Synopsis
Skipping OEM parts during collision repair creates safety risks, reduces vehicle value, and affects warranty coverage. OEM components ensure proper fit, structural strength, and ADAS accuracy. Xcel Collision explains why choosing OEM parts through certified collision repair specialists protects your vehicle and long‑term investment.
Key Takeaways
- OEM parts are an exact fit and meet factory specifications
- Aftermarket parts may cause safety system failures
- Structural integrity depends on OEM‑tested components
- Resale value drops with non‑OEM repairs
- Insurance complications arise from aftermarket substitutions
- Certified shops secure proper OEM part approvals
Supposing you just got in an accident. The insurance adjuster mentions “alternate parts” to reduce repair costs. Should you accept them?
This decision affects far more than your immediate repair bill. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are components made by your vehicle’s manufacturer to exact specifications. They differ dramatically from aftermarket alternatives in fit, quality, and safety performance. Xcel Collision in Clawson, MI, uses OEM parts because we understand what’s at stake: your family’s safety, your vehicle’s performance, and your investment’s long-term value. Our collision repair specialists explain why OEM parts matter and how this choice protects you on Michigan roads.
What Are OEM Parts and How Are They Different from Aftermarket Parts?
OEM vs Aftermarket: Know the Difference
OEM parts come directly from your vehicle’s manufacturer. Ford makes Ford parts. Mercedes makes Mercedes parts. These components match the exact specifications, materials, and quality standards used when your vehicle rolled off the assembly line.
Aftermarket parts are produced by third-party manufacturers not affiliated with your vehicle’s brand. These companies reverse-engineer original designs to create generic replacements. While aftermarket manufacturers claim their parts fit “most” vehicles of a certain type, they don’t undergo the same extensive testing and quality control that OEM parts receive.
The quality variation among aftermarket parts is dramatic. Some premium aftermarket brands approach OEM standards, but many use inferior materials to reduce costs. According to a Consumer Reports study referenced by the U.S. General Accounting Office, aftermarket parts often fit improperly and rust faster than OEM components.
| Feature | OEM Parts | Aftermarket Parts |
| Manufactured By | Original vehicle maker | Third-party companies |
| Fit Precision | Exact match guaranteed | May require adjustments |
| Quality Control | Manufacturer standards | Varies significantly by brand |
| Materials | Factory specifications | Often cheaper substitutes |
| Crash Testing | Comprehensive | Often untested |
| Warranty | Manufacturer-backed | Limited or none |
Premium and luxury brands like Mercedes and Cadillac require OEM components because their engineering tolerances are extremely tight. Aftermarket parts simply cannot replicate the precise specifications these vehicles demand.
Why Fit and Finish Matter After a Collision
Minor misfits from aftermarket parts create serious long-term problems. Panel gaps that are off by even a few millimeters allow water infiltration. This leads to rust formation and electrical system damage. Wind noise from improperly aligned panels indicates poor aerodynamics that reduce fuel efficiency.
More importantly, sensor misalignment from aftermarket body panels causes Advanced Driver Assistance Systems to malfunction. Your lane departure warning might activate randomly. Automatic emergency braking could fail to engage when needed. Parking sensors may provide false readings.
These aren’t cosmetic issues. They’re safety hazards that put you and your family at risk every time you drive.
Why OEM Parts Matter for Your Vehicle’s Safety Systems
Modern Cars Are Built Around Advanced Safety Tech
Today’s vehicles contain ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) with sensors, cameras, and radar units embedded throughout the body structure. Newer vehicles require safety system calibration following auto collision repairs. These systems depend on precise sensor positioning measured in millimeters. Bumpers, grilles, mirrors, windshields, and quarter panels all contain safety components. Even slight dimensional differences from aftermarket parts misalign these sensors. This causes complete system failure or dangerous false readings.
Forward-facing cameras mounted behind windshields control automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. Radar units in bumpers manage adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring. Side mirrors contain cameras for 360-degree visibility systems.
When aftermarket parts don’t position these components exactly where the manufacturer designed them, the entire safety network fails.
OEM Parts Support Accurate Recalibration and Crash Performance
Safety systems are tested exclusively with OEM parts during vehicle development. Manufacturers conduct thousands of crash tests using original components to verify protection levels. Aftermarket parts are rarely crash-tested. When they are, results often show compromised structural performance.
According to industry analysis, aftermarket body panels may not have proper crumple zones for crash safety. This increases injury severity during collisions. The IIHS reports that advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as automatic emergency braking and collision avoidance technologies, significantly reduce crash risk when functioning correctly. Proper part fit and sensor calibration are critical to ensure these systems operate as designed.
