We always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for collision repairs.

If you’re in a collision and need to take your Acura to a shop for repairs, it only makes sense that you would want the job to be done as safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively as possible.  At our shop, one of the ways we can ensure the best possible repair for our customers is by adhering to the recommendations of each vehicle’s manufacturer.  

It is common practice in our industry for each vehicle manufacturer to provide “Position Statements” that explain the best methods for repairing their makes and models.  Unfortunately, some body shops toss this useful advice out the window.  Unlike those shops, we believe it’s imperative to study the information carefully and follow the recommendations as expressed by the manufacturer.

In the event of structural repairs, Acura has released a Position Statement recommending that only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts be used on their vehicles:

“American Honda does not support the use of aftermarket, alternative, reverse-engineered, or anything other than original equipment Honda or Acura parts for the collision repair of any Honda or Acura vehicle.  Further, American Honda does not support the use or re-use of structural components that have been removed and salvaged or recycled from an existing vehicle that has been previously damaged.”

Essentially, they are explaining that it would be detrimental to your safety if anything besides OEM structural parts are used in your repair.

How are structural parts different from any other parts?

Structural parts include floor elements, body panels, frame rails, and more that basically hold your vehicle together.  It’s especially important to preserve the integrity of your structural components, as they are the sections of your car that can help minimize damage in the event of a collision.  These parts are designed with crush zones that are intended to absorb the energy in a collision, giving you and your passengers additional protection. 

Here’s the problem with non-OEM structural parts.

There are plenty of aftermarket, recycled, and salvage structural parts available, but none of them will ever be as reliable or as structurally sound as new OEM parts.  

Aftermarket parts are developed to fit a range of makes and models, so they may not fit the exact specifications for placement on an Acura.  That means a technician would have to bend, heat, and employ other creative methods to get the part to fit properly.  

Recycled and salvage parts might seem like a good idea, but keep in mind that it’s nearly impossible to determine the quality of their condition by the time they get to you.  They might be from a car that was already involved in a collision or experienced extreme weather fluctuations or simply survived general wear and tear.  Even upon close inspection, it’s often impossible to see all the microscopic damage a salvage part might have endured.  Even very minor discrepancies in material or shape can cause a structural part to become less effective and, therefore, less safe to use on your vehicle.

It’s dangerous to use anything besides OEM parts in your repair.

The engineers at Acura have carefully designed their structural parts to work together seamlessly.  According to Acura: 

“Compromising any element of a collision energy absorption system or an occupant supplemental restraint system in the repair of a collision-damaged vehicle may have an adverse effect on occupant safety in any subsequent collision.”

They are saying that disrupting even one structural element could throw the whole system off, leading to major problems down the road, including poor vehicle performance and less protection in a collision.

There’s no sense in taking chances with your safety.  OEM parts are higher quality than aftermarket parts.  OEM parts have also never been used, never been exposed to the elements, never been rendered defective by improper disassembly like recycled or salvage parts.  New structural parts are made to function optimally on your vehicle, increasing your car’s performance and your personal safety.

While other shops might disregard Acura’s recommendations, we respect this information because we care about the quality of your repair.

It might be surprising to you, but collision repair shops are not required to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.  There’s no one actually enforcing these Position Statements, so manufacturers are putting their trust in us to do as they recommend.  

At our shop, we genuinely care about every repair we do.  Because of this, we make sure to follow Acura’s recommendation of using new replacement structural parts, instead of taking chances with aftermarket and salvage components.  It is our mission to do what’s best for your vehicle’s performance and for your safety.

  

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