Why Chevrolet Only Approves New Genuine GM Parts for Use with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and Why You Should Care

 

Your Chevrolet’s ADAS requires new OEM replacement parts in order to function as intended by GM.

When you take your Chevy to a shop for repairs, it’s imperative that the shop follows the guidelines specified in General Motors’ Position Statement.  Every shop has access to this information, but not every shop follows what the manufacturer says. 

GM makes it clear that all shops should follow their instructions for how to properly repair Chevrolet bumpers/fascias on vehicles that are equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and there are several reasons for this.

If you’re not familiar with what the ADAS does, it is the modern technology that can help you avoid collisions, park easily, switch lanes safely, and more.  It can include sensors, cameras, alerts, and navigational help. 

Depending on the GM model and the year it was manufactured, your vehicle may have a very different level of ADAS than another GM vehicle.  

Many components of a vehicle’s ADAS are embedded within the bumper and fascia, and because Advanced Driver Assistance Systems can be very sophisticated, it’s crucial to use the precise parts necessary for repairs.  

 

Image of Chevrolet

 

Why aftermarket, reconditioned, and salvaged parts just won’t cut it.

The biggest reason that GM wants you to use only new Genuine GM parts is because they have been designed and manufactured for your Chevy’s specific system.  

GM explains, “General Motors (GM) vehicles, systems and components are engineered, tested and manufactured to protect vehicle occupants based upon both government mandated and internal corporate requirements relative to durability, Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH), occupant protection, and vehicle safety. The overall structural integrity of the vehicle is dependent on maintaining its inherent design specifications.”

Basically, they are saying that it would be taking a huge risk to use aftermarket, reconditioned, or salvaged parts, because those part might threaten the performance of your ADAS.  

While Genuine GM parts have been made to fit your system like a glove, aftermarket parts are intended for use in a broader range of makes and models.  They’re also usually made with cheaper materials than OEM parts. 

As for salvaged parts, it’s often hard to determine their history and current structural integrity, so it’s difficult to predict how they’ll hold up. 

The same goes for reconditioned parts, which may have been rendered less effective through the reconditioning process:

GM says, “Reconditioned Bumpers/Fascia’s available in the aftermarket may have been repaired using substrate repair “filler material” or reinforcement tapes and as such General Motors does not endorse the use of reconditioned ADAS Bumper/Fascia systems. Only Genuine GM ADAS Bumpers/Fascias and components are tested and validated as a safety system.”

The process of reconditioning bumpers/fascia is generally disapproved of, because it can affect the stability of the components, rendering them unreliable.

 

Safety is always first when it comes to repairs.

In no uncertain terms, it can be very dangerous to cut corners with your bumper/fascia repair if your car is equipped with ADAS.  Using the wrong parts could cause a cascade problems for your system, leading to a possible collision. 

Imagine driving on the highway and your cruise control malfunctions or your emergency braking fails or your blind spot detection acts up. 

Any one of these issues could lead to catastrophe.  

“At General Motors, safety is our overriding priority. With the safety of our customers at the center of everything we do, we are limiting repairs to Bumpers/Fascia’s with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to topcoat refinish only. Further, topcoat refinish material thickness of repaired ADAS Bumper Fascia systems must not exceed 13 mils in thickness. Any repairs such as gouges, tears or damage that requires the use of substrate repair material or reinforcement tapes must be avoided.”

As you can see, GM has specified that only very superficial cosmetic procedures are permitted in repairing your Chevy’s bumper/fascia. 

Any repairs that might be necessary beyond these cosmetic procedures would warrant all-new OEM replacement parts in order to maximize your car’s performance and safety. 

 

Image of Chevrolet

 

Save time, money, and possibly your life by choosing a shop that follows GM’s guidelines for how your Chevrolet is repaired.

We take a fine-tooth comb to every manufacturer Position Statement that comes our way, because we want to make sure we deliver the best possible repair to every customer. 

Some shops don’t pay attention to what the manufacturer recommends or they simply disregard the information, even though they know better.  We would never take that chance with your wallet or your safety. 

You can trust us to treat you and your vehicle with the utmost respect and care.

Syndicated content from https://capturethekeys.com/.

Why Chevrolet Recommends Only New GM Air Bag Components and Why That’s Important for Your Repair

 

GM wants to maximize your safety with properly functioning air bags in your Chevy.

