Category: Manufacturer Questions

Why You Should Care That Ford Rejects Wheel Reconditioning in Collision Repair

https://youtu.be/M6tlSMLW77A

Wheel reconditioning is a very dangerous practice.

Ford is very clear that the company does not approve of any wheel repair that involves reconditioning.

If you are not familiar with wheel reconditioning, it is a process of using various tools and methods to try to repair a damaged wheel, instead of replacing it entirely. Some methods include welding, reforming, or reshaping the wheel.

When it comes to steel and aluminum wheel repair, Ford has issued a Position Statement explaining why they do not accept wheel reconditioning in any vehicle repairs. Here’s what they say:

“Ford Motor Company does not approve the remanufacturing/refinishing of steel or aluminum wheels when it involves re-machining, re-plating, welding, bending, straightening, reforming or adding new material other than cosmetic coatings, as this can compromise the structural integrity of the wheel and safety of the vehicle. A reconditioned wheel, or any wheel not approved by Ford Motor Company, may cause unsafe vehicle operation and performance, including loss of control which may result in injuries to the vehicle occupants or other drivers.”

Ford is saying, in no uncertain terms, that it’s simply not worth the risk to your life to take chances with the state of your wheels.

In its position statement, the company provides an extensive list of types of wheel damage to inspect for and these include cracks, corrosion, gouges, and other issues that are beyond superficial marks. If the wheels are damaged enough to warrant reconditioning, then they should just be replaced outright.

Heating, welding, reshaping, and any other methods of reconditioning could compromise the structural integrity of your wheels.

Being the only parts of the car to actually make contact with the road, your wheels are essential to your safety and are worth investing in.

What wheel repairs are approved by Ford?

While wheel reconditioning is not approved of by Ford, certain wheel repairs are permitted:

“Ford Motor Company approves refinishing of steel or aluminum wheels only if all necessary repairs/reconditioning can be completed by cosmetic sanding or polishing that removes no metal and, instead, removes only the finish.”

Basically, only superficial cosmetic adjustments are allowed, since they won’t jeopardize the integrity of the wheel structure. Minor sanding and polishing repairs do not involve the use of heat or reshaping that reconditioning would entail.

Don’t risk voiding your warranty.

Another major reason to avoiding wheel reconditioning is that it can void your warranty:

“Ford Motor Company does not warrant any remanufactured/refinished wheels.”

The practice of wheel reconditioning is so problematic that Ford won’t even warrant wheels that have been repaired with this method. Not only is wheel reconditioning dangerous to your vehicle and yourself—it’s dangerous to your wallet, as well.

Not all shops follow these recommendations, but we do.

It’s disappointing, but some shops throw caution out the window and continue to practice wheel reconditioning, despite Ford’s clear instructions to avoid it at all costs. They can get away with this because no body shop is actually forced to adhere to a manufacturer’s Position Statement.

At our shop, we strongly believe that there’s no reason to take a chance with your Ford’s repair by going against the advice of the manufacturer.

Reconditioned wheels can lead to very dangerous problems down the road. We will always replace your Ford’s wheels entirely if they’ve sustained damage. You won’t have to worry about voiding your warranty or driving on unstable wheels when you bring your vehicle to us.

We always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation to deliver the best possible repair to our customers.

February 22, 2021
Cadillac Says You Should Not Use Salvage or Recycled Parts in Collision Repair—Here’s Why That Matters

Salvage and recycled parts can’t compare to OEM parts in collision repair.

Nearly every car manufacturer releases “Position Statements” that instruct body shops in how to perform repairs on their vehicles to the highest standard.

While all body shops should have access to this vital information, not all shops take the time to read the statements and follow the directions expressed by the manufacturers. At our shop, we closely examine these statements because we make it our mission to provide the best possible repair to our Cadillac customers.

