Nissan Does Not Want Recycled Parts in All Collision Repairs

Some body shops suggest that collision repairers should not use salvage/recycled parts while others may prefer them. In other cases, carmakers discourage the use of them. In this scenario, Nissan North America recognizes the importance of recycling. But the use of salvage/recycled parts to repair collision-damaged vehicles raises serious concerns about quality, suitability, safety and warranty. For this reason, Nissan North America does not approve of the repair of its vehicles with salvage parts or assemblies. Here are some excerpts from Nissan’s position statements on the viability of salvage/recycled parts.

Why No Salvaged or Recycled Parts?

Many factors can influence the quality and suitability of a salvage part, including but not limited to, exposure to weather, improper removal or transfer of parts, possible mismatch of vehicle electrical components, or other safety-related items, as well as excessive wear on vital mechanical parts such as steering or suspension parts.

No Way to Regulate Their Use

In cases where the donor vehicle was repaired due to a prior collision, recycled parts may not even be an original or genuine Nissan replacement part. At this time, there is no generally accepted process in place for the repair industry to regulate the quality or suitability of salvage/recycled parts. Nissan North America strongly believes that the interests of our owners and collision repairers are best served when Genuine Nissan replacement parts are used in the repair of our vehicles. We ask that the collision repair industry adhere to these guidelines going forward.

Parts Warranties Invalid 

Nissan North America’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, and Limited Warranty on replacement parts do not apply to any parts other than Genuine Nissan original equipment parts. Nissan North America will not be responsible for any subsequent repair costs associated with a vehicle and/or part failure caused by the use of parts other than Genuine Nissan replacement parts.

How Does This Impact You?

If you choose not to use Genuine Nissan replacement parts you are opening yourself up for potential problems down the road. Sure, you might have saved $200 on a fender or a panel, but when it falls off on the freeway or cracks upon impact, did you really save anything at all? Nissan made your vehicle, so why not fix it using those same types of parts and keep yourself safe and looking toward your next road trip?

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OE-Recommended Steel and Aluminum Wheel Repair Standards on All Nissan Vehicles

Nissan North America does not approve of any repairs made to any of its wheels, which includes the use of any repaired steel or aluminum wheel that involves welding, bending, hammering, straightening, re-machining, reforming, or adding new material, as this can compromise the structural integrity of the wheel and safety of the vehicle. This information was outlined in a repair bulletin published by the carmaker.

Reconditioned Wheels Limited to Minor Cosmetic Repairs

Nissan stated, “Any repair of steel or aluminum wheels must be strictly limited to minor cosmetic sanding or polishing that removes only the finish, not the metal. Reconditioned wheels are not an acceptable method of repair on any Nissan vehicle, as these wheels were once subjected to the prohibited repairs referenced above.”

A reconditioned wheel, or any wheel not approved by Nissan, may cause unsafe vehicle operation and performance, including loss of control which may result in injuries to the vehicle occupants or other drivers. Following a collision situation, all four wheels should be thoroughly inspected for damage, especially the wheel(s) closest to the impact area of vehicle.

Parts Warranties Only Apply on Genuine Nissan OE Replacement Parts

Nissan North America’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, and Limited Warranty on replacement parts do not apply to any parts other than Genuine Nissan original equipment parts. Nissan North America will not be responsible for any subsequent repair costs associated with a vehicle and/or part failure caused by the use of parts other than Genuine Nissan replacement parts.

“Nissan North America’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, and Limited Warranty on replacement parts do not apply to any parts other than Genuine Nissan original equipment parts. Nissan North America will not be responsible for any subsequent repair costs associated with a vehicle and/or part failure caused by the use of parts other than Genuine Nissan replacement parts.

Nissan Does Not Endorse Anything Except OE Parts

The use of aftermarket, used, or salvaged parts puts you almost at the same risk of problems as reconditioning the wheels would. Used and salvaged parts come with a questionable history, as it’s possible they’ve been compromised in a collision or through natural wear and tear.

Aftermarket parts present another problem in that they are often not comprised of the highest quality materials and they are also not designed to fit the parameters of your specific make, model, and year of Nissan.  Therefore, Nissan will have to void your warranty if you choose to use anything other than OEM parts.