In the auto body repair industry, we are provided with manufacturers’ Position Statements that describe each auto maker’s recommendations for how those repairs should be done.  General Motors has released a detailed statement explaining why they prohibit the use of any parts other than genuine GM warranted parts in the repairs of their vehicles.

If you own a Chevrolet and need to have your air bag system replaced, it is crucial to follow the guidelines set forth by GM.

 

Image of air bag

 

Safety is the biggest reason for using new OEM parts.

According to General Motors:

“Air bag system components are carefully developed and specifically tuned for the specific vehicle environment. Corresponding air bag system components from other models or other model years may appear similar from the outside, may even fit the vehicle, but different internal elements or calibrations may result in degraded restraint performance.”

GM is explaining that new OEM parts have been designed and manufactured specifically for the make, model, and year of your vehicle using the highest quality materials. 

Using aftermarket parts, salvaged parts, or parts from previous model years could jeopardize your entire air bag system, potentially risking your safety.  

 

The last thing you would want is for your air bag system to fail when you need it.  

Safety and reliability go hand-in-hand when it comes to your vehicle.  GM makes an important point about the reliability of salvaged parts:

“Reuse of used or salvaged components brings into question the conditions under which the components were obtained and stored prior to use. Components could have been damaged or stored under unfavorable conditions that could compromise performance and reliability.”

They are saying that it’s often difficult to determine the history of the car from which the salvaged parts came.  Who knows if that car was previously in an accident or if the air bag components were compromised in some way? 

A vehicle is a finely-tuned machine that functions well when all the parts work properly together. 

Using a salvaged or used part could throw the whole system off.  

 

Failure to use new OEM parts on your Chevrolet could void your warranty.

It’s pretty standard for manufacturers to stipulate that new parts must be used in order for them to honor your vehicle’s warranty. 

This is no different for GM, which states, “The use of these new parts is consistent with the vehicle factory warranty and extended warranty programs.”

 

Image of air bag

 

You can count on us for a repair that follows GM’s guidelines about air bag components.

The reason why we explain the manufacturer’s Position Statement to you is that we want you to understand why we take it so seriously ourselves. 

Some shops don’t really care what the manufacturer says and they use whatever parts they can get their hands on.  We simply refuse to take such a chance, because we don’t believe it’s worth the risk to your safety, your warranty, or your vehicle’s performance. 

We deliver only the best repair for your Chevy.

Syndicated content from https://capturethekeys.com/.

Why Volvo Doesn’t Approve of Reconditioned Wheels and How This Can Affect Your Collision Repair

 

 

Reconditioning can threaten the structural integrity of your Volvo’s wheels.

Volvo is very clear that the company does not approve of any wheel repair that involves reconditioning. 

If you are not familiar with wheel reconditioning, it is a process of using various tools and methods to try to repair a damaged wheel, instead of replacing it entirely.  Some methods include welding, reforming, or reshaping the wheel.  

When it comes to steel and aluminum wheel repair, Volvo has issued a Position Statement explaining why they do not accept wheel reconditioning in any vehicle repairs.  Here’s what they say:

“Volvo Car USA does not approve the use of reconditioned Volvo wheels or any type of process that attempts to restore damaged wheels on Volvo vehicles. Doing so may result in loss of vehicle control and injury or death to passengers.  Reconditioning damaged Volvo wheels requires processes which can cause deficiencies in wheel strength (e.g., removal of materials, straightening, heating, welding, re-plating). Reconditioned wheels are unacceptable as they may not meet the design specifications for Volvo vehicles.”

Volvo is saying, in no uncertain terms, that it’s simply not worth the risk to your life to cut corners with the state of your wheels. 

If the wheels are damaged enough to warrant reconditioning, then they should just be replaced outright. 

Heating, welding, reshaping, and any other methods of reconditioning could compromise the structural integrity of your wheels.   Being the only parts of the car to actually make contact with the road, your wheels are essential to your safety and are worth investing in.  

 

 

Image of Volvo

 

 

What wheel repairs are approved by Volvo?

While wheel reconditioning is not approved of by Volvo, certain wheel repairs are permitted:

“Volvo Car USA only approves of wheel repairs limited to cosmetic refinishing that remove and restore paint coatings only.”

Basically, only superficial cosmetic adjustments are allowed, since they won’t jeopardize the integrity of the wheel structure. 

Minor sanding and polishing repairs do not involve the use of heat or reshaping that reconditioning would entail.  

