Earlier in 2015, Senator Richard Blumenthal requested the Department of Justice investigate insurance companies’ practices regarding preferred body shops. A report from CNN shows that many carriers lead policyholders to body shops, where re-used and aftermarket parts are installed in place of quality original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. Blumenthal believes that this practice pressures consumers and, in turn, puts unsafe vehicles on the road.
What’s the difference between aftermarket and OEM parts? On a very general level, OEM parts are directly made by your car’s manufacturer and are designed to specifically fit in with your system. They are usually pricier, but you’re paying for quality and consistency. Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, come from a third-party manufacturer. While quality aftermarket parts are out there, the construction and durability greatly vary; consumers, as a result, don’t know what they’re getting when going to a body shop.
Why OEM?
OEM parts are harder to come by; often, you have to go to the dealer when getting your vehicle repaired. Yet, auto body shops use them, for the fact that they work exactly like the one you’re replacing.
For drivers, too, OEM parts have multiple benefits:
- Parts are backed by a warranty of at least one year.
- They’re essential for collision repairs, as aftermarket parts aren’t always an exact fit and might not have proper crumple zones.
These aspects make aftermarket parts somewhat of a gamble. While many auto body shops stress they’re using quality parts, anything aftermarket:
- Is usually cheaper.
- Isn’t guaranteed to perform as well as your existing part.
- Might be made out of a lower-grade material.
- Likely won’t be covered by a warranty.
- Doesn’t always fit exactly into your vehicle.
Yet, while 80 percent of independent body shops use aftermarket parts, others like DaSilva understand the importance of consistent repairs and safe vehicles. When you’re looking for work after a collision, expect professional work and OEM parts from our team.
Have you just recently been in an accident? Does your vehicle need regularly scheduled maintenance? Contact our Naugatuck location to make an appointment.