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Mercedes-Benz Does Not Want Aftermarket Parts Used on Collision Repairs 

Mercedes-Benz vehicles and Genuine Parts are designed and manufactured to meet production-engineered specifications while maximizing the safety of all occupants in a collision. If a collision repair is necessary, the carmaker strongly recommends that all repairs be performed by a certified technician using only Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts, mechanical components, and electrical components, as well as safety devices  such as airbags and seat belts.

What M-B is Saying about Aftermarket Parts

Mercedes-Benz does not approve of the use of aftermarket or third-party replacement parts as well. Here is what they stated in a position paper about aftermarket, salvaged and recycled parts.

“Mercedes-Benz vehicles are fully tested and certified as an entire assembly. Each part plays a role in the overall operation of the vehicle and is optimized for fit, function, safety, and structural integrity. Aftermarket parts are not subject to the same requirements of the entire vehicle operation or function, and may not be manufactured to the same standards or design.

This could compromise the overall safety of the vehicle should a future collision occur. In particular, aftermarket parts such as fenders, hoods, bumpers, and doors may not provide proper operation or function of vehicle crumple zones, or supplemental restraint sensors (SRS/airbag sensors), or meet federal motor vehicle safety standards for vehicle collisions. Aftermarket parts are not covered under any Mercedes-Benz warranty, and their use may cause other related components to not be covered under warranty should a failure occur. Genuine Mercedes-Benz replacement parts and accessories installed by certified technicians help preserve the performance and integrity of your vehicle. In addition, keeping it genuine with Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts will help maintain your vehicles residual value.”

M-B’s Position on Using Salvaged/Recycled Components is Clear

“Mercedes-Benz does not approve of the use of components removed from a vehicle that was damaged, burned, flooded, scrapped, or involved in a previous collision. Salvaged or recycled parts may have been subjected to crash-impact loads, exposure to outside weather, excessive wear, high temperatures, or extreme forces during removal from the donor vehicle. Mercedes-Benz cannot guarantee the safety, quality, compatibility, or durability of recycled parts, as there are no standards in place for testing these components. In addition, salvaged components are not traceable should a recall occur in the future.”

M-B Suggests Replacing All Fasteners and Using Only Approved Adhesives

Fasteners: Mercedes-Benz advises the replacement of all associated fasteners during a collision repair. Fasteners that have been worn, broken, or deformed during a collision must be replaced with Genuine Mercedes-Benz replacement parts. Each structural collision repair is developed and tested using Genuine Mercedes-Benz replacement parts, including rivets, screws, bolts, and other fasteners. The integrity of the complete repair cannot be guaranteed with the use of aftermarket, damaged, or broken fasteners.

Adhesives: Mercedes-Benz only allows the use of adhesives that have been specified in official published repair documents (the WIS). Many technological advances have taken place in the field of structural adhesives for use in Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The use of adhesives in automotive repair is specific to each vehicle and repair location; these repairs have been fully tested using the components, products, and procedures specified in the WIS. The use of other adhesive products that have not been designed for the repair may compromise the safety and durability of the entire vehicle.”

Why Does This Matter to You?

By using only Genuine Mercedes-Benz replacement parts in all of its collision repair, an MB owner will always be able to cruise safely and in comfort. By using aftermarket parts, you won’t get that peace-of-mind that every car owner covets.

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Why You Should Always Insist for OE Collision Replacement Parts

Some carmakers suggest it while others insist on it, but in almost every case, vehicle manufacturers want OEM collision repair parts in each repair. The OEM Collision Repair Roundtable is a collision repair industry association composed of representatives from Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) vehicle manufacturers. It asks that you carefully consider the use of Original Equipment (OE) collision replacement parts for collision repair.

The Advantages for Choosing OE Collision Replacement Parts

Whatever type of car you drive, you want the best parts you can find and there is no doubt that OE parts fit that description. In many cases, the car owner may have to insist on using them while insurance companies suggest the use of aftermarket/recycled parts. But for safety, quality, and durability, no one will argue that OE is always better for a wide range of reasons. The following information was gleaned by a report written by OEM Collision Repair Roundtable.

