Category: OEM Parts

OEM Versus Aftermarket Auto Body Parts

Posted on by Cline Collision Center

When it comes to auto body repairs, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll face is choosing between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts and aftermarket parts. This choice can significantly impact your vehicle’s performance, appearance, and even its resale value. At Cline Collision Center, we understand how important it is for you to make an informed decision, especially since we’re OEM Certified for GM,  Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Kia, Ford, Hyundai, Nissan, Infiniti, Honda, and Acura. So, let’s dive into the pros and cons of each option to help you make the best choice for your vehicle.

What Are OEM Parts? OEM parts are made by the vehicle’s manufacturer. These parts are designed to fit and function exactly like the original parts that came with your vehicle when it was new. Since they are made to the manufacturer’s specifications, OEM parts are often considered the gold standard in auto body repair.

Advantages of OEM Parts

  • Perfect Fit and Finish: OEM parts are designed to fit perfectly with your vehicle’s existing components, ensuring that your car looks and performs as if it just rolled off the factory floor.
  • High-Quality Materials: Manufacturers use high-quality materials that meet stringent standards, ensuring durability and longevity.
  • Warranty Coverage: Many OEM parts come with a manufacturer’s warranty, offering peace of mind and protection against defects.
  • Resale Value: Using OEM parts in repairs can help maintain your vehicle’s resale value, as potential buyers often prefer vehicles that have been repaired with original parts.

Disadvantages of OEM Parts

  • Cost: OEM parts are usually more expensive than aftermarket parts, which can significantly increase the cost of repairs.
  • Limited Availability: Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, OEM parts may be harder to find, leading to longer repair times.

What Are Aftermarket Parts? Aftermarket parts are produced by third-party companies and are designed to replace OEM parts. These parts are often more affordable and can be easier to find, but they come with their own set of pros and cons.

Advantages of Aftermarket Parts

  • Cost-Effective: Aftermarket parts are typically less expensive than OEM parts, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
  • Variety: The aftermarket industry offers a wide range of options, allowing you to choose parts that best suit your needs and preferences.
  • Availability: Aftermarket parts are generally more readily available than OEM parts, which can speed up the repair process.

Disadvantages of Aftermarket Parts

  • Inconsistent Quality: The quality of aftermarket parts can vary significantly between manufacturers. Some parts may not fit as well as OEM parts, potentially leading to issues with performance and aesthetics.
  • No Warranty: Aftermarket parts often do not come with a warranty, leaving you without protection if the part fails or is defective.
  • Potential for Increased Wear and Tear: Poorly fitting aftermarket parts can cause additional wear and tear on your vehicle, leading to more frequent repairs and maintenance.
  • Choosing the Right Option for You Deciding between OEM and aftermarket parts ultimately depends on your priorities. If you value quality, fit, and warranty protection, OEM parts may be the best choice for you. However, if cost and availability are your primary concerns, aftermarket parts could be a suitable alternative.

At Cline Collision Center, we are committed to providing you with the highest level of service and quality. As the best auto body repair shop in Santa Rosa, we ensure that every repair is completed with the utmost care, whether you choose OEM or aftermarket parts. Our OEM certification for brands like Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Kia, Ford, Hyundai, Nissan, Infiniti, Honda, and Acura guarantees that your vehicle is in expert hands.

Your vehicle is a significant investment, and when it comes to repairs, you deserve the best. Whether you choose OEM or aftermarket parts, make sure to work with a trusted and certified auto body repair shop like Cline Collision Center. We’re here to help you make the right choice for your car and get you back on the road safely and confidently.  Request an estimate today and find out how we can repair car to manufacturer standards and make your auto body repair experience the best ever!

How Has Commute Traffic Changed Since the Start of the Pandemic?

Posted on by Cline Collision Center

Now that COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted in Sonoma County, life is starting to slowly return to normal. However, if you commute to work during typical business hours, you may have noticed rush hour doesn’t seem to feel as “rushed” as it used to.

Heavy traffic on one of the freeways crossing Silicon Valley, San Francisco bay area, California

You’re not alone. Traffic data from across the country suggests that the daily commute has changed drastically since the start of the pandemic, particularly in the morning. And, traffic experts aren’t sure if it will actually return to its pre-pandemic patterns.

