Why You Should Care That Ford Rejects Wheel Reconditioning in Collision Repair

 

 

 

 

 

Wheel reconditioning is a very dangerous practice.

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

“Ford Motor Company does not approve the remanufacturing/refinishing of steel or aluminum wheels when it involves re-machining, re-plating, welding, bending, straightening, reforming or adding new material other than cosmetic coatings, as this can compromise the structural integrity of the wheel and safety of the vehicle.  A reconditioned wheel, or any wheel not approved by Ford Motor Company, may cause unsafe vehicle operation and performance, including loss of control which may result in injuries to the vehicle occupants or other drivers.”

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

In its position statement, the company provides an extensive list of types of wheel damage to inspect for and these include cracks, corrosion, gouges, and other issues that are beyond superficial marks.  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 Ford

 

What wheel repairs are approved by Ford?

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

“Ford Motor Company approves refinishing of steel or aluminum wheels only if all necessary repairs/reconditioning can be completed by cosmetic sanding or polishing that removes no metal and, instead, removes only the finish.”

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.  

 

Don’t risk voiding your warranty.

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

“Ford Motor Company does not warrant any remanufactured/refinished wheels.”

The practice of wheel reconditioning is so problematic that Ford 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.

 

Image of Ford

  

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 Ford’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 Ford’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 Ford’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. 

Cadillac Says You Should Not Use Salvage or Recycled Parts in Collision Repair—Here’s Why That Matters

Salvage and recycled parts can’t compare to OEM 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 Cadillac customers.

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

“General Motors does not support the use of salvage or recycled parts due to the sensitive nature of the safety and performance of General Motors vehicles. Salvage or recycled parts are defined as parts removed from a previously damaged vehicle and then re-installed on a different vehicle.”

 

Image of Cadillac

 

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.

GM specify the following in their Position Statement:

“The use of non-OEM structural components may compromise the overall crashworthiness and occupant safety of General Motors vehicles in a subsequent collision.”

They are saying that, above all, salvage and recycled parts can pose a risk to your safety due to their unpredictable nature.

 

Why new OEM parts are the best:

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

According to GM:

“Genuine GM Parts are designed and constructed using metals with specific properties, thicknesses and stamping features built to perform in a consistent and predictable way during a collision event.  GM recommends the use of Genuine GM Parts in repairs to help ensure the vehicle is returned to pre-collision condition.”

The engineers at GM 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. 

 

Image of Cadillac

 

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 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 Cadillac to us for repairs, we will use only new Cadillac 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.

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

 

Pre- and post-repair scans are necessary for getting your Chevrolet repair right.

If your Chevy 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 Chevrolet, 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.

 

Image of Chevrolet

 

 

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 Chevy 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.

 

Image of Chevrolet

 

 

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 Chevy 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 Chevrolet. 

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.

Here's Why INFINITI Says You Should Not Use Aftermarket Parts in Collision Repair

New OEM parts are crucial in the repair of your INFINITI.

When you take your INFINITI in for repairs, it is essential that you use dedicated INFINITI 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 INFINITI 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 INFINITI states about using OEM parts:

“Genuine OEM 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.  

 

 

Image of Infiniti

 

Why OEM parts are the best:

The engineers at INFINITI 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 INFINITIs. 

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 INFINITI:

“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.”

You risk voiding your warranty by using non-OEM parts on your INFINITI, which might cause you major financial headaches down the road.

 

Image of Infiniti

 

 

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 INFINITI to us for repairs, we will use only 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.

Why Volvo Only Permits OEM Parts and How That Matters for Your Repair

 

 

OEM parts are the best replacement parts for your Volvo’s collision repair.

Volvo has issued a robust position statement explaining which parts it does and does not approve of in its vehicles’ repairs. 

As a whole, Volvo does not approve of any parts other than Original Equipment Manufacturer parts.  That means no aftermarket parts, reconditioned parts, or salvaged parts are acceptable for your Volvo’s repairs.

