Category: Collision Repair

You may have heard the term OEM in relation to cars or auto parts. In this article, we will give you an overview of the concept so that it will never confuse you again. The first thing you need to know is that OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer. As you will see, the name is self-explanatory.

All auto parts fall into one of two categories: OEM or aftermarket. OEM parts are original parts that are identical to those used at car factories. These parts are made by the same company that made your car, and that is a very good thing indeed. Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are made by a variety of different companies and may contain features that the manufacturer never intended.

Why Would You Buy OEM Parts?

There are quite a few reasons to choose OEM parts over their aftermarket equivalents. First of all, we should start with the biggest reason. The use of aftermarket parts will often void your car’s warranty! You should check your warranty to be sure, but most vehicle warranties will become void if you use anything other than OEM parts.

From the company’s perspective, this makes a lot of sense. They are willing to guarantee their work, but they are not willing to guarantee anyone else’s work. Some warranties will not be voided by the use of aftermarket parts, but even these will surely specify that aftermarket parts are not covered by the warranty.

Some people also choose OEM parts to maintain their car’s value. This is an especially large concern when it comes to antique cars, show cars, and other vehicles that need to be kept in pristine condition. As soon as you start putting aftermarket parts on a collectible car, you will surely be reducing its value and appeal.

There is also a practical reason to choose OEM parts. When you stick with original parts, you can be sure that no compatibility issues will arise. Aftermarket parts are often made for a specific make and model, but there is some variation within different models. For instance, let’s say you own a Honda Accord (random example). There are five different variations on the Accord, and some aftermarket manufacturers may not take this into account.

When you buy an OEM part, you are also likely to get a more durable part. These parts are subjected to a lot more quality control, partly because the company knows they will be covered by the warranty. Thus, the company stands to lose a lot of money if they ship a bunch of defective parts. An aftermarket company, on the other hand, has less reason to care about quality.

Why Would You Buy Aftermarket Parts?

In many ways, aftermarket parts are inferior. They don’t tend to be as durable, they aren’t covered under standard vehicle warranties, and they can sometimes suffer from compatibility issues. That being said, aftermarket parts do offer one big advantage: They are cheap. In many cases, you can get an aftermarket part for half the price of its OEM equivalent. For those who are short on money, these parts might be the only option.

Aftermarket parts will also offer a greater variety than OEM parts. If you really want to customize your vehicle in a unique way, aftermarket parts will be a necessity. For instance, let’s say you want to put 1950’s-style tailfins on a newer Cadillac. While you can certainly do this, you aren’t going to get OEM tailfins for that kind of car. You’ll have to look for aftermarket parts or have them custom-made.

You might also choose aftermarket parts if your vehicle has a generous warranty. While no company will cover the work of another company, you might at least avoid voiding the warranty. This is why you should always read your warranty agreements carefully. If you can get a good enough deal, you can save a lot of money by using aftermarket replacements for less-important parts.

Aftermarket parts are also more readily available than OEM parts. While OEM parts must normally be ordered from a licensed dealer (or the auto company itself), aftermarket parts are cheap and plentiful within every auto parts store in the nation. Shipping delays can make OEM parts an inconvenient choice, especially when the part is coming from overseas.

Common Questions

Here are a couple of the more common questions that we receive on this subject.

Are OEM parts always better than aftermarket parts?

Usually, but not always. It would be more accurate to say that an aftermarket part is a roll of the dice. You might get something that is better than the original in some way, or you might get a piece of overpriced junk. It’s kind of a gamble, but you can lessen this gamble by checking plenty of product reviews.

Are OEM parts always made by car manufacturers?

Usually, but not always. While it is best to get your OEM parts straight from the auto company, they will often outsource their parts production to other companies. Still, they will have been made to the same standards as the original part.

Conclusion

As you have probably noticed, this whole thing is very simple. Just remember that the O stands for original, and you should have no trouble at all. Overall, OEM parts are superior to aftermarket parts, but their higher cost might be out of reach for some. In the end, it’s a question of cost versus quality.

When your vehicle is down, you can’t afford to waste time. Thus, you should go with the cost-efficient option. Still, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to switch that cheap aftermarket part with an OEM equivalent somewhere down the line. If you have enjoyed this article and found it to be helpful, we ask that you fill out the contact form below so that we can bring you more of the same.