In general, rush hour trends have shown that traffic has become more spread out, with more drivers postponing their trips to the office until later in the morning. As more Americans have transitioned to remote work or a hybrid schedule, there’s more variance with when people are commuting. Although it’s expected that more people will return to the workplace following Labor Day, traffic experts believe that traffic will continue to stay lighter than it was prior to 2020.

Less Road Time Has a Downside

Less congestion on the road seems like it would be a good thing, right? Commutes are quicker. There’s less stop-and-go traffic (and the accompanying stress and potential for road rage). What’s not to like?

Unfortunately, less road time comes with a dangerous downside. Fewer people commuting means the road is nice and open, which encourages speeding and increases the potential for deadly accidents. In fact, it’s more dangerous out there than it was before the pandemic.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the fatality rate per 100 million miles traveled on U.S. roads was 1.37, a 23% increase from 2019. In addition, the National Safety Council also estimates that just under 4. 8 million people were seriously injured in collision in 2020.

With fewer people on the road, people can drive faster. With faster speeds, there are typically more reckless maneuvers, lower reaction time for braking, more occurrences of drivers losing control, and other factors that lead to collisions and injury. To add to the issue, police aren’t stepping in the way they had prior to the pandemic, so many drivers have been speeding because they know they can get away with it.

Staying Safe on the Road

Whether you commute to the office daily or work remotely, it’s important to keep in mind that many people are still adjusting to life after a year of lockdown—and more traffic on the roads. Some drivers have become accustomed to driving well over the speed limit over the past year. Stay safe by keeping your eyes on the road, limiting distractions, and give people who want to go faster than the speed limit allows a wide berth.

If you do get into an accident, we’re here to help! From high-quality OEM repairs to complete insurance coordination on your behalf, we make the repair process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Give us a call at (707) 591-9909 or contact us online. Stay safe out there!

Damage to Your Leased Vehicle? Make Sure You Get OEM Parts

Posted on by Cline Collision Center

So, you just got in a fender bender in your leased vehicle. What do you do now? Is it different than if it’s a vehicle you own?

First off, make sure you are in as safe a location as possible and call 911 and report it to the police. Do this even it’s a minor incident, no matter whose fault it is. Police reports will help you establish facts and resolve disputes. Insurance companies want police reports and it will make the process smoother if you have official descriptions of the accident.

Next, call your insurance company. Hopefully, you have appropriate insurance so you’re not out of luck even if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured. Your insurer can get involved in the process even if it wasn’t your fault.

Damage To Your Leased Vehicle | Get OEM Parts

Third, call the lease finance company, especially if the vehicle is totaled. It’s their vehicle, after all. They’ll want to know what’s up and expect a call from an insurance company. Most leasing agreements carry GAP insurance, meaning insurance pays the leasing company the difference between the “totaled” amount and market value. The money doesn’t go to you but ensures you won’t owe extra.

The last step is probably the most important. Take your vehicle to a repair facility that will return your vehicle in like-new condition. Make sure they use OEM parts, not cheap aftermarket replacements or junkyard parts. You will be charged for repairs that don’t meet OEM standards to restore your vehicle to acceptable condition.      

At Cline Collision Center, we will put your vehicle back into pre-collision shape. As a Gold Class certified shop, you can feel confident knowing that we only use OEM parts and hold ourselves to incredibly high standards. Our ASE certification lets you know we stay up with all of the latest developments, offering a full slate of state-of-the-art autobody services, from dent removal to high-end painting and auto detailing. Contact us online or call us at 707-591-9909 if your car is in an accident, leased or not. You’ll be happy you took all the right steps!

Aftermarket or OEM?

Posted on by Cline Collision Center

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are built by the maker of your vehicle. They fit and work perfectly because they are the same parts that were specifically engineered for your car. Aftermarket parts are made to replace damaged parts, usually at a lesser cost. They might be good quality parts. They might not.

Here is what you might want to consider before choosing:

OEM Parts

Because OEM parts are made by the automakers who designed and built your vehicle, they are generally more expensive than aftermarket parts. On the other hand, they are guaranteed to exactly match the parts they replace. This doesn’t mean that OEM parts are always superior to aftermarket parts—it just means that they aren’t the same. OEM parts can sometimes make repairs take longer—it may take shops more time to get parts from original equipment manufacturers than aftermarket suppliers.