 

 

Replace your wheel components with Genuine Volvo parts to maximize the effectiveness of your repair.

If your vehicle’s wheels require replacement, Volvo recommends that you use Genuine Volvo original equipment parts:

“Using only genuine Volvo parts will help ensure vehicle safety, performance and residual value.  Volvo genuine parts are designed and manufactured to exacting specifications to help maximize safety, performance and reliability.”

The use of aftermarket, used, or salvaged parts can put you at almost the same risk of problems as reconditioning the wheels would. 

Used and salvaged parts come with a questionable history, as it’s possible they’ve been compromised in a collision or through natural wear and tear.  A

ftermarket parts present another problem in that they are often not comprised of the highest quality materials and they are also not designed to fit the parameters of your specific make, model, and year of Volvo.  Therefore, it’s best to stick to OEM replacement parts.

 

Image of Volvo

 

Not all shops follow these recommendations, but we do.

It’s disappointing, but some shops throw caution out the window and continue to practice wheel reconditioning, despite Volvo’s clear instructions to avoid it at all costs.  They can get away with this because no body shop is actually forced to adhere to a manufacturer’s Position Statement.  

At our shop, we strongly believe that there’s no reason to take a chance with your Volvo’s repair by going against the advice of the manufacturer. 

Reconditioned wheels can lead to very dangerous problems down the road.  We will always replace your Volvo’s wheels entirely if they’ve sustained damage.  You won’t have to worry about driving on unstable wheels when you bring your vehicle to us. 

We always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation to deliver the best possible repair to our customers. 

Syndicated content from https://capturethekeys.com/.

Ford Approves Only OEM Parts on Structural Repairs—Here’s Why That’s Important

 

 

 

 

 

Structural components offer additional protection in the event of a collision and require the right parts to work properly.

It is common practice in our industry for each vehicle manufacturer to provide “Position Statements” that explain the best methods for repairing their makes and models. 

In the event of structural repairs, Ford has released a Position Statement recommending that only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts be used on their vehicles:

“Ford Motor Company only approves repairs to structural components – (including frames, rails, aprons and body panels) – that are completed using Ford published repair procedures and Ford Original Equipment Parts. Failure to follow these instructions will adversely affect structural integrity and crash safety performance, which could result in serious personal injury to vehicle occupants in a crash.”

Ford is explaining clearly and directly that your safety might be in jeopardy if you choose to use any replacement structural parts on your vehicle besides Ford OEM parts.

 

Image of Ford

 

 

How are structural parts different from any other parts?

Structural parts include floor elements, body panels, frame rails, and more that basically hold your vehicle together. 

It’s especially important to preserve the integrity of your structural components, as they are the sections of your car that can help minimize damage in the event of a collision.  These parts are designed with crush zones that are intended to absorb the energy in a collision, giving you and your passengers additional protection. 

 

Here’s the problem with non-OEM structural parts.

There are plenty of aftermarket, recycled, and salvage structural parts available, but none of them will ever be as reliable or as structurally sound as new OEM parts.  

Aftermarket parts are developed to fit a range of makes and models, so they may not fit the exact specifications for placement on a Ford.  That means a technician would have to bend, heat, and employ other creative methods to get the part to fit properly.  

Recycled and salvage parts might seem like a good idea, but keep in mind that it’s nearly impossible to determine the quality of their condition by the time they arrive to you.  They might be from a car that was already involved in a collision or experienced extreme weather fluctuations or simply survived general wear and tear. 

Even upon close inspection, it’s often impossible to see all the microscopic damage a salvage part might have endured. 

Even very minor discrepancies in material or shape can cause a structural part to become less effective and, therefore, less safe to use on your vehicle.

 

It’s dangerous to use anything besides OEM parts in your repair.

The engineers at Ford have carefully designed their structural parts to work together seamlessly.  According to Ford: 

“The structural component repair procedures and repair-specific parts approved by Ford have been validated through testing by Ford engineers to return repaired vehicles to the intended level of form, function, performance and safety as our engineers originally specified.  Alternative structural component repair procedures and/or parts approved by others, are not approved by Ford. Should alternative structural component repair procedures and/or parts be used, repairers should be aware of the potential liability they incur.”

They are saying that disrupting even one structural element could throw the whole system off, leading to major problems down the road, including poor vehicle performance and less protection in a collision.

There’s no sense in taking chances with your safety. 

