INFINITI Requires OEM Air Bag Components: How This Impacts Your Collision Repair

INFINITI says you shouldn’t take chances with the condition of your air bags.

Most car manufacturers issue “OEM Position Statements” to car repair shops that outline their expectations of how repairs should be performed. INFINITI has issued a statement about the air bags in their vehicles and how only new OEM parts should be used during repairs, instead of salvaged or used air bag components.

In their Position Statement, INFINITI explains the following:

“The installation and use of a salvaged or used Supplemental Restraint System component in an INFINITI vehicle may compromise the intended performance of the vehicle’s air bag system, as there is no certainty of the history, quality, condition, compatibility, environmental or other degradation prior to salvage of a recycled or used air bag system component.”

What INFINITI is saying is that they can only vouch for the air bag components that their engineers have designed, tested, and manufactured. Original Equipment Manufacturer parts are made of the highest quality materials, designed to fit that specific manufacturer’s vehicles.

While you might be able to find salvaged or used OEM air bag components to use on your INFINITI, those parts might already be compromised. For instance, the vehicles they came from might have been in a collision previously. No matter what the vehicle’s history is, if the parts aren’t new, their integrity is automatically questionable.

Don’t take a chance with your life.

When it comes to the parts of the car that are designed to save a life in the event of a collision, brand new OEM parts are more important than ever. The last thing you want is for your air bag to fail in the event of a collision. The use of used or salvaged parts can put you at risk of this happening.

What about pre- and post-repair scans?

Here’s what INFINITI says about pre- and post-repair scans:

“When repairing an INFINITI Supplemental Restraint System, INFINITI strongly encourages pre- repair system scans where appropriate, and requires post-repair system scans to ensure internal trouble codes are addressed.”

It is generally a standard procedure to scan a vehicle for trouble codes prior to a repair and it is equally important to scan for trouble codes after a repair is completed. This allows a technician to determine whether the repairs have been conducted properly.

Don’t forget about your warranty.

Using any other parts besides new OEM parts on your INFINITI can void your warranty:

“INFINITI’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, and Limited Warranty on replacement parts do not apply to any parts other than genuine original equipment parts. INFINITI 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 replacement parts.”

Because they can’t vouch for the integrity of used or salvaged parts, INFINITI will void your warranty if you choose to use anything other than new OEM air bag components.

Not all shops pay attention to these guidelines, but we do.

Unfortunately, some shops choose to cut corners and use salvaged air bag components, in spite of the recommendations clearly expressed in the INFINITI Position Statement to use ONLY new OEM components. They can get away with this because they are not required to do as INFINITI suggests, even though it can be detrimental to the customer to ignore the manufacturer’s guidelines.

When you bring your car to us, you can rest assured that we will adhere to the position statement in using only new OEM air bag components and performing both pre- and post-repair scans. We do this because we care about the integrity of our work, of course.

More importantly, we care about the safety and wellbeing of our customers.

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Why You Should Care That INFINITI Doesn’t Approve of Reconditioned Wheels

Wheel reconditioning is a dangerous and risky practice of collision repair.

INFINITI 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, INFINITI 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 INFINITI vehicle, as these wheels were once subjected to the prohibited repairs referenced above. A reconditioned wheel, or any wheel not approved by INFINITI, 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.”

INFINITI 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.

What wheel repairs are approved by INFINITI?

While wheel reconditioning is not approved of by INFINITI, 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 INFINITI parts to preserve your warranty.

If your vehicle’s wheels require replacement, INFINITI explains that you must use Genuine INFINITI original equipment 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 INFINITI. Therefore, INFINITI will have to void your warranty if you choose to use anything other than OEM parts.

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

INFINITI wants you to have the best replacement parts for your 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 INFINITI customers.

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

“INFINITI 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, INFINITI does not approve of the repair of our vehicles with salvage parts or assemblies.”

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.

INFINITI 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 INFINITI 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 INFINITI when repairs are needed, and the best parts are always new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts.

According to INFINITI:

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

The engineers at INFINITI 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 INFINITI:

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

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 INFINITI to us for repairs, we will use only new INFINITI 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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Why Mercedes-Benz Does Not Approve of Wheel Reconditioning and How This Affects You

Reconditioning could compromise the structural integrity of your Mercedes’ 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.

Nearly every car manufacturer releases Position Statements explaining what methods of auto body repair they do or do not recommend. While some shops disregard these statements, we take a fine-tooth comb to the information they provide so that we can provide the best possible repair for every vehicle that comes through our doors.