Aftermarket Parts

Aftermarket parts are regulated by federal and state administrators. Still, some aftermarket manufacturers are better than others. The difficulty is in knowing which ones. Insurance companies often push for shops to use non-OEM parts because they can cost as much as 50 % less. Many shops use aftermarket parts and you have to trust if they are doing so because it is a better value, or they want to increase their bottom line.

Which is better for you? How do you decide?

The choice is yours, of course. You can research aftermarket parts and make an educated evaluation of your situation. Also, a very restrictive budget may make aftermarket parts your only choice. On the contrary, if you want to maintain the value of your vehicle and you want to guarantee the fit and quality of the repair, OEM parts are your best choice.It is also important to go to a body shop you can trust for advice and repairs you can rely on.  Cline Collision Center provides professional auto detailing, dent removal, and exact-match painting. If you want your car restored to its pre-collision condition, contact us online or call us today at 707-591-9909. 

The Right Parts Installed the Right Way

Posted on by Cline Collision Center

Like anything else, choosing an autobody shop that you trust can feel like a leap of faith. Will they have the training, tools, parts suppliers, and equipment to return your car to pre-collision condition?

When your car is in an accident, you need to have confidence that the repair is done correctly. Going to an Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) certified body shop ensures that well-trained technicians are using parts that meet OEM standards.

We Know The Importance Of Your Vehicle

Your car is a critical component of your daily existence. Transporting yourself and loved ones safely is the top priority. You also don’t want to spend much time hassling with getting your vehicle fixed. That’s why it’s so crucial for car repairs to be done right the first time. An OEM certified shop provides expensive training sessions for its technicians with dealers or manufacturers. These shops also only use OEM certified parts. This ensures that your repaired vehicle will have parts that are of the same quality as your original vehicle.

Certification isn’t cheap. Shops that invest in better training and parts believe that safety and quality are more important than short-term profits gained by cutting corners. These certifications also need to be constantly renewed. That means a shop can’t get complacent—it requires a commitment to stay up with the latest developments in the industry. The right parts installed the right way with the right tools! Why would you trust your vehicle with cut-rate shops that don’t care about your safety? When you want your car or truck restored to its original condition, bring it into the pros at Cline Collision Center. Dent removal, high-end painting, auto detailing—we do it all! If you want 100% satisfaction guaranteed repair for your damaged vehicle, contact us online or call us at 707-591-9909 today.

Your Auto Body Advocate

Posted on by Jason

The Cline Collision Center process for repairing your vehicle.

Getting into an accident or damaging your car is one of the most inconvenient and stressful situations. It’s likely you won’t know what to do when it comes to dealing with your car insurance company and the auto body repair process.

That is where Cline Collision Center comes in. Our mission is to be our customer’s advocate. We know your situation is stressful and we understand the lingo and terminology your insurance company might be asking you. This is why we established a process for auto body repairs that removes the stress and delivers an exceptional finished vehicle for our customers.

The Cline Collision Center Vehicle Repair Process:

  1. File Claim with Insurance Company: Before Cline Collision Center can get started, you must file a claim and provide a statement with your insurance company.
  2. Call Cline Collision Center: Once you have your claim number you can provide it to us and we’ll get started.
  3. Estimates, Approvals and Loaner Car: Our Manager, Joe, will be the one who takes your claim number and begins working with your insurance company on an estimate for repairs. This will be the time that we also coordinate a loaner car to have during the duration of the repair.
  4. Prep for Repairs: Upon estimate approval, your car will be disassembled and repairs will be scheduled. OEM parts will be ordered, paint colors determined and repairs can begin.
  5. Structure Repairs: Our highly trained team will begin repairing your vehicle and bring it back to new.
  6. Body Work: Exterior panels and finishing will be replaced.
  7. Paint Shop: After the body work is completed, your vehicle enters our paint shop. We utilize only the best brands (Spies Hecker, Dupont and Axalta among others).
  8. Assembly: Our team will put all of the repaired panels back on the vehicle. Inspections are made to ensure every component is perfect.
  9. Detail: Upon sign off of repair, we then detail the car to make sure it looks pristine.