Fit: Before assembly, it can be hard to tell the difference between OE and non-OE collision parts. However, upon installation there may be a noticeable difference in the way they fit. Non-OE collision parts may leave unsightly gaps between body panels, a sure sign of a collision repair that may detract from your car’s value.

Conversely, a gap that is too small may allow body panels to rub together under certain conditions, possibly compromising paint adhesion and promoting unsightly and damaging rust spots. OE collision parts from your vehicle’s manufacturer are designed to fit properly, providing consistent and uniform space between body panels.

Finish: In general, “finish” refers to what the paint job looks like. OE collision replacement parts are treated with a special primer process, which helps resist corrosion and promote paint adhesion.

Design: OE collision parts, both those that came on the car originally, and replacement parts, are designed with safety in mind. Many parts, including hoods and fenders, are designed with crush zones, allowing the part to bend and crumple like an accordion, thereby absorbing the energy of an impact, rather than transmitting it to the cabin—and the occupants.

Quality: The same quality that went into building your car goes into OE collision replacement parts, from the way the part was designed to the material used to make it.

Safety: Nobody wants to think about being in one accident—let alone two. OE collision parts—in accordance with vehicle manufacturer repair processes—are the only parts proven during vehicle development to deliver the intended level of protection as a whole system.

Structural Integrity: All body components contribute to the structural integrity of the vehicle. Even items like windshields, side glass and doors can help a vehicle to maintain its structural integrity in a collision or roll-over situation. Original Equipment collision replacement parts are proven during the vehicle development process to deliver the intended level of protection as a whole system.

One way to know for sure you are getting this level of protection is to use OE collision replacement parts that are installed following the manufacturer’s recommended procedures. Using them also ensures your new-vehicle warranty remains intact, in the event of damage caused by a part failure.

Resale Value: Use of OE collision replacement parts will help keep your car looking new while you own it and help maintain its value at time of trade-in or re-sale. Parts that fit well, sell well.

One Valuable Takeaway

Take an active role in the repair of your vehicle. Insist on Original Equipment collision replacement parts for safety, durability, appearance and performance.

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Volvo Does Not Endorse the Use of Approve Anything but Genuine Volvo Car Replacement Parts

Always make certain that your collision repairer does not use anything other than Genuine Volvo Car replacement parts on your Volvo.

Aftermarket Parts Don’t Make the Grade

Volvo Car USA does not approve of the use of aftermarket replacement parts. All the parts in a Volvo vehicle are responsible for specific functions. Genuine Volvo parts have been optimized for safety, structural integrity and fit. Aftermarket parts are not subjected to the same testing and requirements and may not be manufactured to the same standards. Thus, using aftermarket parts may compromise the vehicle’s performance and safety, placing passengers at risk.

Aftermarket parts (like bumpers, shocks, reinforcements, headlights, supports, fenders, hoods, suspension and unibody components) may interfere with the functionality of vehicle crumple zones, Supplemental Restraint Systems and drivetrain. It is also undetermined whether or not the aftermarket parts being installed meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Use of aftermarket parts can affect vehicle warranty, if the parts cause failures to other systems directly or indirectly.

Reconditioned Parts Can Compromise Your Volvo’s Performance & Safety

Volvo Car USA does not approve of the use of reconditioned replacement parts. All the parts in a Volvo vehicle are responsible for specific functions. Genuine Volvo parts have been optimized for safety, structural integrity and fit. Reconditioned parts are not subjected to the same testing and requirements and may not be reconditioned/remanufactured to the same standards. Thus, aftermarket parts may compromise the vehicle’s performance and safety, placing passengers at risk. Reconditioned Parts are also not traceable should a recall occur in the future.

It is not possible to visibly determine the extent of damage to a part prior to reconditioning. Volvo Cars has specific repair methods and allowances to ensure that parts which directly affect safety and performance will perform in the same manner as they would at the time of manufacturing and assembly. Not abiding by the repair guidelines can compromise systems.