When it comes to wheel reconditioning, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) has issued a Position Statement explaining why they do not accept wheel reconditioning in any vehicle repairs. Here’s what they say:

“Reconditioning of damaged wheels typically involves a process that may include heating, straightening, welding, material removal, reshaping, or replating. This process can cause deficiencies in the strength of the wheel material. A reconditioned wheel and rims do not meet the production specifications for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and are not an acceptable method of repair.”

The problem with reconditioning methods, such as heating, welding, and reshaping, is that these techniques could compromise the structural integrity of your wheels. If a wheel is damaged enough to warrant reconditioning, then it should just be replaced outright.

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 the proper time and energy into. It is simply not worth the risk to your life to take chances with the condition of your vehicle’s wheels.

What wheel repairs are approved for your Mercedes-Benz?

Even though wheel reconditioning is not approved of by MBUSA, certain cosmetic wheel repairs are permitted:

“MBUSA approves only wheel repairs that are limited to surface sanding and cosmetic refinishing processes that remove and replace paint coatings only. Any wheel located near any 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.

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 MBUSA’s adamant recommendation to avoid this practice 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 Mercedes-Benz’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 Mercedes-Benz’s wheels entirely if they’ve sustained significant damage or we will follow proper refinishing methods if the damage is cosmetic.

You won’t have to worry about driving on unstable wheels when you bring your vehicle to us. We always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations in order to deliver the safest possible repair to our customers.

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GM Says It’s Dangerous to Use Salvage Structural Parts on Your Cadillac—Here’s Why They’re Right

Salvage parts threaten the overall structural integrity of your Cadillac.

When you take your Cadillac to a body shop for collision repair, of course you’re going to 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.

Just about every manufacturer provides “Position Statements” that explain how to repair their types of vehicles properly. Some shops toss this advice out the window, but we believe it’s imperative to study the information carefully and follow the recommendations as expressed by the manufacturer.

GM has issued a Position Statement about the reuse of salvage structural parts on their Cadillacs and here’s what they say:

“General Motors does not approve of or support structural repair procedures where Genuine GM Parts are not used for Buick, Cadillac, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles. Any repairs performed not using Genuine GM Parts may expose current or future vehicle owners and occupants to unnecessary risk.”

Essentially, they are explaining that it would be detrimental to your safety if salvage structural parts are used in a repair.

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.

You might already be aware that GM disapproves of salvage parts in general for your vehicle, but it’s specifically 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.

According to GM, “Structural parts are critical elements in the design of specific crush zones that allow the energy of a collision to be absorbed in a predictable way and maximize the effectiveness of the restraint system to protect the occupants. The use of parts not specifically designed and tested by General Motors may compromise the integral balance between these safety systems.”

Here’s the problem with salvage structural parts.

The biggest problem with salvage parts is that it’s impossible to know the quality of their condition by the time they get 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.

Keep in mind that 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.

The best replacement structural parts for your Cadillac are Genuine GM Parts.

General Motors explains in their Position Statement that the only parts you should ever use on your Cadillac are new OEM parts:

“Only authentic Genuine GM Parts are designed, engineered, manufactured and tested to the General Motors internal and government mandated standards and are the only ones equivalent to the original equipment installed on the vehicle.”

Unlike salvage parts, new Original Equipment Manufacturer parts have never been used, never been exposed to the elements, never been rendered defective by improper disassembly. New structural parts are made to function optimally on your vehicle, increasing your car’s performance and your personal safety.

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

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 GM’s recommendation of using new replacement structural parts, instead of taking chances with salvage components. It is our mission to do what’s best for your vehicle’s performance and for your safety.

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Why GM Discourages Reconditioned Wheels and What That Means for Your Cadillac Repair

GM warns that wheel reconditioning is a dangerous practice in collision repair.

In the case of wheel reconditioning, GM has issued a Position Statement clearly discouraging this practice in any Cadillac repairs. 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.

Here’s what they say:

“GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening or re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel’s coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer’s responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished.”

Why does GM approve of wheel refinishing?

While wheel reconditioning is not approved of by GM, certain cosmetic repairs are fine. It’s important that the wheels are carefully inspected first for any cracks, gouges, or bending.

