Month: April 2018

What is the difference between OEM and OE?

Posted on by Cline Collision Center

There are a lot of different terms used when it comes to auto body. There’s OEM, OE, aftermarket, alternative, the list seems to go on and on. We talked in another post about what MOPAR means. One of the biggest questions car owners have is: what is the difference between OEM and OE?

OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer. OE stands for original equipment. OE parts are the components of the vehicle as it’s made in the factory – all of the original parts that the car was first built with. Once the car comes out of the factory, everything else is not an OE part.

OEM is original equipment manufacturer, which means this manufacturer was the original manufacturer of the part and is approved for use in the brand’s vehicles. For example, Cline Collision Center is certified by Honda, Kia, Ford, Nissan, Fiat Chrysler, Hyundai, and Infiniti as an approved collision center. These certifications acknowledge our high tech equipment, adherence to factory-approved procedures, highly trained auto technicians, and dedication to using OEM parts. OEM parts are created for specific makes and models, and approved by the automaker, to fit in the car. By using OEM parts, you uphold the structural integrity of your vehicle, retain its resale value, and make sure it retains a seamless appearance.

Use OEM Parts for the Best Auto Body Repairs

Although sometimes used interchangeably, the terms OE and OEM are different. OE parts are the parts your car exited the factory with. Certain things – like bulbs and belts – are going to have to be replaced. Other times, an accident means your vehicle needs major repairs. By using OEM parts you can ensure your vehicle gets the best repairs. Cline Collision Center is committed to only using OEM parts. “Alternative” parts, such as parts that are salvaged off a totaled vehicle, cheaper versions made by other manufactures, and parts that you don’t know the origin of, might be cheaper, but you don’t know where they come from. They could weaken your vehicle’s structural integrity, wear out before other parts, or not fit seamlessly with your car. Get the best parts – and the best service! – by turning to Cline Collision Center.

OEM Certification And What It Means

Posted on by Cline Collision Center

It used to be that there were car dealerships and independent body shops. Car owners could decide to take their vehicle to the dealership for auto body repairs or go to a local independent body shop. Dealerships are typically pricier, while independent body shops are less reputable and may offer substandard repairs.

However, there’s a better option. There are now OEM certified independent body shops, that offer high quality repairs that have been approved by the automaker, with the convenience and price break of using a local facility. OEM Certification requires numerous stipulations like:

 

·         Having the facility and equipment necessary to complete the highest standard of work

·         Thoroughly trained and well qualified auto technicians

·         Only using OEM parts

 

OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer. OEM certification means that a body shop has been acknowledged to only use factory-approved parts. It also means that the facility has the correct equipment to install those parts, and uses only factory-approved procedures. For example, Cline Collision Center is a Ford Recognized auto body facility. This means that Ford has authorized Cline to do work on all Ford vehicles, including the new F-150 that has an aluminum frame. Aluminum frame vehicles require different equipment than traditional steel ones; because of the corrosive nature of the metals, completely separate equipment, tools, and space is needed when working on an aluminum vehicle. Cline has the right environment to offer top-notch Ford repairs.

 

OEM Certifications from Several of the Top Automakers

Ford isn’t the only automaker that has recognized Cline Collision Center’s work as meeting or exceeding the stringent standards expected for top-tier auto body repair. We are also certified through Fiat Chrysler, Hyundai, Infiniti, Nissan, Kia, and Honda. In fact, our technicians carry the highest level of training, including certification through Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (II-CAR), the gold standard of auto body certifications. If you have any other questions about OEM Certification and how it pertains to your vehicle’s repairs, call Cline Collision Center.

What does MOPAR mean?

Posted on by Cline Collision Center

Cline Collision Center is MOPAR auto body shop. But what does MOPAR stand for? And what does it mean to be a MOPAR body shop?

MOPAR is the customer care, service, and parts organization within Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. This automaker makes several brands you’re familiar with:  Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Ram Trucks, and more. The name MOPAR comes from combing the letters in “MOtor” and “PARts” to create MOPAR. MOPAR produces all the parts for FAC vehicles. Although this is the organization with the automaker’s corporation, the term is used by car owners to refer to all vehicles produced by Fiat Chrysler Automobile. For example, in popular culture the word MOPAR has come to refer to Dodges, Chryslers, Plymouths, Imperials, etc.

When an auto body shop is specially a MOPAR body shop, it means they only use original equipment manufacturer parts for all FAC repairs. Just as Cline Collision Center is certified through Ford, Hyundai, Infiniti, Nissan, Kia, and Honda as an approved body shop that only uses OEM parts, the same goes for Fiat Chrysler vehicles. The label MOPAR body shop is the same as stating we are a FCA certified collision repair facility. It means the automaker has acknowledged our work meets the stringent standards set by Fiat Chrysler for auto body repairs, including using MOPAR-produced body parts, factory approved procedures, and high quality equipment and tools for the job.

 

Why use MOPAR parts?

It’s crucial to use MOPAR parts for auto body repairs on your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or other FCA vehicle. Why is it so important? MOPAR specially manufactures these parts for your vehicle. Every part is engineered and fitted for the exact car. Aftermarket or alternative parts might be cheaper, but they are not a guaranteed fit, are often inferior quality, and may alter the appearance and/or structural integrity of your vehicle. By using MOPAR parts and trusting a MOPAR auto body facility, you can ensure your vehicle is restored to factory condition. That’s exactly what Cline Collision Center provides. If you need repairs on your FCA vehicle, contact a factory approved collision facility today.