Like Kind Quality/Salvaged/Recycled Components Utilization is Prohibited by

Volvo Car USA does not approve of the use of LKQ/salvaged or recycled replacement parts because there is no way to determine if parts have been previously damaged, heated, burned, or involved in a previous collision or flood loss. It cannot be determined if these parts are OEM, aftermarket or reconditioned until the part is received. LKQ, salvaged or recycled parts are often indirectly involved in a collision, flood or fire. They may have been exposed to harsh weather, extreme temperatures and may have excessive wear. These parts cannot be tested to meet Volvo Car requirements as there are no standards in place to test these components. LKQ/salvage/recycled Parts are not traceable should a recall occur.

Only Use Adhesives Specified by VIDA

The use of non-Volvo Car approved adhesives can compromise vehicle safety. Volvo Car adhesives are specific to each vehicle and location of the repair. Volvo Car USA only allows the use of adhesives that are specified in VIDA.

Volvo Can Only Guarantee OE Hardware

Volvo requires that hardware (e.g., screws, bolts, nuts, rivets) that has been damaged, worn or deformed as a result of a collision must be replaced with Genuine Volvo Car replacement parts to help ensure safety. Use of aftermarket, damaged, or deformed hardware in a repair cannot be guaranteed and therefore should never be used. All collision repair guides have been designed around the use of genuine Volvo Car Replacement Parts.

What This Means to You

Volvo Car cannot ensure a safe repair utilizing anything other than Genuine Volvo Car Replacement Parts. Third party or non-Volvo components may lead to system or component errors which can have an adverse effect on certain safety or collision avoidance systems. Be safe, keep your warranty safe and retain the integrity of your Volvo by using only Genuine Volvo Car Replacement Parts.

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Volvo Does Not Approve of Aftermarket Parts Utilization

Volvo Car USA does not approve of the use of aftermarket replacement parts. All the parts in a Volvo vehicle are responsible for specific functions. Genuine Volvo parts have been optimized for safety, structural integrity and fit. Aftermarket parts are not subjected to the same testing and requirements and may not be manufactured to the same standards. Thus, using aftermarket parts may compromise the vehicle’s performance and safety, placing passengers at risk.

Aftermarket Parts Can Compromise Vehicle Safety

Aftermarket parts (such as bumpers, shocks, reinforcements, headlights, supports, fenders, hoods, suspension and unibody components) may interfere with the functionality of vehicle crumple zones, Supplemental Restraint Systems and drivetrain. It is also undetermined whether or not the aftermarket parts being installed meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Use of aftermarket parts can affect vehicle warranty, if the parts cause failures to other systems directly or indirectly.

Volvo Also Disapproves of Reconditioned Parts Utilization

Volvo Car USA does not approve of the use of reconditioned replacement parts. All the parts in a Volvo vehicle are responsible for specific functions. Genuine Volvo parts have been optimized for safety, structural integrity and fit. Reconditioned parts are not subjected to the same testing and requirements and may not be reconditioned/remanufactured to the same standards. Thus, aftermarket parts may compromise the vehicle’s performance and safety, placing passengers at risk. Reconditioned Parts are also not traceable should a recall occur in the future.

It is not possible to visibly determine the extent of damage to a part prior to reconditioning. Volvo Cars has specific repair methods and allowances to ensure that parts which directly affect safety and performance will perform in the same manner as they would at the time of manufacturing and assembly. Not abiding by the repair guidelines can compromise systems.

Volvo Rejects the Use of Like Kind Quality/Salvaged/Recycled Components Utilization

Volvo Car USA does not approve of the use of LKQ/salvaged or recycled replacement parts because there is no way to determine if parts have been previously damaged, heated, burned, or involved in a previous collision or flood loss. It cannot be determined if these parts are OEM, aftermarket or reconditioned until the part is received. LKQ, salvaged or recycled parts are often indirectly involved in a collision, flood or fire. They may have been exposed to harsh weather, extreme temperatures and may have excessive wear. These parts cannot be tested to meet Volvo Car requirements as there are no standards in place to test these components. LKQ/salvage/recycled parts are not traceable should a recall take place.