GM says:

“A refinisher’s responsibility includes inspecting for cracks using the Zyglo system or the equivalent. Any cracked wheels must not be refinished. No welding, hammering or reforming of any kind is allowed. The wheel ID must be recorded and follow the wheel throughout the process in order to assure that the same wheel is returned. Material removal, though, must be kept to a minimum. Re-machining of the wheel is not allowed. Paint and/or clear coat must not be present on the following surfaces: the nut chambers, the wheel mounting surfaces and the wheel pilot hole. The refinisher must permanently ID stamp the wheel and warrant the painted/clear-coated surfaces for a minimum of one year or the remainder of the new vehicle warranty, whichever is longer.”

As you can see, GM provides very clear instructions for the procedures we must follow while inspecting and refinishing your Cadillac’s wheels. If the damage is something that can easily be sanded or painted, then refinishing is acceptable. If the damage is more than superficial, then the wheels must be replaced.

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.

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 GM’s adamant recommendation to avoid this practice 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 Cadillac’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 Cadillac’s wheels entirely if they’ve sustained significant damage or we will follow proper refinishing methods if the damage is cosmetic.

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Why It’s Essential That GM Recommends Pre- and Post-Repair Scans for Your Cadillac

GM wants to ensure that your collision repair is done thoroughly.

If your Cadillac has been in a collision, there are very specific steps that an auto body shop needs to take in order to optimize your vehicle’s repairs. One of the smartest things that a shop can do is to review the manufacturer’s Position Statement regarding the type of repair needed. While every shop has access to this communication from each manufacturer, not every shop abides by the recommendations provided. At our shop, however, we take this information very seriously, since we want to give you a safe and reliable repair.

In the case of your Cadillac, GM has issued a statement explaining why they strongly recommend pre- and post-repair scans in the event of a collision. If you are not familiar with these procedures and why they are important, keep reading for our explanation of the key points expressed in GM’s Position Statement.

Scans can provide shops with crucial diagnostic information.

Prior to conducting any repairs, we take the time to run a scan tool in order to uncover any damage to the vehicle’s internal systems. The scan tool will provide diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that tell us exactly which systems are having issues. When armed with this crucial information, we are better equipped to get to the source of any malfunctions.

Of course it makes sense that a shop would need to scan a vehicle to diagnose and repair damage after a collision, but it’s equally important for us to scan a vehicle AGAIN after we have made repairs. Why? Here’s what GM says about it:

“Even minor body damage or glass replacement may result in damage to one or more safety-related systems on the vehicle. Any action that results in loss of battery-supplied voltage and disconnection of electrical circuits requires that the vehicle is subsequently tested to ensure proper electrical function. Many safety and security-related components, sensors and Electronic Control Units (ECUs) require calibration and/or learns when replaced. These systems must be repaired according to the corresponding GM repair procedures in Service Information (GMSi).”

What GM means is that any collision repair can impact the electronic systems within a vehicle—even when those systems are not the specific items needing repairs.

As cars have become more sophisticated and technologically advanced, they are now equipped with more wires and sensors that can easily be disrupted when certain areas of the car are being addressed by an auto body technician. Repairing a dashboard or replacing glass could potentially lead to a disruption of the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), for instance. All parts of your Cadillac are designed to work together. When one part is impaired, this can affect a slew of functions within your car’s systems.

Another issue that can happen after a repair is that a system might need to be recalibrated. Cameras and sensors, for example, require very specific positions in order to function as needed. After a repair, it’s imperative to ensure that every part is calibrated to the precise measurement.

One of the best ways for us to ensure that a repair was done properly is to run a scan tool afterwards to ensure no diagnostic codes appear. This will let us know if all systems are functioning as they should.

The best way to scan for DTCs is with a factory scan tool.

Every car manufacturer has its own unique scan tool that can identify codes applicable to its own vehicles. General Motors is no different and recommends that shops use its scan tool (MDI or a J2534 device) and its own diagnostic software (GDS2 or Tech2/Tech2Win). Using any other scan tool or software can cause less accuracy in diagnoses.

The utmost safety and quality performance of your Cadillac are the reasons why our shop goes above and beyond with every repair.

If a shop makes the choice to skip the crucial steps of pre- and post-repair scans, they are risking the safety and overall performance of your Cadillac. It might be hard to believe, but some shops try to shave off repair time by avoiding these necessary procedures. At a minimum, this might lead to minor inconsistencies in your vehicle’s performance. At worst, however, this could lead to catastrophe. If your collision detection sensors aren’t calibrated properly or your cruise control is defective due to wiring issues, for instance, you could end up in an accident.