OEM parts are higher quality than aftermarket parts.  OEM parts have also never been used, never been exposed to the elements, never been rendered defective by improper disassembly like recycled or salvage parts. 

New structural parts are made to function optimally on your vehicle, increasing your car’s performance and your personal safety.

 

Image of Ford

 

 

While other shops might disregard Ford’s recommendations, we respect this information because we care about the quality of your repair.

If you’re in a collision and need to take your Ford to a shop for repairs, it only makes sense that you would want the job to be done as safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively as possible.  At our shop, one of the ways we can ensure the best possible repair for our customers is by adhering to the recommendations of each vehicle’s manufacturer.  

It might be surprising to you, but collision repair shops are not required to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.  There’s no one actually enforcing these Position Statements, so manufacturers are putting their trust in us to do as they recommend.  

At our shop, we genuinely care about every repair we do.  Because of this, we make sure to follow Ford’s recommendation of using new replacement structural parts, instead of taking chances with aftermarket and salvage components. 

It is our mission to do what’s best for your vehicle’s performance and for your safety.

Syndicated content from https://capturethekeys.com/.

Why You Should Care That Cadillac Only Approves New Genuine GM Parts for Use with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

 

Cadillac wants your sophisticated ADAS to continue to function properly.

When you take your Cadillac to a shop for repairs, it’s imperative that the shop follows the guidelines specified in General Motors’ Position Statement.  Every shop has access to this information, but not every shop follows what the manufacturer says. 

GM makes it clear that all shops should follow their instructions for how to properly repair Cadillac bumpers/fascias on vehicles that are equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and there are several reasons for this.

If you’re not familiar with what the ADAS does, it is the modern technology that can help you avoid collisions, park easily, switch lanes safely, and more.  It can include sensors, cameras, alerts, and navigational help. 

Depending on the GM model and the year it was manufactured, your vehicle may have a very different level of ADAS than another GM vehicle.  

Many components of a vehicle’s ADAS are embedded within the bumper and fascia, and because Advanced Driver Assistance Systems can be very sophisticated, it’s crucial to use the precise parts necessary for repairs.  

 

Image of Cadillac

 

Why aftermarket, reconditioned, and salvaged parts just won’t cut it.

The biggest reason that GM wants you to use only new Genuine GM parts is because they have been designed and manufactured for your Cadillac’s specific system.  

GM explains, “General Motors (GM) vehicles, systems and components are engineered, tested and manufactured to protect vehicle occupants based upon both government mandated and internal corporate requirements relative to durability, Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH), occupant protection, and vehicle safety. The overall structural integrity of the vehicle is dependent on maintaining its inherent design specifications.”

Basically, they are saying that it would be taking a huge risk to use aftermarket, reconditioned, or salvaged parts, because those part might threaten the performance of your ADAS.  

While Genuine GM parts have been made to fit your system like a glove, aftermarket parts are intended for use in a broader range of makes and models.  They’re also usually made with cheaper materials than OEM parts. 

As for salvaged parts, it’s often hard to determine their history and current structural integrity, so it’s difficult to predict how they’ll hold up. 

The same goes for reconditioned parts, which may have been rendered less effective through the reconditioning process:

GM says, “Reconditioned Bumpers/Fascia’s available in the aftermarket may have been repaired using substrate repair “filler material” or reinforcement tapes and as such General Motors does not endorse the use of reconditioned ADAS Bumper/Fascia systems. Only Genuine GM ADAS Bumpers/Fascias and components are tested and validated as a safety system.”

The process of reconditioning bumpers/fascia is generally disapproved of, because it can affect the stability of the components, rendering them unreliable.

 

Safety is always first when it comes to repairs.

In no uncertain terms, it can be very dangerous to cut corners with your bumper/fascia repair if your car is equipped with ADAS.  Using the wrong parts could cause a cascade problems for your system, leading to a possible collision. 

Imagine driving on the highway and your cruise control malfunctions or your emergency braking fails or your blind spot detection acts up. 

Any one of these issues could lead to catastrophe.  

“At General Motors, safety is our overriding priority. With the safety of our customers at the center of everything we do, we are limiting repairs to Bumpers/Fascia’s with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to topcoat refinish only. Further, topcoat refinish material thickness of repaired ADAS Bumper Fascia systems must not exceed 13 mils in thickness. Any repairs such as gouges, tears or damage that requires the use of substrate repair material or reinforcement tapes must be avoided.”