Volvo Insists on Using Approved Adhesives and Hardware

The use of non-Volvo Car approved adhesives can compromise vehicle safety. Volvo Car adhesives are specific to each vehicle and location of the repair.

Hardware: Volvo requires that hardware (e.g., screws, bolts, nuts, rivets) that has been damaged, worn or deformed as a result of a collision must be replaced with Genuine Volvo Car replacement parts to help ensure safety. Use of aftermarket, damaged, or deformed hardware in a repair cannot be guaranteed and therefore should never be used. All collision repair guides have been designed around the use of genuine Volvo Car Replacement Parts. Volvo Car cannot ensure a safe repair utilizing anything other than Genuine Volvo Car Replacement Parts.

Third party or non-Volvo components may lead to system or component errors which can have an adverse effect on certain safety or collision avoidance systems.

Using only genuine Volvo parts will help ensure vehicle safety, performance and residual value.

Volvo genuine parts are designed and manufactured to exacting specifications to help maximize safety, performance and reliability.

All Volvo exterior paneling, glass, unibody components, drivetrain, electronics, suspension SRS and steering components are essential to safe control of the vehicle. These parts are designed to work with other vehicle components to help keep occupants safe in an accident.

In the event of a collision, Volvo Car USA recommends that all repairs are performed by a Volvo Certified Technician through a Volvo Certified Collision Facility using only genuine Volvo Car parts.

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Volvo Does Not Endorse Reconditioning Volvo Wheels

Volvo Car USA does not approve the use of reconditioned Volvo wheels or any type of process that attempts to restore damaged wheels on Volvo vehicles.

Doing so may result in loss of vehicle control and injury or death to passengers.

When it comes to a damaged wheel, replacement is always a smarter way to go, especially when it comes to peoples’ safety.

Compromising Wheel Strength

Reconditioning damaged Volvo wheels requires processes which can cause deficiencies in wheel strength (e.g., removal of materials, straightening, heating, welding, re-plating).

Reconditioned wheels are unacceptable as they may not meet the design specifications for

Volvo vehicles.

Only Volvo Tires Make the Grade with Volvo Car USA

Volvo does not approve the use of any tire not recommended by Volvo Car. Using tires not recommended by Volvo may result in loss of vehicle control.

Volvo Car USA only approves of wheel repairs limited to cosmetic refinishing that remove and restore paint coatings only.

Any Volvo wheel in close proximity of an impact (e.g., wheelhouse areas) should be carefully examined to ensure integrity. If wheels show distortion of any type, Volvo Car strongly recommends replacing wheels with genuine Volvo wheels.

What’s the Bottom Line?

Using only genuine Volvo parts will help ensure vehicle safety, performance and keep your Volvo operating properly at all times.

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VW Does Not Recommend the Use of non-OE Unibody/Structural Components in Any Repairs

To promote and maintain its rigorous standards of quality and safety, Volkswagen of America, Inc. provides collision repair centers with critical information about collision repair and parts replacement on Volkswagen vehicles. In this blog, they outline the importance of using only original parts and avoiding aftermarket/recycled or salvaged unibody/structural components.

How Can This Affect You?

In short, Volkswagen requires the use of new Genuine Volkswagen collision parts in the repair of Volkswagen vehicles. These parts are factory tested to provide maximum passenger safety should the vehicle be involved in a future collision.

This Volkswagen repair position statement refers to unibody/structural components including frame rails, apron assemblies, quarter panels, floor structures, bumpers, bumper reinforcement bars, A-pillars, B-pillars, and body panels. These structural components are specifically designed to work in conjunction to provide maximum passenger safety in the event of a future collision. Concessions to any of these individual structural components may negatively impact the complete vehicle structure in the event of a future collision.

Therefore, Volkswagen does not support the use of aftermarket, alternative, reverse-engineered, or remanufactured collision parts for the repair of structural components of any Volkswagen vehicle involved in an accident.