In a statement released by GM, they explain in detail why they do not recommend the use of salvage or recycled parts in Cadillac repairs:

“General Motors does not support the use of salvage or recycled parts due to the sensitive nature of the safety and performance of General Motors vehicles. Salvage or recycled parts are defined as parts removed from a previously damaged vehicle and then re-installed on a different vehicle.”

Salvage and recycled parts come with a lot of risk.

Salvage and recycled parts can often have a questionable history. They might have been involved in a previous collision or damaged during normal wear and tear. They might have been in storage for a while or exposed to extreme temperature variations.

Because of these factors and the questionable conditions that the parts might have been exposed to, it’s nearly impossible to predict their durability and structural integrity. Even the most minute disparities can lead to problems during assembly, as well as issues with the reliability of your repair.

GM specify the following in their Position Statement:

“The use of non-OEM structural components may compromise the overall crashworthiness and occupant safety of General Motors vehicles in a subsequent collision.”

They are saying that, above all, salvage and recycled parts can pose a risk to your safety due to their unpredictable nature.

Why new OEM parts are the best:

It’s extremely important to use the best replacement parts for your Cadillac when repairs are needed, and the best parts are always new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts.

According to GM:

“Genuine GM Parts are designed and constructed using metals with specific properties, thicknesses and stamping features built to perform in a consistent and predictable way during a collision event. GM recommends the use of Genuine GM Parts in repairs to help ensure the vehicle is returned to pre-collision condition.”

The engineers at GM have rigorously designed, tested, and manufactured the parts for their specific vehicles. They only trust the parts they have produced to meet the qualifications necessary for your specific make, model, and vehicle year.

You’ll need new OEM parts if you want your vehicle to be as good as new after your collision repair.

We take these guidelines seriously at our shop.

We take all manufacturers’ Position Statements very seriously at our shop, because we care about your safety AND your wallet.

Despite the recommendation to use new OEM parts in repairs, some shops will continue to use salvage and recycled parts, even though this choice can jeopardize your vehicle and your safety. It might shock you to learn that body shops are not forced to abide by the manufacturers’ guidelines.

When you take your Cadillac to us for repairs, we will use only new Cadillac OEM replacement parts so that you don’t risk future problems with your car that could potentially lead to an accident.

There is no guarantee that every shop will make the smartest and safest choice for your car, but rest assured, we always will.

February 22, 2021
Why It’s Essential That GM Recommends Pre- and Post-Repair Scans for Your Chevrolet

Pre- and post-repair scans are necessary for getting your Chevrolet repair right.

If your Chevy has been in a collision, there are very specific steps that an auto body shop needs to take in order to optimize your vehicle’s repairs.

One of the smartest things that a shop can do is to review the manufacturer’s Position Statement regarding the type of repair needed. While every shop has access to this communication from each manufacturer, not every shop abides by the recommendations provided.

At our shop, however, we take this information very seriously, since we want to give you a safe and reliable repair.

In the case of your Chevrolet, GM has issued a statement explaining why they strongly recommend pre- and post-repair scans in the event of a collision. If you are not familiar with these procedures and why they are important, keep reading for our explanation of the key points expressed in GM’s Position Statement.

Scans can provide shops with crucial diagnostic information.

Prior to conducting any repairs, we take the time to run a scan tool in order to uncover any damage to the vehicle’s internal systems. The scan tool will provide diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that tell us exactly which systems are having issues. When armed with this crucial information, we are better equipped to get to the source of any malfunctions.

Of course it makes sense that a shop would need to scan a vehicle to diagnose and repair damage after a collision, but it’s equally important for us to scan a vehicle AGAIN after we have made repairs. Why? Here’s what GM says about it:

“Even minor body damage or glass replacement may result in damage to one or more safety-related systems on the vehicle. Any action that results in loss of battery-supplied voltage and disconnection of electrical circuits requires that the vehicle is subsequently tested to ensure proper electrical function. Many safety and security-related components, sensors and Electronic Control Units (ECUs) require calibration and/or learns when replaced. These systems must be repaired according to the corresponding GM repair procedures in Service Information (GMSi).”