As you can see, GM has specified that only very superficial cosmetic procedures are permitted in repairing your Cadillac’s bumper/fascia. 

Any repairs that might be necessary beyond these cosmetic procedures would warrant all-new OEM replacement parts in order to maximize your car’s performance and safety. 

 

Image of Cadillac

 

Save time, money, and possibly your life by choosing a shop that follows GM’s guidelines for how your Cadillac is repaired.

We take a fine-tooth comb to every manufacturer Position Statement that comes our way, because we want to make sure we deliver the best possible repair to every customer. 

Some shops don’t pay attention to what the manufacturer recommends or they simply disregard the information, even though they know better.  We would never take that chance with your wallet or your safety. 

You can trust us to treat you and your vehicle with the utmost respect and care.

Syndicated content from https://capturethekeys.com/.

Why Cadillac Recommends Only New GM Air Bag Components and Why That Should Matter to You

 

Preserve the integrity of your air bags so that they can deliver the utmost protection.

In the auto body repair industry, we are provided with manufacturers’ Position Statements that describe each auto maker’s recommendations for how those repairs should be done. 

General Motors has released a detailed statement explaining why they prohibit the use of any parts other than genuine GM warranted parts in the repairs of their vehicles.

If you own a Cadillac and need to have your air bag system replaced, it is crucial to follow the guidelines set forth by GM.

 

Image of deployed air bag

 

Safety is the biggest reason for using new OEM parts.

According to General Motors:

“Air bag system components are carefully developed and specifically tuned for the specific vehicle environment. Corresponding air bag system components from other models or other model years may appear similar from the outside, may even fit the vehicle, but different internal elements or calibrations may result in degraded restraint performance.”

GM is explaining that new OEM parts have been designed and manufactured specifically for the make, model, and year of your vehicle using the highest quality materials. 

Using aftermarket parts, salvaged parts, or parts from previous model years could jeopardize your entire air bag system, potentially risking your safety.  

 

The last thing you would want is for your air bag system to fail when you need it.  

Safety and reliability go hand-in-hand when it comes to your vehicle.  GM makes an important point about the reliability of salvaged parts:

“Reuse of used or salvaged components brings into question the conditions under which the components were obtained and stored prior to use. Components could have been damaged or stored under unfavorable conditions that could compromise performance and reliability.”

They are saying that it’s often difficult to determine the history of the car from which the salvaged parts came.  Who knows if that car was previously in an accident or if the air bag components were compromised in some way? 

A vehicle is a finely-tuned machine that functions well when all the parts work properly together.  Using a salvaged or used part could throw the whole system off.  

 

Failure to use new OEM parts on your Cadillac could void your warranty.

It’s pretty standard for manufacturers to stipulate that new parts must be used in order for them to honor your vehicle’s warranty. 

This is no different for GM, which states, “The use of these new parts is consistent with the vehicle factory warranty and extended warranty programs.”

 

Image of Cadillac

 

You can count on us for a repair that follows GM’s guidelines about air bag components.

The reason why we explain the manufacturer’s Position Statement to you is that we want you to understand why we take it so seriously ourselves. 

Some shops don’t really care what the manufacturer says and they use whatever parts they can get their hands on.  We simply refuse to take such a chance, because we don’t believe it’s worth the risk to your safety, your warranty, or your vehicle’s performance. 

We deliver only the best repair for your Cadillac.

Syndicated content from https://capturethekeys.com/.

Reconditioned Wheels Are Not Approved by Volkswagen—Here’s How That Affects You

 

 

Volkswagen says that it’s dangerous for you to drive on reconditioned wheels.

If you are not familiar with wheel reconditioning, it is a process of using various tools and methods to try to repair a damaged wheel, instead of replacing it entirely.  Some methods include welding, re-plating, or reshaping the wheel.  

When it comes to wheel reconditioning, Volkswagen has issued a position statement explaining why they do not accept wheel reconditioning in any vehicle repairs.  Here’s what they state:

“Reconditioned wheels do not meet the exacting specifications of genuine Volkswagen wheels and therefore are not an acceptable method of repair on any Volkswagen vehicle.  A reconditioned wheel or any wheel not approved by Volkswagen may cause unsafe vehicle operation, including loss of control which may result in injury or death of the vehicle occupants or other drivers.”