During collision repair in Clawson, MI, we use manufacturer-specific diagnostic equipment to recalibrate safety systems after repairs. This precision work requires OEM parts positioned exactly according to factory specifications. Aftermarket components prevent accurate calibration. Your safety systems remain compromised even after an expensive “repair.”
OEM Parts Protect Your Resale Value and Warranty
Unreported Repairs Come Back During Trade-In or Sale
Dealerships employ trained inspectors who identify non-OEM parts immediately. They use paint thickness meters to detect aftermarket panels. They check part numbers against manufacturer databases. They examine panel gaps that reveal improper fit.
CARFAX and AutoCheck vehicle history reports document collision repairs and often indicate whether OEM or aftermarket parts were used. Potential buyers see this information before making purchase offers. The result? Significantly reduced offers or complete rejection of your vehicle.
Many buyers and dealerships perceive vehicles repaired with OEM parts as better maintained, which can influence resale offers. However, actual depreciation depends on overall vehicle condition, documentation, and buyer preferences. For leased vehicles, using aftermarket parts may cost you part or all of your security deposit at lease end.
OEM Parts Keep Your Factory Warranty Intact
Manufacturer warranties often require OEM parts for collision repairs. Under federal law (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act), a manufacturer cannot void your entire vehicle warranty solely because aftermarket parts were used. However, if a failure occurs and the manufacturer can prove that the aftermarket part caused the issue, that portion of warranty coverage may be denied.
If an aftermarket bumper causes your parking sensor system to fail, the manufacturer may deny your electronics warranty claim. You’re left responsible for thousands in repair costs that would have been covered.
Fleet vehicles and commercial insurance policies frequently mandate OEM parts in their contracts. Violating these requirements creates liability exposure for fleet managers and may void insurance coverage for subsequent claims.
Insurance and OEM Parts: What You Need to Know
Your Right to Request OEM Parts in Michigan
Insurance companies often suggest aftermarket parts to reduce claim payouts. According to industry research, aftermarket parts can be 30-50% cheaper than OEM components, which allows insurers to minimize costs. However, you have rights.
Michigan drivers can request OEM parts during collision repairs. While insurance policies vary, many will approve OEM components when properly documented and justified. The key is understanding how to ask. Xcel Collision is a collision shop in Clawson, Michigan, that advocates for your interests.
Some insurance policies include OEM endorsements that guarantee original parts for repairs. Adding this coverage costs more initially but protects your vehicle’s value and safety long-term.
How We Advocate for You with Your Insurance
We work directly with insurance adjusters to document why OEM parts are necessary for your specific repair. Our detailed estimates explain how aftermarket alternatives compromise safety systems, void warranties, or fail to meet manufacturer repair procedures.
Our team handles all insurance communications, supplemental claims, and approval negotiations. We provide technical documentation showing dimensional differences between OEM and aftermarket parts. We explain safety system calibration requirements. We reference the manufacturer’s repair procedure specifications.
This advocacy removes stress from your experience while ensuring your vehicle receives proper repairs. You shouldn’t have to fight your insurance company alone. That’s our job as your collision center near me.
The Role of Certified Collision Repair Specialists
Certification Equals OEM-Approved Repair Methods
I-CAR Platinum certification reflects ongoing professional training in modern repair methods and is widely recognized in the industry for ensuring quality and safety. Our technicians complete ongoing education covering modern repair techniques, advanced materials, and manufacturer-specific procedures. Co-owners Jerred Rich and Adam Parsons each bring 25 years of experience and hold I-CAR Platinum certification.
We also maintain Ford Aluminum certification for specialized lightweight vehicle repairs. Aluminum body panels require dedicated repair equipment and techniques completely different from traditional steel repair methods. Attempting aluminum repair without proper certification and OEM parts creates safety hazards and structural failures.
Michigan state certification as collision specialists demonstrates that our technicians meet stringent state requirements for professional repair work. These certifications aren’t decorative. They represent proven competency verified through testing and ongoing education.
Precision Repairs Require Specialized Equipment
OEM-compliant repairs demand manufacturer-specific equipment that general repair shops don’t possess. Our facility contains laser frame measuring systems providing sub-millimeter accuracy. We use advanced welding equipment for modern high-strength steel and aluminum materials.
We invest in diagnostic computers for all major vehicle brands. This enables us to access manufacturer repair procedures, technical bulletins, and calibration specifications. This equipment costs tens of thousands of dollars but delivers repairs meeting factory standards.
Our advanced color-matching technology analyzes your vehicle’s existing paint, accounting for fading and environmental exposure. We use this data with our in-house paint mixing system to achieve seamless blends indistinguishable from factory finish.