We don’t think it’s worth the risk to you or to your car to ignore the manufacturer’s recommendations. At our shop, we make pre- and post-repair scans a priority.

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Why Subaru Does Not Approve of Wheel Reconditioning and Why That’s Critical for Your Repair

Wheel reconditioning in collision repair can lead to a whole host of problems.

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

“Subaru does not approve of wheel reconditioning. Collision-damaged wheels should be extensively examined to determine if the wheel should be replaced. Any wheel refinishing or wheel conditioning may not meet Subaru specifications and may cause unsafe vehicle performance, which could result in passenger injury or death.”

Reconditioned wheels will void your warranty.

Another major reason to avoiding wheel reconditioning is that it can void your warranty:

“Subaru will only warrant an undamaged original wheel or a new replacement wheel.”

The practice of wheel reconditioning is so problematic that Subaru won’t even warrant wheels that have been repaired with this method. Not only is wheel reconditioning dangerous to your vehicle and yourself—it’s dangerous to your wallet, as well.

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 Subaru’s adamant recommendation to avoid this practice 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 Subaru’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 Subaru’s wheels entirely if they’ve sustained significant damage.

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Subaru Recommends Only Using OEM Parts on Structural Repairs—Here’s Why You Should Care

Subaru wants you to have the highest-quality repair and that means using the best replacement parts.

If you’re in a collision and need to take your Subaru 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 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. Unfortunately, some body shops toss this useful advice out the window. Unlike those shops, we believe it’s imperative to study the information carefully and follow the recommendations as expressed by the manufacturer.

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

“Subaru does not support the use of aftermarket, alternative, or reverse-engineered components, or anything other than Subaru Genuine Parts for the collision repair of any Subaru vehicle. Additionally, Subaru does not support the use of parts that have been removed, salvaged or recycled from an existing vehicle. The use of non-OEM components that may not be manufactured to Subaru specifications or tolerances, or the use of alternative structural repair procedures, could compromise occupant safety in a subsequent collision.”

Essentially, they are explaining that it would be detrimental to your safety if anything besides OEM structural parts are used in a repair.

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 Subaru Genuine 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 Subaru. 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 get 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 Subaru Genuine Parts in your repair.

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

“Compromising any element of a collision energy absorption system or an occupant supplemental restraint system in the repair of a collision-damaged vehicle may have an adverse effect on occupant safety in any subsequent 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.

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

At our shop, we genuinely care about every repair we do. Because of this, we make sure to follow Subaru’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.

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Why Nissan Says You Should Not Use Aftermarket Parts in Collision Repair and Why That Matters to You

Nissan wants you to use the highest quality replacement parts in your repair.

When you take your Nissan in for repairs, it is essential that you use dedicated Nissan OEM replacement parts in order to guarantee the best possible outcome for your vehicle.

Nearly every car manufacturer releases “OEM Position Statements” that instruct body shops in how to perform repairs to the highest standard. The engineers at Nissan have released a statement saying that the use of aftermarket, gray market, and imitation parts can compromise the integrity of your repair.

Here is what Nissan states about using OEM parts:

“Genuine Nissan replacement parts are developed to deliver the same fit, function, safety, and structural integrity as when the vehicle was originally built. Parts of the vehicle are designed to work together as a system, and we do not know whether or how integrating aftermarket parts into these systems will impact crash performance.”

Basically, what they are saying is that you might be putting your safety in jeopardy if your repair does not include ONLY the use of OEM parts.

Why OEM parts are the best:

The engineers at Nissan have designed, tested, and manufactured the replacement parts for their specific vehicles. Aftermarket and other non-OEM parts are more generic, meaning they are intended for broader use. Because they are more generic, aftermarket parts are not guaranteed to fit and function precisely for Nissans. They might not be made of the highest quality materials, so they are likely to break more quickly. Their dimensions might be slightly off, so they might not fit properly where they are supposed to.

And if you decide to mix and match OEM parts with aftermarket parts, this can cause the whole car’s system to function improperly. One problem dominoes into another problem, leading to a whole lot of issues in the future.

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 non-OEM parts on your Nissan, which might cause you major financial headaches down the road.

We take these guidelines seriously at our shop.

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 OEM parts in repairs, some shops will continue to use aftermarket parts, even though this choice can jeopardize your vehicle and void your warranty. 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 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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