OEM parts should receive close consideration when manufacturer repair procedures specify them or when fit, material, attachment, and vehicle-specific design affect the repair. Quality auto body repair starts with documented vehicle requirements rather than selecting replacement parts based only on price. At Royal Collision, we follow this.
Key Takeaways:
- Check manufacturer procedures: Parts decisions should account for repair information for the vehicle’s year, make, and model.
- Consider the repair scope: Compare replacement parts within the complete repair plan.
- Compare more than price: Parts and required procedures can both affect collision repair cost.
When Should OEM Parts Receive Closer Consideration?
OEM parts deserve closer consideration when manufacturer procedures identify specific requirements or when the replacement component must fit and interact correctly with surrounding vehicle components. The appropriate part depends on the vehicle, damaged area, and required repair operation.
At Royal Collision, we use OEM parts as our standard practice and follow applicable manufacturer repair procedures. We also advocate for those requirements when communicating with insurers. We do not base a repair plan solely on auto body repair cost.
Vehicle-specific repair information matters because collision repairs can differ by year, make, model, and damaged component. A joint automaker trade association statement hosted by OEM1Stop calls for collision repairs to follow OEM procedures for the specific vehicle.
For later-model vehicles, parts selection may also connect with structural repair and panel fit. Our collision-repair process can include disassembly, repair planning, structural measurement, body repair, refinishing, and diagnostic scans based on the documented damage. For structural repair work, we use a Cheetah® frame rack and Car-o-liner Car-o-matic measuring system when required.
| Repair factor | What should be reviewed? |
| Manufacturer procedure | Does current OEM information address the part or repair operation? |
| Vehicle application | Is the replacement part appropriate for the specific year, make, and model? |
| Repair scope | How does the part relate to the documented collision damage? |
| Fit and attachment | How does the component connect with surrounding parts? |
| Price | What parts and operations are included in the proposed repair? |
This keeps the OEM vs aftermarket parts decision connected to the actual repair rather than treating every collision the same way.
What Should You Ask Before Approving Replacement Parts?
Before authorizing repairs, ask which replacement parts are planned and why they are appropriate for your vehicle. Parts selection should connect to documented damage and applicable manufacturer repair information.
Use these questions when discussing the repair plan:
- What replacement parts are proposed? Ask which parts are planned for the damaged areas.
- What does the manufacturer specify? Vehicle-specific procedures may affect the appropriate parts and operations.
- How does the part fit the repair plan? Parts should be considered with the complete repair scope.
- Is price driving the choice? Cheap auto body repair should not be judged by the estimate total alone.
At Royal Collision, we prepare documented repair plans and communicate with customers and insurers about repair needs. We advocate for OEM parts and manufacturer procedures, although insurance coverage and payment decisions vary by policy and claim.
Drivers looking for the best collision repair in Riverside, CA, can look beyond the estimated total and ask what parts and procedures the proposed repair includes. That comparison provides more useful information than looking at price alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does using OEM parts replace the need for proper repair procedures?
No. Parts selection is one component of quality auto body repair. The repair must also address documented damage using applicable procedures and required operations.
Will insurance always pay for OEM parts?
Coverage varies by policy and claim. We communicate with insurers about documented repair needs and advocate for OEM parts and applicable manufacturer procedures.
Can parts availability affect the repair timeline?
Yes. Parts availability can affect scheduling. We can provide a repair timeline after the repair plan is prepared and required parts are ordered.
How Can We Help With Your Collision Repair?
Choosing between OEM and aftermarket parts should start with your vehicle’s repair requirements, not price alone. At Royal Collision, we advocate for OEM parts and applicable manufacturer procedures while communicating with customers and insurers about documented repair needs. For quality auto body repair in Riverside, call us at (951) 276-4421 or email us at ryan@royalcollisionriverside.com to discuss your vehicle, repair plan, and replacement-part questions.