Original Equipment Manufacturer parts have been designed specifically by Volvo to fit like a glove in its vehicles.  The parts are also made of the highest quality materials and built to complement every other part of your vehicle’s system. 

This means that OEM parts provide your Volvo with optimal safety and structural integrity, and they function well together as a whole.

 

Image of Volvo

 

The problem with aftermarket parts:

Aftermarket parts are designed to be more generic, since they are intended for use in a wide variety of vehicles.  However, because they are so generic, they are not made to Volvo’s exact specifications.  According to Volvo:

“Aftermarket parts (like bumpers, shocks, reinforcements, headlights, supports, fenders, hoods, suspension and unibody components) may interfere with the functionality of vehicle crumple zones, Supplemental Restraint Systems and drivetrain. It is also undetermined whether or not the aftermarket parts being installed meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Use of aftermarket parts can affect vehicle warranty, if the parts cause failures to other systems directly or indirectly.”

Reconditioned parts are also unacceptable.

The biggest issue with reconditioned parts is their history is questionable. 

It is difficult to determine what kinds of damage they have sustained and how reliable their condition is after reconditioning.  Volvo has this to say about reconditioned parts:

“Genuine Volvo parts have been optimized for safety, structural integrity and fit. Reconditioned parts are not subjected to the same testing and requirements and may not be reconditioned/remanufactured to the same standards. Thus, aftermarket parts may compromise the vehicle’s performance and safety, placing passengers at risk. Reconditioned Parts are also not traceable should a recall occur in the future.”

Like Kind Quality parts are problematic, as well.

As with reconditioned parts, it is difficult to determine the history of LKQ, salvaged, or recycled parts.  They might have been subjected to damage in a collision, extreme weather conditions, or even through general wear and tear.  

Proper adhesives and hardware are important, too.

As with all other vehicle components, Volvo requires that specific Volvo Car adhesives be used in repairs.  Volvo also requires that all damaged hardware be replaced with Genuine Volvo Car replacement parts. 

As with all other non-OEM parts, non-OEM hardware is not subjected to the same standards that Volvo upholds for its own parts.

 

Image of Volvo

 

The quality of your repair matters to us.

Even though Volvo has provided a detailed statement explaining that only Genuine Volvo parts are acceptable in the repairs of its vehicles, you might be surprised to discover how many body shops choose to ignore this recommendation. 

Because no one is actually forcing shops to follow a manufacturer’s guidelines, some shops will choose to cut corners and use whatever parts they can get ahold of.    

We take every repair very seriously at our shop and promise to deliver the best possible result.  We do this by adhering to the guidelines set by the manufacturer and using only genuine OEM parts. 

We believe this is the only way to ensure your Volvo’s structural integrity, performance, and safety.  

Buick Only Approves New Genuine GM Parts for Use with ADAS: Here’s Why That’s Important

 

 

 

Buick wants to protect your Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.

When you take your Buick 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 Buick 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.  

 

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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 Buick’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.”

 

Image of front bumper damage

 

As you can see, GM has specified that only very superficial cosmetic procedures are permitted in repairing your Buick’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. 

 

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

Why Buick Recommends Only New GM Air Bag Components and Why That’s Important to You

 

 

Auto manufacturers provide crucial information about collision repair in their position statements.

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 Buick and need to have your air bag system replaced, it is crucial to follow the guidelines set forth by GM.

 

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.”

 

Image of deployed air bag

 

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 Buick 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 deployed 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 Buick.

Why Acura Rejects Wheel Reconditioning in Collision Repair and Why You Should Care

 

 

Wheel reconditioning is very dangerous in collision repair.

Acura 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, Acura has issued a Position Statement explaining that they do not accept wheel reconditioning in any vehicle repairs.  Here’s what they say:

“American Honda Motor Co, Inc. does not approve of any repair of steel or aluminum wheels that involves welding, bending hammering, straightening, re-machining, reforming, or adding new material.”