Common Misconceptions About OEM Parts in Auto Repairs
“Aftermarket Is Just As Good”: Not Always True
This claim ignores fundamental quality control differences. OEM parts undergo extensive testing during vehicle development. Manufacturers verify fit, function, materials, and crash performance before approving components for production.
Aftermarket manufacturers skip this testing to reduce costs. They rely on reverse-engineering measurements that may be inaccurate. Material composition often differs significantly. You may get thinner steel gauge, lower-grade plastics, and inferior paint adhesion. These differences can accelerate rust formation, cause premature failure, and compromise crash protection.
Where aftermarket parts fail most consistently:
- Panel fit requiring extensive adjustment
- Weatherstripping creating water leaks
- Structural rigidity affecting crash performance
- Sensor mounting precision preventing safety system operation
“I Can’t Afford OEM Parts”: Know Your Rights
Many drivers accept aftermarket parts, believing OEM components are financially impossible. However, insurance policies often cover OEM parts when repairs are properly documented and justified.
We provide detailed estimates explaining why OEM parts are necessary for your specific vehicle and repair. Insurance companies frequently approve OEM components when presented with technical justification. This includes safety system requirements, warranty protection, or manufacturer repair procedure mandates.
The hidden costs of cheap aftermarket parts include:
- Premature failure requiring replacement
- Rust damage spreading to surrounding areas
- Safety system malfunctions needing diagnosis and recalibration
- Reduced resale value exceeding initial savings
Why Choose Xcel Collision for Certified OEM Repairs
Owner-Operated Commitment to Quality
We built our reputation on refusing to compromise quality for cost savings. As owner-operators, co-owners Jerred Rich and Adam Parsons treat every vehicle with the same care they’d give their own family’s cars. When technicians have ownership stakes in the business, quality becomes personal, not just professional.
Advanced Equipment and Certifications
We serve Clawson, Troy, Royal Oak, Rochester Hills, Berkley, Beverly Hills, and surrounding Oakland County communities. Our local focus means we understand Michigan’s harsh climate challenges. Road salt corrosion, pothole damage, and freeze-thaw cycles accelerate the deterioration of inferior parts.
Our facility provides complete collision repair in Clawson, MI, including:
- Bumper repair
- Aluminum repair and body work
- Ding and scratch removal
- Complete collision repair
- Auto painting and color matching
- Insurance claim handling
We coordinate directly with your insurance company to minimize stress and maximize coverage for proper repairs.
Limited Lifetime Warranty Coverage
Our limited lifetime warranty on in-house repairs and paint demonstrates confidence in our work. This warranty coverage transfers to future owners, protecting your vehicle’s resale value. We can offer this industry-leading warranty because we use OEM parts installed according to manufacturer specifications.
The warranty excludes paintless dent repair but covers all other in-house collision repair work and paint services for as long as you own your vehicle. If workmanship issues arise, we correct them at no charge.
Questions to Ask Before Approving Repairs After an Accident
Protect yourself by asking these questions before authorizing collision repair work:
- Will you use OEM parts? Request written confirmation in your repair estimate. Shops should specify OEM components by part number, not generic descriptions.
- Are you certified for my vehicle brand? Verify I-CAR certification, state licensing, and any manufacturer-specific certifications like our Ford Aluminum credential.
- What warranty comes with the repair? Understand warranty duration, coverage scope, and transferability to future owners. Our limited lifetime warranty covers workmanship defects for as long as you own your vehicle.
- Will my safety systems be recalibrated? Modern vehicles require ADAS recalibration after collision repairs. Confirm this service is included in your estimate and performed according to manufacturer specifications.
Use this checklist when evaluating auto collision repair shops. Quality facilities welcome these questions and provide clear, detailed answers. Shops that deflect or provide vague responses likely cut corners during repairs.
Protect Your Safety and Value with OEM Parts
OEM parts deliver proper fit, maintain factory safety standards, and preserve your vehicle’s resale value. Aftermarket alternatives may cost less initially, but they compromise the very features that protect your family and maintain your investment.
Certified repair is essential after any collision, not optional. Modern vehicles contain advanced safety systems, specialized materials, and precise engineering tolerances that demand manufacturer-quality components and expert installation.
Don’t compromise on quality or safety to save a few hundred dollars on your repair bill. The hidden costs of aftermarket parts far exceed any initial savings. Safety system failures, premature rust, warranty violations, and reduced resale value create expenses that dwarf the upfront difference.
Contact Xcel Collision today at (248) 965-3432 or email info@xcel-collision.com to schedule your free estimate. We’ll explain the OEM parts advantage for your specific vehicle and work with your insurance company to secure proper coverage. Experience the difference in quality that protects Oakland County families at our collision center near you in Clawson, MI.