There were over 5.9 million car accidents in the USA in 2022. Everything from a mild fender bender at a busy street corner to fatal accidents on packed highways. Any time your vehicle ends up in a collision center, you need to know the parts used meet the unique needs of your make, model, and brand.
Professional collision repair requires premium OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. Whenever you’re looking for the best body shops near me in Atlanta or nearby areas, you should get a transparent quote that provides all the proof you need for your peace of mind and that of your insurance company. If you want to protect your car’s value, safety, and performance – you need OEM parts.
What Are OEM Parts At A Body Shop?
It helps to better understand OEM parts and how they compare to what each auto body shop near me might use during repairs. OEM auto parts used in a collision body shop are considered the “original” components made by the exact same manufacturer of your vehicle. They are designed to ensure a good fit based on the automobile’s specifications.
The trick is not every collision body shop will use the same OEM parts. They could rely on something procured from a local Marietta scrapyard or a high-end aftermarket seller promising boosted performance. Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences:
- OEM Parts: Made by the original vehicle’s manufacturer or a third-party authorized supplier to ensure 100% match to other original components.
- Aftermarket Parts: Manufactured and produced by third-party companies at a lower cost that may or may not meet the fit of your vehicle based on a number of factors, but could boost performance.
- Used/Recycled Parts: Taken from salvaged vehicles and can be OEM or aftermarket, but may vary in wear and tear.
Deciding which is right for your auto collision repair usually comes down to cost, but thinking in the long term using OEM parts is the best way to ensure you get the most ROI on your repair.
Why Do OEM Parts Matter To Collision Repair?
Before you jump on your phone and search for a “car body shop near me” offering aftermarket parts, here are the top reasons OEM quality parts matter to your car’s function, safety, and performance.
Guaranteed Fit & Functionality
OEM parts must be built to the precise dimensions and specifications of your vehicle’s original design. There is no improvising or performance enhancement risks to make something “fit” as it should. A professional automotive body shop will always offer OEM parts because they bring the best results.
Maintains Your Vehicle’s Safety
Modern vehicles have a lot of unique systems. Everything from airbags to crumple zones and ADAS are calibrated using OEM specifications. Whenever you use aftermarket or recycled parts, you risk these systems not functioning as they need.
In addition, body shop repair should look at TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) and recalls so that any issues with OEM parts in your vehicle can be fixed appropriately.
Keeps The Vehicle Resale Value
An auto body paint shop boosts your car value before and after an accident, but OEM parts also ensure that structural integrity is maintained. Buyers, resellers, and dealers all know how to look for OEM parts when they read an accident report. Not having them present could reduce your resale value.
Ensure Warranty Protection
Plenty of Georgia vehicle warranties will not cover damage or malfunctions due to aftermarket parts. OEM parts are required for compliance, so you’re not stuck paying the bill on a warranty item. That’s a big deal if you need more repairs down the road because someone was on their phone instead of paying attention to the turning lane.
Fantastic Quality & Durability
OEM parts are built to last. Paint and body shops near me know OEM meets strict manufacturing standards, so steel is where steel belongs, aluminum is where it is needed, and modern technologies can maintain connections for your vehicle to function. You want the same precision engineering originally put into your car to ensure performance and safety standards.
Meets Lease & Liability Compliance
Around one-fifth of new vehicles in the USA are leased. If you get into an accident, that lease agreement is likely to require OEM parts for any repairs. Without that reassurance, you could face financial penalties and liability. At Atlanta Auto Collision in Smyrna, we take compliance incredibly seriously.
How To Know You’re Getting OEM Parts
The good news is that getting OEM parts doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Start by making sure you’re working with a certified auto body shop. They will have direct access to the OEM parts you need with top brands like Ford, Toyota, Honda, GM, and more.
Next, be sure to look closely at any repair estimate you receive from the body shop. That should list what materials, labor, and parts will be used – including if they are OEM, aftermarket, or refurbished. A good way to tell if an auto body shop near me is trustworthy is the transparency of their estimates.
It doesn’t hurt to call up your insurance company too. They will let you know if the auto collision repair is covered by your policy or at least meets the minimum standards they expect so you don’t risk the policy in the future.
Finally, ask for documentation when the collision body shop is done with the work. You should hang onto that report in a file at home when you need future work or want to resell or trade-in your vehicle.
Getting Quality OEM Parts for Your Body Shop Repair
Working with the cheapest parts available is not always the best solution. You run the risk of future safety issues, invalidated warranties, and being liable should something go wrong in an accident.
A better choice is to use OEM parts from a certified and professional team in Georgia. At Atlanta Auto Collision, we offer premium OEM parts that meet your unique vehicle’s make, model, trim, and brand. We work hard to ensure a precision fit so that when you get back behind the wheel, you can drive with confidence.
Don’t let an accident lower your vehicle’s value, safety, or performance. Contact our team in Smyrna today to get the collision repair you need.