In New Jersey, most people have to take their vehicles in for repairs from time to time. The Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act is the name of several different bills that have been proposed by Congress and some state legislatures. This law would require car manufacturers to provide the same type of information to repair shops that they do to car dealerships.

Many independent automotive repair shops, such as Elmer’s Auto Body, have supported the various versions of the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act. Many dealerships and manufacturers have opposed this bill. At the federal level, this bill was first introduced in 2001. However, it was not adopted by any state or the federal government until 2012 when Massachusetts enacted its Right to Repair law. Massachusetts’s law came about after a binding ballot initiative passed with 86% support of the voters. In 2014, several groups, including the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, the Association for Global Automakers, and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, signed an agreement based on the law in Massachusetts that the manufacturers would follow the provisions of the law of Massachusetts in all of the states. This change would allow independent repair shops to have access to the same information that dealerships do so that consumers have a greater ability to take their vehicles for repairs where they want instead of being limited to dealerships.

Background of the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act

In 1990, amendments to the Clean Air Act mandated that all vehicles built after 1994 would include computer systems to monitor the vehicles’ emissions. Car manufacturers were also required to give independent repair shops the same types of emissions repair information as they gave to franchised new car dealers. California passed its law that required that the same types of emissions information and service tools would be provided to independent repair shops and to keep websites with the service information on a subscription basis.

Later, on-board computers advanced to the extent that they now control all of the vital systems of cars. These changes meant that automotive repair became highly technical and required the use of computer diagnostic tools.

State legislation

In 2012, Massachusetts passed the Right to Repair Initiative with 86% support by the voters. The first proposed bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives in 2001.

New Jersey is one of the states that have had similar bills introduced. In 2006, it was introduced in the State Assembly and passed overwhelmingly. However, the bill did not pass the state Senate before it adjourned. Similar bills have been introduced in many other states.

Opposition to the Right to Repair bills

Multiple groups that represent the repair industry support the Right to Repair bills at both the state and federal levels. Initially, vehicle manufacturers opposed the law based on the National Automotive Service Task Force or NASTF, claiming that the proposed bills were unnecessary.

The NASTF set up a website in 2001 to guide technicians on how to obtain service information and specialized service tools. During that same year, the manufacturers said that they were committed to fixing all gaps by the beginning of 2003. The major associations of manufacturers announced that they had reached an agreement to provide independent shops the same training and service information as they offered to dealerships. However, two major manufacturers’ associations were not a part of that agreement. Instead, they said that they were not required to follow the agreement because there wasn’t any law that made them do so.

In 2005, Consumer Reports published an article that said that consumers would be helped by the passage of a federal Right to Repair Act because it would allow independent service shops to compete with dealerships. In a 2005 survey, 59% of people who responded said that they had trouble getting information about how to repair their vehicles or to obtain the tools that they needed. Out of the respondents, 67% said that they had to send their vehicles back to the dealerships.

Consumers and individual repair shops alike derive benefits when independent repair shops like Elmer’s Auto Body can access the service information and tools that they need to complete repairs. Allowing independent shops the needed information and tools helps them to compete with dealer shops. Competition helps to keep prices more affordable. It will enable people to access information and repairs when they are needed instead of having to send their vehicles back to the dealerships.

Elmer’s Auto Body has provided auto body repair services to people in South Jersey for more than 70 years. We are dedicated to providing the highest-quality services to all of our customers. To learn more about the repairs that you need and how we can help you, contact us today by filling out our contact form or by calling us at one of our three locations.

Any fender damage can be a real pain, and the whole idea of fixing the damage can put a real “dent” in your day. When it comes to thinking about the hassle and expense of repairing a fender bender, you may want to have some guidelines at hand. Any initial steps to tackle the problem are of definite help, and there several different ways to approach the situation. Here are some of them to get started. 

Fender Bender Causes and Characteristics

Fender benders are usually minor car accidents that can happen at slower driving speeds, or even while parked. A runaway shopping cart can be the cause, as can a rear-end collision, backing out of a driveway or parking space, or hitting a mailbox. You can identify fender bender characteristics through the appearance of numerous scratches, scrapes, cracks, and dents.

