Category: Collision Repair

What Does OEM Mean for a Repair Shop?

Have you ever been told that your car needs an “OEM part” and wondered what that means? You’re not alone. Understanding OEM parts is crucial for making informed decisions about your vehicle’s repairs and maintenance. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll demystify the concept of OEM, explore its benefits, and explain why choosing OEM parts can make a significant difference in your car’s performance and longevity.

What Does OEM Mean?

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. In the automotive world, OEM parts are made by the same manufacturer that produced the original parts for your vehicle. These components are designed to meet the exact specifications of your car, ensuring optimal compatibility and performance.

OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts

• OEM Parts: Produced by your vehicle’s manufacturer or an authorized partner, guaranteeing a perfect fit and function.
• Aftermarket Parts: Made by third-party companies, often designed to fit multiple models, which can lead to compatibility issues.

Benefits of Choosing OEM Parts

Choosing OEM parts over aftermarket alternatives offers several significant advantages:

1. Warranty Protection

Using OEM parts helps maintain your vehicle’s warranty. According to a study by the Automotive Service Association, approximately 80% of car warranties are voided due to the use of non-OEM parts.

• Peace of Mind: Avoid costly repairs that aren’t covered because of voided warranties.
• Manufacturer Assurance: OEM parts are backed by the vehicle manufacturer, ensuring quality and reliability.

2. Value Retention

OEM parts help preserve your car’s resale value.

• Consistent Quality: Original parts keep your vehicle as close to factory condition as possible.
• Buyer Confidence: Potential buyers are more likely to purchase a car with OEM parts, knowing it has been maintained properly.

3. Durability and Quality

OEM parts undergo rigorous testing to meet strict industry standards.

• Longevity: They often last longer than aftermarket parts, saving you money over time.
• Safety: High-quality components reduce the risk of malfunctions that could lead to accidents.

4. Compatibility Assurance

With OEM parts, you can be confident they’ll fit and function correctly.

• Exact Match: Designed specifically for your vehicle’s make and model.
• Efficient Repairs: Reduces the time your car spends in the shop due to fitment issues.

When to Consider Aftermarket Parts

While OEM parts are generally recommended, there are situations where aftermarket parts might be considered:

1. Cost Savings

Aftermarket parts can be less expensive upfront.

• Budget Constraints: If you’re on a tight budget, aftermarket parts may be more accessible.
• Non-Critical Components: For parts that don’t affect performance or safety, aftermarket options might suffice.

2. Customization Options

Aftermarket parts offer a wider range of customization.

• Unique Modifications: For enthusiasts looking to personalize their vehicles.
• Performance Enhancements: Some aftermarket parts are designed to boost performance beyond factory specs.

3. Availability

Aftermarket parts are often readily available.

• Immediate Repairs: If OEM parts are on backorder, aftermarket parts can reduce downtime.
• Older Models: For discontinued vehicles, aftermarket parts might be the only option.

Comparing OEM and Aftermarket Parts

To make an informed decision, consider the following comparison:

Criteria	OEM Parts	Aftermarket Parts
Cost	Higher upfront cost	Lower initial cost
Warranty Coverage	Maintains vehicle warranty	May void warranty
Durability	High durability due to rigorous testing	Quality varies; may wear out faster
Compatibility	Guaranteed perfect fit and function	Potential compatibility issues
Availability	Must be ordered through dealerships or authorized repair shops	Widely available at various retailers
Customization	Limited to original specifications	Wide range of options for customization
Resale Value Impact	Helps maintain or increase resale value	May decrease resale value due to non-original parts

Common Questions About OEM Parts

Are OEM Parts Always Better Than Aftermarket Parts?

While OEM parts are generally more reliable due to guaranteed compatibility and quality, some high-quality aftermarket parts can perform just as well. However, the consistency and warranty protection offered by OEM parts often make them the safer choice.

Are OEM Parts Made by Car Manufacturers?

Not always. While OEM parts are designed to the manufacturer’s specifications, they are often produced by specialized companies contracted by the car maker. Regardless, they meet the exact standards required for your vehicle.

Why Choose Elmer’s Auto Body for OEM Repairs

At Elmer’s Auto Body, we understand the importance of using the right parts for your vehicle. Here’s why South Jersey drivers trust us for OEM-certified repairs:

1. Expertise

• Certified Technicians: Our team is trained to perform repairs that meet or exceed manufacturer standards.
• Decades of Experience: With over 75 years of service, we’ve handled vehicles of all makes and models.

2. Trust

• Customer Satisfaction: Our commitment to quality has earned us a reputation for excellence.
• Transparent Process: We keep you informed every step of the way.

3. Convenience

• Seamless Service: From sourcing OEM parts to delivering the finished repair, we handle it all.
• Efficient Repairs: Our expertise ensures your vehicle is returned to you promptly and in optimal condition.

Don’t compromise on quality or safety. Ensure your car receives the best care possible.

📞 Call Elmer’s Auto Body today at (856) 218-0202 or visit ElmersAutoBody.com to schedule your appointment.

Tips for Choosing Between OEM and Aftermarket Parts

1. Read Your Warranty

• Understand Coverage: Check if your warranty requires OEM parts to remain valid.
• Avoid Unnecessary Costs: Using the wrong parts could lead to out-of-pocket expenses for repairs.

2. Consider Long-Term Costs

• Value Over Price: While OEM parts may cost more initially, their durability can save you money over time.
• Resale Value: Maintaining your car with OEM parts can result in a higher resale price.

3. Consult a Professional

• Expert Advice: Our technicians can recommend the best options based on your vehicle and needs.
• Safety First: Professionals prioritize your safety and vehicle performance.