Volkswagen is saying that it is dangerous to take chances with your wheels.  After all, they are the only parts of the vehicle that actually make contact with the road. 

Heating, welding, reshaping, and other methods of wheel reconditioning compromise the structural integrity of these essential parts.  

 

Image of Volkswagen

 

 

What wheel repairs are approved by Volkswagen?

While wheel reconditioning is not approved of by Volkswagen, certain wheel repairs are permitted:

“Volkswagen approves only wheel repairs which are limited to surface sanding and cosmetic refinishing processes that remove and replace only paint coatings. Any wheel near the area of collision damage should be thoroughly examined to ensure that the wheel meets the original safety specifications.”

Basically, only superficial cosmetic adjustments are allowed, since they won’t jeopardize the integrity of the wheel structure. 

If the wheel is damaged beyond minor cosmetic issues, then it should be replaced entirely.

 

Your vehicle won’t pass inspection if welding was used to repair the wheels.

In its position statement, Volkswagen included the following note:

“The Code of Federal Regulations, U.S. Department of Transportation, contains section 570.10 regarding Wheel Assemblies. Based on section (a) Wheel integrity, state governments which have mandatory vehicle safety inspections require that vehicle wheels do not have any indication of repair by welding.”

Because it is so potentially compromising to a wheel’s structure, a vehicle can’t even pass a safety inspection if welding has been used.  

 

Image of Volkswagen

 

Not all shops follow these recommendations, but we do.

It’s disappointing, but some shops throw caution out the window and continue to practice wheel reconditioning, despite Volkswagen’s clear instructions to avoid it at all costs.  They can get away with this because no body shop is actually forced to adhere to a manufacturer’s Position Statement.  

At our shop, we strongly believe that there’s no reason to take a chance with your Volkswagen’s repair by cutting corners.  Reconditioned wheels can lead to very dangerous problems down the road. 

We will always replace your Volkswagen’s wheels entirely if they’ve sustained damage.  You won’t have to worry about failing your inspection or having unstable wheels when you bring your vehicle to us. 

We will always follow the manufacturer’s ommendation and deliver the best possible repair to our customers. 

Syndicated content from https://capturethekeys.com/.

Volkswagen Approves Only OEM Parts on Structural Repairs—Here’s Why You Should Care

 

 

Volkswagen is wary of aftermarket, recycled, and salvage replacement parts in structural repairs.

It is common practice in our industry for each vehicle manufacturer to provide “Position Statements” that explain the best methods for repairing their makes and models. 

In the event of structural repairs, Volkswagen has released a Position Statement recommending that only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts be used on their vehicles:

“Volkswagen requires the use of new Genuine Volkswagen collision parts in the repair of Volkswagen vehicles. These parts are factory tested to provide maximum passenger safety should the vehicle be involved in a future collision.”

Volkswagen is explaining clearly and directly that your safety might be in jeopardy if you choose to use any replacement structural parts on your vehicle besides Volkswagen OEM parts.

 

Image of Volkswagen

 

How are structural parts different from any other parts?

Structural parts include floor elements, body panels, bumpers, frame rails, and more that basically hold your vehicle together. 

It’s especially important to preserve the integrity of your structural components, as they are the sections of your car that can help minimize damage in the event of a collision. 

These parts are designed with crush zones that are intended to absorb the energy in a collision, giving you and your passengers additional protection. 

 

Here’s the problem with non-OEM structural parts.

There are plenty of aftermarket, recycled, and salvage structural parts available, but none of them will ever be as reliable or as structurally sound as new OEM parts.  

Aftermarket parts are developed to fit a range of makes and models, so they may not fit the exact specifications for placement on a Volkswagen.  That means a technician would have to bend, heat, and employ other creative methods to get the part to fit properly.  

Recycled and salvage parts might seem like a good idea, but keep in mind that it’s nearly impossible to determine the quality of their condition by the time they arrive to you.  They might be from a car that was already involved in a collision or experienced extreme weather fluctuations or simply survived general wear and tear. 

Even upon close inspection, it’s often impossible to see all the microscopic damage a salvage part might have endured. 

Even very minor discrepancies in material or shape can cause a structural part to become less effective and, therefore, less safe to use on your vehicle.

 

It’s dangerous to use anything besides OEM parts in your repair.