Communication is Key

We communicate with our customers through every step of the auto body repair process. We know how inconvenient it is for you and we want to make sure you feel at ease and informed. With Cline Collision Center being a Santa Rosa Gold Class Repair Shop by i-Car, and committed to only using OEM parts, you can rest assured your car is in good hands.

Get the best parts-and the best service at Cline Collision Center.

Schedule an appointment.

7 Things Auto-Body Shops Won’t Tell You

Posted on by Cline Collision Center

If you get into an accident, there are several things that are useful to know before you head to the body shop.

#1. A Fender Bender Can be Expensive to Repair

If you’ve gotten into a literal fender bender and it’s deemed that you’re the one at fault, you may be surprised at the cost of replacing a fender – even after the $500 deductible. The average fender replacement can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,600 after the costs of installation and painting. On vehicles with carbon fiber fenders, that cost can be as much as $5,000 to replace.

#2. Approved Shops are Often Obliged to Work on Behalf of Insurance Companies

Auto insurers contract with auto body shops to repair vehicles for a pre-negotiated rate; sometimes this includes practices like require low hourly labor rates, or making the shop pick up the cost of the rental car. Insurers often give customers so many discounts that it makes it impossible for shops to make much of a profit, causing some companies to feel tempted to cut corners.

#3. Not all Replacement Parts are Equal

OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts are designed to match your make and model of vehicle exactly. Insurers generally prefer shops use generic, lower quality, or salvaged parts because they’re less expensive. If you’re at fault for an accident, you may be bound by your insurance policy to use these lower quality parts, however, if someone else is at fault be sure to tell your auto body shop to use OEM parts.

#4. The Due Date May Be Exaggerated

Mechanics often take on more work than they can handle but may blame it on things like parts being delayed. Before you choose a shop to do your body work, it’s always a good idea to check their online reviews to make sure that they deliver what they say they will.

#5. A Rental Car Can be Expensive

Renting a car is convenient if you’re going to be without your vehicle for an extended period of time, however, the costs can add up quickly. Renting a car for three weeks could cost $1,000 or more. Even if you have rental car insurance, your daily reimbursement may be limited to the cost of a compact car. Make sure your rental car insurance is comparable to the size of car you’re having repaired.

#6. Choose a Shop That Specializes in Your Type of Vehicle

Many European cars have precision parts and use types of metal that require specialized equipment to repair it. You should always take your car to a shop that’s certified by the manufacturer to work on your specific vehicle. Going to a manufacturer certified shop ensures the shop will understand your vehicle and have the right tools and parts to properly repair it back to manufacturer’s specifications. These shops do generally charge higher rates, so insurers won’t necessarily recommend them – but they should still be willing to pick up the tab.

#7. The Insurer’s Warranty Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Much

Insurers will sometimes exaggerate warranties on parts, for example, saying that they’ll be good for the life of the vehicle. This can be a tactic to urge consumers to go to a shop within their network. In reality, the body shop’s guarantee is the one that you should trust. Most shops guarantee their work, and most manufacturers guarantee their parts – those are the warranties that truly matter.

What Does MOPAR Stand For?

Posted on by Cline Collision Center

At Cline Auto Collision, we’re a MOPAR auto body shop, but what does that actually mean?

What is MOPAR?

MOPAR was named by combining the words “motor” and “parts.” MOPAR is the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FAC) Global Service and Parts division that’s responsible for manufacturing and distributing authentic replacement parts, components and accessories for Fiat, Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge vehicles. Despite being a department within the Fiat Chrysler organization, many car owners refer to all vehicles produced by them as MOPAR.

What is a MOPAR Shop?

As a MOPAR auto body shop, this means we only use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts for all FAC repairs. The label of MOPAR is the same as saying that we’re FAC certified and means FAC has acknowledged that we meet their strict standards for repairing all makes and models manufactured by them. We make sure not only to use OEM parts but also to follow factory approved procedures and recommended equipment for every FAC repair job.

Why Use MOPAR Parts?

