Is OEM the same as original?
Cline Collision Center prides itself on being an OEM auto body shop. You can see our list of OEM certifications here, for car makers like Honda, Hyundia, Infiniti, Nissan, Ford, Dodge, Chrysler, and Kia. You may have heard the term OEM over and over again and wonder what it means and the burning question: is OEM the same as original?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, and indicates that the manufacturer was the original producer of the part – fenders, quarter panels, headlight cover, grills, etc – when the car was built. In car lingo, original parts are used to refer to the parts that the car is assembled with in the factory. Every piece of the car as it exits the factory is an original part. Anything that is replaced, including a tail light, is no longer an original part. However, OEM parts are the same as the original in the sense that they are made by the same manufacturer, with the same materials, to the same specifications. OEM parts are markedly different than aftermarket parts. Aftermarket parts have questionable quality; while they may be cheaper, they also may be inferior and more likely to show uneven wear, not align with the seams of the car, and break down over time. By using OEM parts car owners know that they not only receive a vehicle that is completely returned to factory standard in appearance, they also know their car is restored in structural integrity as well.
After a collision, your car may need repairs to the body. While the replacement parts will not be original to the vehicle, they will be OEM parts that seamlessly fit in with your vehicle and ensure its resale value, structural integrity, and restored appearance. Cline Collision Center always uses OEM parts and proper repair procedures and equipment, which is why we are recognized by so many auto makers as a factory approved facility. Need auto body repairs to your vehicle after an accident? Call us today!