The engineers at Volkswagen have carefully designed their structural parts to work together seamlessly.  According to Volkswagen: 

“These structural components are specifically designed to work in conjunction to provide maximum passenger safety in the event of a future collision. Concessions to any of these individual structural components may negatively impact the complete vehicle structure in the event of a future collision.”

They are saying that disrupting even one structural element could throw the whole system off, leading to major problems down the road, including poor vehicle performance and less protection in a collision.

There’s no sense in taking chances with your safety. 

OEM parts are higher quality than aftermarket parts.  OEM parts have also never been used, never been exposed to the elements, never been rendered defective by improper disassembly like recycled or salvage parts. 

New structural parts are made to function optimally on your vehicle, increasing your car’s performance and your personal safety.

 

Image of Volkswagen

 

While other shops might disregard Volkswagen’s recommendations, we respect this information because we care about the quality of your repair.

If you’re in a collision and need to take your Volkswagen to a shop for repairs, it only makes sense that you would want the job to be done as safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively as possible.  At our shop, one of the ways we can ensure the best possible repair for our customers is by adhering to the recommendations of each vehicle’s manufacturer.  

It might be surprising to you, but collision repair shops are not required to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.  There’s no one actually enforcing these Position Statements, so manufacturers are putting their trust in us to do as they recommend.  

At our shop, we genuinely care about every repair we do.  Because of this, we make sure to follow Volkswagen’s recommendation of using new replacement structural parts, instead of taking chances with aftermarket and salvage components. 

It is our mission to do what’s best for your vehicle’s performance and for your safety.

  

Syndicated content from https://capturethekeys.com/.

Why It Matters That Nissan Doesn’t Approve of Reconditioned Wheels

 

 

 

 

 

Wheel reconditioning is a dangerous practice in collision repair.

Nissan is very clear that the company does not approve of any wheel repair that involves reconditioning. 

If you are not familiar with wheel reconditioning, it is a process of using various tools and methods to try to repair a damaged wheel, instead of replacing it entirely.  Some methods include welding, reforming, or reshaping the wheel.  

When it comes to steel and aluminum wheel repair, Nissan has issued a Position Statement explaining why they do not accept wheel reconditioning in any vehicle repairs. 

Here’s what they say:

“Reconditioned wheels are not an acceptable method of repair on any Nissan vehicle, as these wheels were once subjected to the prohibited repairs referenced above. A reconditioned wheel, or any wheel not approved by Nissan, may cause unsafe vehicle operation and performance, including loss of control which may result in injuries to the vehicle occupants or other drivers. Following a collision situation, all four wheels should be thoroughly inspected for damage, especially the wheel(s) closest to the impact area of vehicle.”

Nissan is saying, in no uncertain terms, that it’s simply not worth the risk to your life to cut corners with the state of your wheels. 

If the wheels are damaged enough to warrant reconditioning, then they should just be replaced outright.  Heating, welding, reshaping, and any other methods of reconditioning could compromise the structural integrity of your wheels.  

Being the only parts of the car to actually make contact with the road, your wheels are essential to your safety and are worth investing in.  

 

Image of Nissan

 

 

What wheel repairs are approved by Nissan?

While wheel reconditioning is not approved of by Nissan, certain wheel repairs are permitted:

“Any repair of steel or aluminum wheels must be strictly limited to minor cosmetic sanding or polishing that removes ONLY the finish, not the metal.”

Basically, only superficial cosmetic adjustments are allowed, since they won’t jeopardize the integrity of the wheel structure. 

Minor sanding and polishing repairs do not involve the use of heat or reshaping that reconditioning would entail.  

 

Replace your wheel components with Genuine Nissan parts to preserve your warranty.

If your vehicle’s wheels require replacement, Nissan explains that you must use Genuine Nissan original equipment parts:

“Nissan North America’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, and Limited Warranty on replacement parts do not apply to any parts other than Genuine Nissan original equipment parts.  Nissan North America will not be responsible for any subsequent repair costs associated with a vehicle and/or part failure caused by the use of parts other than Genuine Nissan replacement parts.”

The use of aftermarket, used, or salvaged parts puts you almost at the same risk of problems as reconditioning the wheels would. 

Used and salvaged parts come with a questionable history, as it’s possible they’ve been compromised in a collision or through natural wear and tear. 

Aftermarket parts present another problem in that they are often not comprised of the highest quality materials and they are also not designed to fit the parameters of your specific make, model, and year of Nissan.  Therefore, Nissan will have to void your warranty if you choose to use anything other than OEM parts.  