Fender Inspection

If you don’t have the time to deal with a fender bender repair yourself, the first thing to do is arrange for an inspection with an auto body repair expert. An inspection will entail a thorough examination of any exterior damage. It will also include the removal of outer trim and hardware to get a clearer picture of the extent of the damage. This kind of examination will help a collision expert determine how to properly repair or possibly replace any parts if the damage is significant, or beyond repair. 

 With a broken or severely damaged fender area, there may be unseen damage that requires moderate to extensive repairs. That could mean the replacement of any number of interior or exterior parts. In this situation, a more thorough assessment or examination should be conducted, including an estimate for repair replacement and labor costs.

Magnitude of Damage

Depending on the magnitude of the damage, minor fender repairs can be completed in a few hours. Any scratches that go along with a dent can be buffed out, and any intense or deeper scratches can be covered. The dents can be pushed out, and any cracks that occur alongside the dents can be filled with the right type of body filler or putty. If the fender bender is minimal, there is usually no need to replace the full bumper. 

 An expert body person can repair most dents by working with the right materials to restore the fender to its original shape and fit. Once the body shop repairs the damaged spots, they will place a primer over the area. The primer is allowed to set and cure. After that, the damaged area is sanded to get a smooth surface for paint application. Most paint can be easily matched through computer color technology to formulate a specific color for a vehicle. Once painted, a clear coat is applied, and any remaining flaws are buffed out for a smooth and even finish. 

Do-it-Yourself Fender Repair

 When fender damage is less serious, repairing a minor problem can be done on your own if you have the time and patience. With so many vehicles today having both metal and plastic parts, the pliability of both materials allows an amateur mechanic to repair minor dents and other flaws. There are several easier methods that you can use to repair fender benders. Here are some of the more successful options.

Hot Water

 Hot water use can make dent removal easier. Simply boil water in a pot and pour the water over the area in need of repair. The water should soften the plastic area and make it more pliable. Apply pressure behind the bumper, and steadily push out the dent. The dents may be somewhat alleviated, but their appearance will likely not be perfect because of the initial damage. This process can also work using a hairdryer to heat the area and push out the dent. Again, the procedure probably won’t leave a completely smooth finish. 

Suction Devices

Several suction devices can help when working out a dent. A plunger for sink use could be useful in a larger dented area, while a windshield mount used with cellphones could be used for smaller dents. The windshield mount should contain a pulling handle device.

Before tackling a smaller dent, clean the area thoroughly. Once clean, insert and press the windshield mount suction device onto the dent. Use the handle and pull the cup out, and the dent should release. This action should work with more shallow dents that are sunken or concave in appearance. However, this method is less effective with more involved dents and creases. 

Hot Glue and Pulling Sticks

 Similar to kits used by professionals, using hot glue and a wooden dowel is another do-it-yourself method for repairing a dent. Though a bit more taxing, the process is somewhat effective. Place hot glue over the area of the dent, and place the dowels on the glued area. Allow the glue to set up. The placement of the dowels allows you to pull on the various sections of the dent. Pulling should be straight out and at an angle to detach the dowels. A hairdryer can be used to soften and remove the glue. 

Filling and Painting

 One of the more difficult and time-consuming methods for fixing a fender bender is through using body filler on the area in question and repainting it once you repair the damage. Body filler is used to build the dented and creased areas back to their original profiles. The area where you will do the work should be clean and dry. In addition to the body filler, you’ll need sandpaper (both wet and dry), cutting or rubbing compound polish, and paint. This method is a step-by-step process that relies on completing each step carefully to avoid imperfections with the filler, the sanding, the polishing, and the final layer of paint, which you need to match to the vehicle’s original color carefully. This method is effective, though difficult.

Hot and Cold Air Use

 Hot and cold air can work reasonably well on fender benders. Use a heat gun or hair dryer to heat the area of the dent. Once it is heated, freeze the area with compressed air. The expansion of the heat will expand the area while the cold contracts and diminishes it, which will help pull out the dent. This method works best on more superficial dents in body panels made of plastic, though it can work on metal panels as well. It’s not a perfect method, and the dents may reoccur with weather changes. 