It’s crucial to use MOPAR parts for your FAC vehicles because every part is engineered specifically for your car. While aftermarket or generic parts can cut costs significantly, they may be of poor quality, fit irregularly, or may even potentially alter the appearance or structural integrity of your vehicle. Using MOPAR parts will ensure you receive high-quality repairs that restore your vehicle to factory standards while keeping your vehicle safe and reliable. If you’re in need of repairs for your FAC vehicle, contact Cline Collision Center! We’re proud to be a MOPAR auto body shop offering superior repairs that will make your vehicle look and feel like new.

Do Insurance Companies Have to Use OEM Parts?

Posted on by Cline Collision Center

Insurance companies are a business, and like many businesses, they’re interested in maximizing profitability. This means that when insurers contract with auto body shops, there may be a tendency for them to urge auto shops to use generic parts in an effort to cut costs – particularly if you were the one at fault for the accident. In some instances, insurers may even offer auto repair shops kickbacks for using non-OEM parts. Don’t assume that your insurance coverage automatically covers OEM parts; most likely it doesn’t.

Can I still Use OEM Parts if They’re Not Covered?

If OEM parts are a deal-breaker for you, it’s recommended you find an insurer that covers them, however, even if yours does cover them, they may not be an automatic option on a standard policy. You’ll most likely need to request the coverage or even pay an additional fee. Then there’s the issue of older vehicles or discontinued models; there simply may no longer be OEM parts available. In this case, a body shop only has options to use aftermarket or used parts, regardless of the coverage you have.

If OEM parts aren’t covered by your insurance, you don’t necessarily have to go with aftermarket parts; you have the option of paying the difference between the cost of OEM and aftermarket. Your insurance will cover the price of aftermarket parts, and you can tell us that you want OEM parts for your repair instead. You’ll be fully responsible for covering the difference in cost, but you’ll have peace of mind knowing that the parts used in the repair are specific to your individual make and model. The cost difference can sometimes be significant, so be sure to budget accordingly for the work that you’re having done.

If you have any questions about the insurance process, requesting OEM parts, or about OEM parts in general, give us a call today! We’re always happy to address any questions you may have.

OEM Collision Repair Parts and Procedures Bill Becomes Law in Rhode Island

Posted on by Cline Collision Center

Rhode Island Senate Bill 2679 (SB 2679), that expands the state’s existing requirement that consumers be given the right to choose and insurers pay for OEM parts on claims for 30 months after a vehicle is manufactured to all claims for a period of 48 months, is now law in Rhode Island. The bill that was approved by the Rhode Island legislature in June along with its companion House Bill 8013 took effect without Governor Raimondo’s signature on July 4. This means that insurance companies in Rhode Island no longer require use of aftermarket auto body parts, and more importantly do not install these after market parts onto a vehicle without the owner’s consent. So long as their vehicle is less than 48 months beyond the vehicle’s manufacture date. There are some ups and downs to this law going into place for consumers. The upside is that you have more control of what parts go onto your new car. Some of you might be thinking “this is amazing who would want after market parts on their vehicle”? While OEM parts will restore your vehicle back to factory specifications (which, most people would prefer because their vehicle is still very new), some people like replacing parts with aftermarket ones when they either mechanically fail or get damaged by accident. Think of Jeeps. Many Jeep owners swap out the entire look of the vehicle, for after market parts. However, insurers are not to thrilled about this because it costs more to put OEM parts on vehicle’s most of the time. For example, The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America initially wanted this bill to be thrown out as it could create pressure to raise auto insurance premiums and raise auto repair costs.

“We’re disappointed that the governor decided to let this bill become law,” said Frank O’Brien, vice president of state government relations for PCI, in a statement to Insurance Journal. “It is yet another in a series of auto body-related bills that the Rhode Island legislature has passed and have gone into effect which do nothing but increase rates for Rhode Island consumers so that the auto body industry in Rhode Island can continue to make the kind of money that it makes.”

O’Brien had previously spoken out in a PCI press release against the bill when it passed the General Assembly, adding that, “Rhode Island drivers, as a result, could end up paying the highest auto insurance premiums in the U.S.”

As a consumer, what do you think about this new law? Should California consider implementing this too? Cline Collision Center is an OEM certified collision repair facility. Give us a call today to schedule your free estimate.