 

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Not all shops follow these recommendations, but we do.

It’s disappointing, but some shops throw caution out the window and continue to practice wheel reconditioning, despite Nissan’s clear instructions to avoid it at all costs.  They can get away with this because no body shop is actually forced to adhere to a manufacturer’s Position Statement.  

At our shop, we strongly believe that there’s no reason to take a chance with your Nissan’s repair by going against the advice of the manufacturer. 

Reconditioned wheels can lead to very dangerous problems down the road.  We will always replace your Nissan’s wheels entirely if they’ve sustained damage.  You won’t have to worry about voiding your warranty or driving on unstable wheels when you bring your vehicle to us. 

We always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation to deliver the best possible repair to our customers. 

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Nissan Discourages the Use of Salvage or Recycled Parts—Why This Is Important for Your Repair

 

 

 

Nissan is concerned about the reliability of salvage and recycled parts in collision repair.

Nearly every car manufacturer releases “Position Statements” that instruct body shops in how to perform repairs on their vehicles to the highest standard.  While all body shops should have access to this vital information, not all shops take the time to read the statements and follow the directions expressed by the manufacturers. 

At our shop, we closely examine these statements, because we make it our mission to provide the best possible repair to our Nissan customers.

In a statement released by Nissan, they explain in detail why they do not recommend the use of salvage or recycled parts in repairs of their vehicles:

“Nissan North America recognizes the importance of recycling, but the use of salvage/recycled parts to repair collision-damaged vehicles raises serious concerns about quality, suitability, safety and warranty. For this reason, Nissan North America DOES NOT approve of the repair of our vehicles with salvage parts or assemblies.”

 

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Salvage and recycled parts come with a lot of risk.

Salvage and recycled parts can often have a questionable history.  They might have been involved in a previous collision or damaged during normal wear and tear.  They might have been in storage for a while or exposed to extreme temperature variations. 

Because of these factors and the questionable conditions that the parts might have been exposed to, it’s nearly impossible to predict their durability and structural integrity. 

Even the most minute disparities can lead to problems during assembly, as well as issues with the reliability of your repair.

 

Nissan makes a great point in their Position Statement:

“In cases where the donor vehicle was repaired due to a prior collision, recycled parts may not even be an original or genuine Nissan replacement part. At this time, there is no generally accepted process in place for the repair industry to regulate the quality or suitability of salvage/recycled parts.”

This is very important: there is no regulation of the quality of salvage and recycled parts.  Without any regulations in place, it’s impossible to determine whether these parts are suitable for collision repairs.

 

Why new OEM parts are the best:

It’s extremely important to use the best replacement parts for your Nissan when repairs are needed, and the best parts are always new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts.

According to Nissan:

“Nissan North America strongly believes that the interests of our owners and collision repairers are best served when Genuine Nissan replacement parts are used in the repair of our vehicles. We ask that the collision repair industry adhere to these guidelines going forward.”

The engineers at Nissan have rigorously designed, tested, and manufactured the parts for their specific vehicles.  They only trust the parts they have produced to meet the qualifications necessary for your specific make, model, and vehicle year. 

You’ll need new OEM parts if you want your vehicle to be as good as new after your collision repair. 

 

Your warranty is at stake.   

Another major reason to use OEM parts in your repair is that the parts you use affect your warranty.  According to Nissan:

“Nissan North America’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, and Limited Warranty on replacement parts do not apply to any parts other than Genuine Nissan original equipment parts.  Nissan North America will not be responsible for any subsequent repair costs associated with a vehicle and/or part failure caused by the use of parts other than Genuine Nissan replacement parts.”

You risk voiding your warranty by using recycled or salvage parts on your Nissan, which might cause you major financial headaches down the road.

 

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Not all shops follow these recommendations, but we do.

We take all manufacturers’ Position Statements very seriously at our shop, because we care about your safety AND your wallet. 

Despite the recommendation to use new OEM parts in repairs, some shops will continue to use salvage and recycled parts, even though this choice can jeopardize your vehicle and your safety.  It might shock you to learn that body shops are not forced to abide by the manufacturers’ guidelines.  

When you take your Nissan to us for repairs, we will use only new Nissan OEM replacement parts so that you don’t risk future problems with your car that could potentially lead to an accident. 

There is no guarantee that every shop will make the smartest and safest choice for your car, but rest assured, we always will.

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