Thurs, 18 Nov 2009

Auto Damage Experts Question After-Market Parts Equality to OEM

In response to ongoing claims made by CAPA’s Jack Gillis, Executive Director of the Certified Automotive Parts Association, Barrett Smith, President and CEO of Auto Damage Experts, Inc. (ADE) has raised questions about the quality and crash worthiness of after-market crash parts that for years have remained unanswered.

“In all my years as a repairer, shop owner and Industry expert /consultant, two nagging questions regarding replacement after-market parts remain unanswered” says Smith.

Mr. Gillis is reported as recently giving advice stating in part: "If you are representing to your policy holders or repair customers that you are using quality alternative parts, be sure the part meets CAPA's quality standards for true comparability”.

Smith continues: The question begs to be answered:  what “true comparability”?

“Placing all CAPA and A/mkt. manufacturer’s claims aside, there are two fundamental factors that are ever present and of which are undeniably impossible to argue:”

1.)        After market replacement parts are not crash tested and/or proven to react in a manner consistent with the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer’s) parts which have been designed and engineered to bend, absorb and channel impact related energies in a predetermined manner as to ensure proper deployment of supplemental restraint systems as designed by the vehicle’s original manufacturer and to provide protection of the occupants against serious and significant injury. Simply stated; if the aftermarket parts were to receive the same rigorous and sacrificial crash testing, analysis and verification as OEM parts, the aftermarket replacements could not and would not offer the cost savings CAPA and their manufacturers tout as an advantage. The simple fact is the cheaper pricing is the only benefit derived from the use of alternative crash parts.

2.) Vehicles repaired with aftermarket parts have a higher loss (diminution) in value than a vehicle repaired with original manufacturer’s replacement parts.  This includes mechanical and lighting components.

The employment of OEM parts enable a damaged and repaired vehicle to recover a greater portion of its pre-loss value than one repaired with non-original, non-tested aftermarket parts.

Auto Damage Experts holds firm to the belief that to truly indemnify one for their loss, only original factory replacement parts will restore a damaged vehicle, and its owner, to pre-loss condition in safety, reliability, appearance and value to the best of human ability.

A repairer should fully understand the distinct and real liabilities they face when employing un-tested inferior aftermarket parts, just as a doctor understands similar liabilities if and when providing a lesser quality medication or treatment in place of a more appropriate one.

When the issue does arise, it will be the repairer, and the repairer alone, who is recognized as the "repair professional", who, along with their technical staff, will be held accountable and bear the brunt of all associated liabilities.

Auto Damage Experts urges all repairers to consult with their corporate legal counsel and Garage Keeper’s liability insurance carriers to see what liabilities exist and what risks are incurred in the employment of untested aftermarket replacement parts.

ADE believes that when it comes to a family’s personal welfare and safety, quality repairs aren’t expensive…they’re Priceless!

Auto Damage Experts provides expert consulting and various automotive related forensic and appraisal services to all parties including consumers, local, state and federal governmental agencies, corporations and legal professionals. For more information visit www.AutoDamageExperts.com