vehicle parts needed after car crash

After-Market Part Issues in Auto Body Repair

If your vehicle has been in an accident, one of the most important questions to ask is:

What type of parts will my body shop use to repair my vehicle?

Not all repairs are equal—and neither are the parts used to make them. At Mannes Body Shop, we want you to understand your options so you can advocate for safe, high-quality repairs no matter where you go.

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The Two Main Types of Parts

1. New OEM Parts

•OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer

•Made by your vehicle’s manufacturer

•Designed, tested, and approved for your specific model

•Meets strict safety and performance standards

 

2. LKQ or After-Market Parts

•LKQ = Like Kind and Quality

•Usually salvaged from other vehicles (often ones involved in accidents)

•After-market parts are made by third-party manufacturers, not your car’s brand

•Often cheaper, but typically lower in quality

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How Shops Decide Which Parts to Use

Every repair shop should consider:

•What part is needed?

•Is it a safety-critical item?

•How old is the vehicle?

 

At Mannes Body Shop, we follow the manufacturer’s recommendations—and they almost always call for OEM parts. The number one reason is safety.

Your car is a carefully engineered safety system. Every component is designed and tested to protect you. Non-OEM parts don’t go through the same rigorous crash testing or quality checks.

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Problems with After-Market Parts

In our 80 years of experience, we’ve seen common issues with non-OEM parts:

•Thinner, weaker metal

•Poor fit (misaligned holes, uneven surfaces)

•Low-quality primer that causes paint adhesion problems

•Shorter lifespan

•Potential safety compromises

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Why Use Them at All?

Some shops and insurance companies prefer LKQ or after-market parts because they cost less and sometimes include “extras” like hinges, moldings, or lights. But these parts may have been damaged in a previous accident or may have been mishandled after removal.

We recommend limiting LKQ parts to non-safety-critical bolt-on pieces and insisting on OEM for anything affecting crash performance.

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The Insurance Factor

Many insurance policies automatically approve cost-saving parts. That might be fine for them—but is it fine for you? If safety matters more than saving a few dollars, review your policy now.

You can often upgrade your coverage to include OEM-only repairs for a small increase in premium. That small cost today can make all the difference in a future accident.

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Our Commitment to You

At Mannes Body Shop, our certified estimators:

•Recommend the safest, most reliable repair options

•Explain your insurance coverage in plain language

•Offer solutions, even if it means a small out-of-pocket upgrade for OEM parts

If you’re ever in an accident, know your options, know your policy, and insist on safe parts. Your life—and the lives of your passengers—are worth it.