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Crash
Parts: Quality Makes a Difference
When
it comes to quality there should be no debate. The GCIA
and its member shops want their customers
to be informed and provides the following information as a useful
guide to understanding the important issue of automotive replacement
crash parts.
Many
insurance companies favor imitation "crash parts" such as hoods, doors,
fenders and bumper components for repairs simply based on cost. While
imitations may appear identical on the surface, there's evidence that
imitation crash parts, most of which are produced in Taiwan, are of
lesser quality. The GCIA believes that the
consumer should have the right to decide what parts will be used to
repair collision damage to their vehicle. Before making a decision
on which replacement parts you want used to repair your vehicle, take
a few moments to review the facts.
OEM,
Origianl Equipment Manufacturer, replacement
crash parts that meet specifications are the same as those used on
new vehicles; with equivalent fit, finish, structural integrity, corrosion
protection and dent resistance.
Read
More on OEM Position Statements
The
quality picture is much less clear for imitation parts: Recent testing
of imitation crash parts performed by an independent research laboratory
uncovered a variety of deficiencies in the fit, finish, structural
integrity, corrosion protection and dent resistance of the parts tested.
This news is not new. Previous tests by other vehicle manufacturers
and independent collision repair organizations have consistently found
similar problems...despite assurances from the proponents of imitation
crash parts that they are of "like kind and quality" (LKQ)
or "functionally equivalent" to genuine crash parts.
What
could the use of substandard imitation parts mean to you and to the
investment you have made in your vehicle? Here are a few examples:
- Poor fit can
mean that the gaps between the exterior sheet metal and plastic parts
on your vehicle may be uneven, or that the repairer may have to force
the parts to fit.
- Substandard finish
can mean that unsightly waves and ripples may be apparent on the surfaces
of parts and that inadequate or insufficient surface preparation may
jeopardize the durability of finish paints.
- Structural integrity
can be compromised when insufficient welds or inadequate adhesives
are used. For example, to connect the two panels that make up a hood.
- Insufficient
corrosion protection can mean that rust may result in areas where
regular steel has been used in place of more corrosion-resistant galvanized
steel.
- Less dent resistance
can mean that exterior panels on your vehicle are more susceptible
to dings and dents.
WARRANTY
When genuine
replacement sheet metal parts are used for collision repairs to your
vehicle all other terms of your vehicle's original limited warranty
remain in effect. See your dealer for details.
Warranties
for imitation crash parts are generally less comprehensive. Some cover
costs for replacement parts only, and exclude labor charges. Some require
that repairs be made at the same shop that completed the original repair.
Some limit the coverage terms to five years or less. When imitation
crash parts are used, collateral damage caused by substandard imitations
may not be covered by your vehicle's original warranty.
Remember that
the basic obligation of your insurance company is to return your collision-damaged
vehicle to its pre-accident condition. In light of the quality shortcomings
identified above, you need to ask if your insurance company can meet
its obligation by using imitation parts. The quality of your vehicle
can be restored with the use of genuine replacement crash parts.
Now,
click CRASH to go to our section on FAQs
about Crash Parts.
Be
sure to click on all of the additional links we have provided under
the "Consumer" button in
the left-hand column navigational bar. There's a wealth of information
available here, including documents about your
rights, what to do after an accident,
and much more.
We hope you'll
find our site useful and welcome your comments and suggestions on how
we can improve our efforts. Contact us through phone or eMail at: 770.641.1810
or gcia@gcia.org.
GCIA
- Helping to Build a Better Tomorrow!
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