The reason why Acura and its parent company American Honda Motor Co, Inc. do not approve of wheel reconditioning is that it’s simply not worth the risk to your life to take chances with the state of your wheels. 

 

Image of car wheel

 

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 Acura?

While wheel reconditioning is not approved of by Acura, some light refinishing is permitted:

“Any repair of steel or aluminum wheels must be strictly limited to minor cosmetic sanding or polishing that removes just the finish.”

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.  

 

Reconditioned wheels will void your warranty.

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

“American Honda will not warrant any wheel other than an undamaged original or a new replacement part.”

The practice of wheel reconditioning is so problematic that Acura 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 Acura’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 Acura’s repair by going against the advice of the manufacturer. 

 

Car Wheel

 

Reconditioned wheels can lead to very dangerous problems down the road.  We will always replace your Acura’s wheels entirely if they’ve sustained significant 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 recommendations in order to deliver the safest possible repair to our customers. 

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

 

 

We always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for collision repairs.

 

If you’re in a collision and need to take your Acura 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, Acura has released a Position Statement recommending that only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts be used on their vehicles:

“American Honda does not support the use of aftermarket, alternative, reverse-engineered, or anything other than original equipment Honda or Acura parts for the collision repair of any Honda or Acura vehicle.  Further, American Honda does not support the use or re-use of structural components that have been removed and salvaged or recycled from an existing vehicle that has been previously damaged.”

 

Image of Acura

 

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

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

“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.”

 

Car crash from improper auto body repair

 

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 Acura’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 Acura’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.

  

More Insurers Using Photo Estimates In 2020 And Why That May Be Bad For You

 

If you’ve just been in an accident, you may have been asked by your insurance company to submit a photo estimate. In order to do so, you may have had to download an app built by your insurance company, or you may have submitted photos online.

 

What happens next is some sci-fi technology analyzes the damage and writes an estimate, and it may even cut you a check immediately. Sounds convenient doesn’t it?

 

The trend towards photo damage estimates had been growing before Covid 19 brought massive changes to just about every aspect of our lives.  Collision repair industry estimating system company, CCC, has recently reported the insurers recently hit their 3 millionth photo estimated since 2019.

 

Body shops use CCC to write all estimates (it’s a universal platform) and because they have access to all this data, they publish trends articles in the industry.

 

CCC reported that the percentage of claims processed through their Quick Estimate, the company’s mobile photo estimating solution, has more than doubled from January to April of 2020 as carriers are accelerating use and adoption of digital tools in response to COVID-19.

 

Is this push for photo estimating good news for you, our customer?

 

It might not be. It is widely held by auto body shops that it is not possible to accurately estimate the total cost to repair a vehicle until it is torn down, and the photo systems cannot possibly see hidden damages.

 

Insurance companies want to move in this direction because it cuts their labor down.  It also cuts down on claims pay outs as many customers with small repairs are likely to just keep the check and live with the damage even though they could be entitled to much more if they would just get a proper estimate and a proper repair.

 

A proper estimate requires full teardown of the damaged areas to see what is behind. Photo estimates cannot detect kinks in frames. They cannot measure and check for frame or unibody straightness and they cannot measure critical components like steering columns that shops need to measure to accurately assess damages.

 

You could get a photo estimate, go to some cheap shop where they do not follow all the OEM procedures and end up driving an unsafe vehicle with hidden and unfixed damage

 

However, photo estimates and other AI systems are part of the future.

sun shining through auto repair shop

 

What do the Insurers say about photo estimating accuracy?

 

USAA auto claims Vice President Anne Warner said they have learned to allow progress over perfection even though the insurance industry tends to want to be “100 percent sure”.

 

Liberty Mutual claims general manager and U.S. retail markets Vice President Dean Peasley said the conditions imposed by the COVID-19 response showed that Insurance companies really can change more aggressively than expected.

 

He called it amazing how much Liberty Mutual changed in the few months before the May 26 webinar and estimated advancements had been pulled forward “several years.”

 

We will how things shape up when Covid 19 ends.