the rights to produce these components from the original manufacturer. They can then alter the production or design of those parts; however, they are still designed to function with specific vehicles.
In many cases, aftermarket components do come with a manufacturer’s warranty, but it may not be as extensive as the warranty on OEM parts. If your vehicle isn’t under warranty, opting for aftermarket components to complete your auto body repairs is typically a safe choice. Even better, these parts are often more affordable than OEM or genuine replacement components.
Salvage Parts
Last in line are salvage parts. As you can imagine, these components are taken from salvage vehicles and, due to their nature, are typically very affordable. Price point aside, unless you’re on a tight budget, opting for salvage parts to complete your auto body repairs probably isn’t your best option. There’s usually very little quality control in terms of component functionality, which means you may end up sacrificing durability and longevity for a lower price point.
One thing to note: If you want a say in the type of parts installed on your vehicle, speak directly with your auto body repair shop. In certain cases, your insurance company may select a certain type of part for you, without your consent. However, this typically depends on the state in which you live. In Minnesota, your insurer is required to pay for OEM parts, unless you approve the installation of aftermarket components.
Need Auto Body Repair in the Twin Cities? Contact Minnetonka Collision
Dealing with the aftermath of an automobile collision? Got dings and dents on your vehicle? Get in touch with our team at Minnetonka Collision! We perform comprehensive auto body repair for all vehicle makes and models, with a special emphasis on luxury and specialty vehicles. To learn more about our services or schedule a free estimate, call our Plymouth, MN office at 763-230-7805 or send us a message, and we’ll be in touch.