Part-Type Definitions

Equally as important as choosing the right body shop is choosing the right parts. Today's vehicles are complex, sophisticated and technologically advanced. A multitude of systems must work together to provide an enjoyable and safe driving experience. This includes your car's sheet metal, bumpers, and safety related items, such as air bags and seat belt tensioners. But sometimes, to repair a collision damaged car, insurance companies specify alternative parts - parts that may not measure up!

The terms and definitions below are the generally accepted norm used by the collision repair industry:

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OE):

Original Equipment Manufacturer or Original Equipment or more simply, "OE" parts are replacement parts produced by the vehicle manufacturer; in a word, Acura Genuine Parts. These are made to the same exacting specifications as the parts used to build the car.

Aftermarket:

Parts produced and supplied by other than the original equipment (OE) supplier; in a word, non-Genuine parts. Aftermarket collision parts including but not limited to sheet metal, bumper components, and lamps, may offer a price-based alternative, but may not provide the same fit, finish, or return the car to its full, pre-loss condition. Moreover, use of inferior materials, or the production process used to manufacture aftermarket sheet metal or bumpers may cause paint adhesion problems leading to premature paint peeling or chipping. Because these parts are "reverse-engineered", mounting holes may not correctly align leading to an improper or compromised fit.

Remanufactured:

Remanufactured generally means parts removed from an existing vehicle that are repaired and / or refinished. These generally fall into two categories; those items ordinarily associated with collision repair such as bumper covers or wheels, and those items which may be replaced due to a collision loss, but are more mechanical in nature such as steering racks, steering pumps, starters and alternators. As with aftermarket parts, remanufactured parts may offer a price-based alternative. However, some remanufactured parts may compromise the structural integrity, safety or performance of the vehicle. Only Acura Genuine Remanufactured parts provide uncompromising quality and are backed by a 3 year, 36,000 mile warranty.*
*See dealer for warranty details

Like Kind and Quality (LKQ):

In the collision repair vernacular, this term has come to mean parts salvaged or "harvested" from a vehicle that was deemed a total wreck. This category commonly includes large body assemblies such as complete bumper assemblies or complete front ends, severed from the original vehicle from the windshield forward. While LKQ parts may offer a price-based alternative, the parts used from the salvage vehicle may have already been replaced with non-OE parts, or may be structurally compromised as a result of the collision. Other factors affecting the quality of these parts include unsuitable storage, hidden damage, or removal technique.

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