Includes Salvaged OE Parts Too

Additionally, Volkswagen does not support the use of parts that have been removed or salvaged from another vehicle that was previously involved in a collision. These parts are compromised by being exposed to weathering, rust, environmental damage, and heat damage from welders used to remove the parts from vehicles that were previously involved in a collision. These elements can cause Volkswagen’s high-strength steel vehicle unibody parts to lose their structural integrity, which can cause the vehicle to not perform properly if involved in a future collision.

Retain the Value of Your VW

By using only OE unibody/structural components, you will retain the resale value of your VW and keep your warranty in effect as well.

Syndicated content from https://capturethekeys.com/.

VW Does Not Recommend the Use of non-OE Unibody/Structural Components in Any Repairs

To promote and maintain its rigorous standards of quality and safety, Volkswagen of America, Inc. provides collision repair centers with critical information about collision repair and parts replacement on Volkswagen vehicles. In this blog, they outline the importance of using only original parts and avoiding aftermarket/recycled or salvaged unibody/structural components.

How Can This Affect You?

In short, Volkswagen requires the use of new Genuine Volkswagen collision parts in the repair of Volkswagen vehicles. These parts are factory tested to provide maximum passenger safety should the vehicle be involved in a future collision.

This Volkswagen repair position statement refers to unibody/structural components including frame rails, apron assemblies, quarter panels, floor structures, bumpers, bumper reinforcement bars, A-pillars, B-pillars, and body panels. These structural components are specifically designed to work in conjunction to provide maximum passenger safety in the event of a future collision. Concessions to any of these individual structural components may negatively impact the complete vehicle structure in the event of a future collision.

Therefore, Volkswagen does not support the use of aftermarket, alternative, reverse-engineered, or remanufactured collision parts for the repair of structural components of any Volkswagen vehicle involved in an accident.

Includes Salvaged OE Parts Too

Additionally, Volkswagen does not support the use of parts that have been removed or salvaged from another vehicle that was previously involved in a collision. These parts are compromised by being exposed to weathering, rust, environmental damage, and heat damage from welders used to remove the parts from vehicles that were previously involved in a collision. These elements can cause Volkswagen’s high-strength steel vehicle unibody parts to lose their structural integrity, which can cause the vehicle to not perform properly if involved in a future collision.

Retain the Value of Your VW

By using only OE unibody/structural components, you will retain the resale value of your VW and keep your warranty in effect as well.

Syndicated content from https://capturethekeys.com/.

VW Does Not Recommend the Use of non-OE Unibody/Structural Components in Any Repairs

To promote and maintain its rigorous standards of quality and safety, Volkswagen of America, Inc. provides collision repair centers with critical information about collision repair and parts replacement on Volkswagen vehicles. In this blog, they outline the importance of using only original parts and avoiding aftermarket/recycled or salvaged unibody/structural components.

How Can This Affect You?

In short, Volkswagen requires the use of new Genuine Volkswagen collision parts in the repair of Volkswagen vehicles. These parts are factory tested to provide maximum passenger safety should the vehicle be involved in a future collision.

This Volkswagen repair position statement refers to unibody/structural components including frame rails, apron assemblies, quarter panels, floor structures, bumpers, bumper reinforcement bars, A-pillars, B-pillars, and body panels. These structural components are specifically designed to work in conjunction to provide maximum passenger safety in the event of a future collision. Concessions to any of these individual structural components may negatively impact the complete vehicle structure in the event of a future collision.

Therefore, Volkswagen does not support the use of aftermarket, alternative, reverse-engineered, or remanufactured collision parts for the repair of structural components of any Volkswagen vehicle involved in an accident.

Includes Salvaged OE Parts Too

Additionally, Volkswagen does not support the use of parts that have been removed or salvaged from another vehicle that was previously involved in a collision. These parts are compromised by being exposed to weathering, rust, environmental damage, and heat damage from welders used to remove the parts from vehicles that were previously involved in a collision. These elements can cause Volkswagen’s high-strength steel vehicle unibody parts to lose their structural integrity, which can cause the vehicle to not perform properly if involved in a future collision.

Retain the Value of Your VW

By using only OE unibody/structural components, you will retain the resale value of your VW and keep your warranty in effect as well.

Syndicated content from https://capturethekeys.com/.