Conclusion

Choosing between OEM and aftermarket parts is a decision that impacts your vehicle’s performance, safety, and value. While aftermarket parts may offer cost savings and customization, OEM parts provide unmatched reliability, compatibility, and warranty protection.

At Elmer’s Auto Body, we prioritize your peace of mind and your car’s well-being.

👉 Don’t gamble with your car’s performance. Trust our experts for OEM-certified repairs that last.

📞 Call us today at (856) 218-0202 or schedule an appointment online at ElmersAutoBody.com.

Want to dive deeper into OEM parts and how they impact your car’s repair? Check out our latest podcast episode, where we break it all down—so you can make informed decisions for your vehicle’s health and longevity. Tune in now!

Key Takeaways

• OEM parts are made to your car’s exact specifications, offering superior quality and compatibility.
• Aftermarket parts may be cheaper but can lead to compatibility issues and voided warranties.
• Elmer’s Auto Body provides expert OEM repairs, ensuring your vehicle remains safe and reliable.
• Consult professionals to make the best decision for your vehicle and maintain your peace of mind.

Secure your vehicle’s future with the best care possible.

📞 Contact Elmer’s Auto Body now at (856) 218-0202.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes and reflects general industry practices. For advice tailored to your specific situation, please consult a professional mechanic or your vehicle’s manufacturer.

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.

Collision repair is one of those things that has to be left in the hands of those who know what they are doing. If you trust your collision repair to someone who isn’t properly trained, your decision will likely result in a lot of wasted money. Once you pay the mechanic, the deal is done, and you’re stuck with whatever he has (or hasn’t) done.

Are you tired of dealing with these kinds of mechanics? Are you sick of shelling out good money for repairs, only to be forced back to the shop by the need for more repairs? Well, if that’s the case, you’ve probably been going to the wrong mechanic.

Why It’s Important To Choose A Certified Collision Center

The auto business has changed a lot in the last few decades. Before the 1980s, most cars were built in a very similar fashion. If you have ever peered under the hood of an older vehicle, you have probably noticed a simplicity that modern cars usually lack. Back then, a mechanic didn’t need a whole bunch of different certifications to work on someone’s vehicle.

Of course, times change. These days, cars are becoming more like computers, with all the complexity that you would expect from such. And even now, the auto companies are still trying to one-up each other with various technology and gimmicks, each one racing toward a nonexistent finish line. That is why you need to make sure to choose a certified mechanic when it’s time for collision work.

Without proper training from the manufacturer, a mechanic will probably not know all the important points that are necessary in order to do a good job. To ensure that you get someone with the knowledge to do things right, always make sure that you ask to see an I-CAR certification.

Another obvious benefit of using a certified mechanic comes from your car’s warranty. Most auto manufacturers will guarantee work done on a car of their brand. However, they will only cover those repairs that are done by a licensed and certified professional. There is a very logical reason behind this: The company doesn’t want to pay for anyone else’s mistakes.

What Is An I-CAR Certification?

I-CAR stands for Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair. It’s basically a trade organization that works hand-in-hand with many of the world’s biggest auto manufacturers. The I-CAR certification program was created to deal with rampant fraud in an industry that doesn’t always have the best safeguards against that kind of thing.

I-CAR provides training, research material, and a lot of other resources to collision specialists. Since 1979, they have served as the definitive authority in this field. That is why certification from them means so much. If you see a mechanic with an I-Car Gold Class certificate, you have found a very good one indeed.

To be fair, however, we should realize one thing: The I-CAR program does not require that all of a business’s employees be trained in the necessary skills. In other words, not everyone at your local auto shop has completed their I-CAR certification. The program stipulated that a certain percentage of people in a business must be certified in order to qualify for all the benefits. That’s why a smart consumer should ask the people at the garage about who will be working on their car and what will be done.

The Certified Mechanic Always Has The Right Tools

There are many kinds of vehicles (especially foreign vehicles and older vehicles) that require special tools. If your vehicle is one of these, it is even more important that you choose a mechanic that is properly certified. While other mechanics will be forced to improvise as best they can, a certified mechanic will have all the right tools to get the job done quickly and easily.

The Certified Mechanic Always Gets The Right Parts

We’ve all had to deal with this problem at least once: You take your car to the shop for some much-needed repairs, only to find out that you will have to wait for a part to arrive. Then, a day or two later, you head back to the shop to get the job done. When you get there, you find out that the wrong part was ordered, and thus, you will have to wait even longer.

Why does this happen? Because the mechanic is probably ordering parts from a variety of different sources, and some of those sources are (of course) less reliable than others. Not to mention the fact that a non-certified mechanic will be more likely to misidentify the needed part. When you choose a certified mechanic, you can bypass both of these frequent problems.

A certified mechanic will always know the correct part to order, and will always order it directly from the company. It’s very hard to get the wrong part when you do that! They should be using only brand new OEM parts, and there is more than one reason for that. First: OEM parts will have no wear and tear. Second: OEM parts will be guaranteed to fit your car. Third: Only brand new OEM parts will be covered by any kind of warranty. As soon as you start throwing used parts on there, you can kiss that warranty goodbye.

Conclusion

Whenever you want to get collision repair work done, it just makes sense to shop around and find the place with the greatest number of certified people. You might even consider calling up I-CAR or your vehicle’s manufacturer so that you can verify the certifications of anyone who will be working on your car. After all, the world has a lot of scumbags in it, and you can never be too careful.

In spite of this caution, we advise you to trust the word of your certified mechanic, as long as they can prove that they are, in fact, certified! If you have found this article to be helpful and informative, please help to support our work by filling out the contact form below.