Fender benders are never fun and can ruin the appearance and possible safety of a vehicle. Do-it-yourself techniques are great to have at your disposal, but they aren’t always going to give you a showroom appearance. You also want to make sure that those dents, deep creases, and scratches aren’t causing any mechanical problems before you dive into the do-it-yourself scene. If you want more than quick fixes, complete the online contact form, and a qualified professional will get back to you with the information you need to make an informed decision concerning your fender bender.

 A vehicle accident is one of those things that no one wants to consider. 

When your car is involved in an accident, one of the first things you should do is to inform your insurance company. Of course, your first call should be a call to the police so that they can file a report, but the insurance company is your next priority. They will probably send an inspector to your home in short order to evaluate your vehicle. This article is intended to help you understand the terms that the inspector will likely use. 

The Four Categories Used To Assess Vehicle Damage

 Based on the level of damage, an insurance assessor will classify your vehicle into one of four categories. We should note that these categories have changed in recent years. In the past, vehicle damage was classified into categories A, B, C, or D. This system worked pretty well, but it had one flaw: It was based only on the estimated monetary cost of the damage. The new ratings take cost into account, but they focus more on safety concerns.

 It is crucial to understand the legal aspects when dealing with an insurance claim. Anytime an accident occurs, your insurance company (and the authorities) will want to determine who was at fault. That will determine who pays for the majority of the damages. Without an inspection, there is no way to know what kind of insurance claim to file. 

Category A: Completely Ruined

 This category represents the worst kind of damage and indicates that the car cannot be repaired. A vehicle in this category cannot be driven again, and its parts cannot be removed and re-sold. When this level of damage occurs, the only thing you can do is send it to the scrapyard and collect whatever you can.

Category B: Only Good For Parts

 A car in this category has suffered severe damage, and can never be driven again. However, it is permitted to salvage any undamaged parts for re-sale. The salvage yard will scrap all of the damaged parts. Most of the time, the insurance company will not permit you to salvage any part of the vehicle’s body. Cars in this category have usually suffered extensive body damage. 

Category S: Major Damage

 You could describe this level of damage as “bad, but repairable.” A vehicle in category S has sustained severe structural damage. The letter “S” indicates this fact. As such, the frame is probably no good, and the body is also likely not salvageable. However, it might be possible to salvage the frame if you take your vehicle to a skilled professional. You must take vehicles in this category to a licensed mechanic for extensive repairs, and you cannot drive the vehicle until repairs are complete. 

Category N: Minor Damage

 This category is the one that you want to hear when the inspector comes around. Category N damage might be as light as a busted headlight or a broken wire. As such, you might be able to repair this damage without taking it to an expensive body shop. Since these cars have no body or frame damage, you will only have to swap the damaged parts with undamaged parts. These vehicles might be safe to drive in the meantime, but you shouldn’t take any chances. If the car has any damage to the brake system, turn signals, transaxles, or transmission, you shouldn’t drive it until its repaired. 

Buying A Damaged Car

 Sometimes, you can buy damaged cars at a very low price. Of course, you need to have some basic auto repair skills (or maybe a little more than that, depending on the level of damage). Even those with no auto repair expertise, you might be able to turn a profit by re-selling a car after completed repairs. 

 If this is your intention, it is vitally important that you familiarize yourself with the damage categories listed above. In this way, you can make sure that you get a vehicle that isn’t beyond your ability to save. You can also make sure that the seller has been honest with you by doing a vehicle history check. If you don’t know how to do that, you will be relieved to hear that it’s quite easy. All you have to do is get the VIN from the seller (before you pay, of course!). The VIN is just a unique identifying number that allows you to check the vehicle’s history. Once you have it, search the number on this website. Some companies will try to get you to pay for this service, but it can be done for free if you know where to look.

Conclusion

 Thankfully, this system is not complicated or difficult to learn. After reading this short article, you should at least be able to understand the terms in which your insurance provider will describe the damage. For most people, that’s all that is necessary.

 When it comes to legal questions, we recommend that you contact your attorney as soon as you have finished dealing with the police and the insurance company. We hope that we have been helpful to you and that you will fill out the contact form below for more information.