What GM means is that any collision repair can impact the electronic systems within a vehicle—even when those systems are not the specific items needing repairs.

As cars have become more sophisticated and technologically advanced, they are now equipped with more wires and sensors that can easily be disrupted when certain areas of the car are being addressed by an auto body technician. Repairing a dashboard or replacing glass could potentially lead to a disruption of the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), for instance.

All parts of your Chevy are designed to work together. When one part is impaired, this can affect a slew of functions within your car’s systems.

Another issue that can happen after a repair is that a system might need to be recalibrated. Cameras and sensors, for example, require very specific positions in order to function as needed. After a repair, it’s imperative to ensure that every part is calibrated to the precise measurement.

One of the best ways for us to ensure that a repair was done properly is to run a scan tool afterwards to ensure no diagnostic codes appear. This will let us know if all systems are functioning as they should.

The best way to scan for DTCs is with a factory scan tool.

Every car manufacturer has its own unique scan tool that can identify codes applicable to its own vehicles. General Motors is no different and recommends that shops use its scan tool (MDI or a J2534 device) and its own diagnostic software (GDS2 or Tech2/Tech2Win).

Using any other scan tool or software can cause less accuracy in diagnoses.

The utmost safety and quality performance of your Chevy are the reasons why our shop goes above and beyond with every repair.

If a shop makes the choice to skip the crucial steps of pre- and post-repair scans, they are risking the safety and overall performance of your Chevrolet.

It might be hard to believe, but some shops try to shave off repair time by avoiding these necessary procedures. At a minimum, this might lead to minor inconsistencies in your vehicle’s performance. At worst, however, this could lead to catastrophe.

If your collision detection sensors aren’t calibrated properly or your cruise control is defective due to wiring issues, for instance, you could end up in an accident. We don’t think it’s worth the risk to you or to your car to ignore the manufacturer’s recommendations.

At our shop, we make pre- and post-repair scans a priority.

February 21, 2021
Here's Why INFINITI Says You Should Not Use Aftermarket Parts in Collision Repair

New OEM parts are crucial in the repair of your INFINITI.

When you take your INFINITI in for repairs, it is essential that you use dedicated INFINITI OEM replacement parts in order to guarantee the best possible outcome for your vehicle.

Nearly every car manufacturer releases “OEM Position Statements” that instruct body shops in how to perform repairs to the highest standard. The engineers at INFINITI have released a statement saying that the use of aftermarket, gray market, and imitation parts can compromise the integrity of your repair.

Here is what INFINITI states about using OEM parts:

“Genuine OEM replacement parts are developed to deliver the same fit, function, safety, and structural integrity as when the vehicle was originally built. Parts of the vehicle are designed to work together as a system, and we do not know whether or how integrating aftermarket parts into these systems will impact crash performance.”

Basically, what they are saying is that you might be putting your safety in jeopardy if your repair does not include ONLY the use of OEM parts.

Why OEM parts are the best:

The engineers at INFINITI have designed, tested, and manufactured the replacement parts for their specific vehicles.

Aftermarket and other non-OEM parts are more generic, meaning they are intended for broader use. Because they are more generic, aftermarket parts are not guaranteed to fit and function precisely for INFINITIs.

They might not be made of the highest quality materials, so they are likely to break more quickly. Their dimensions might be slightly off, so they might not fit properly where they are supposed to.

And if you decide to mix and match OEM parts with aftermarket parts, this can cause the whole car’s system to function improperly. One problem dominoes into another problem, leading to a whole lot of issues in the future.

Your warranty is at stake.

Another major reason to use OEM parts in your repair is that the parts you use affect your warranty. According to INFINITI:

“INFINITI’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, and Limited Warranty on replacement parts do not apply to any parts other than genuine original equipment parts. INFINITI 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 replacement parts.”

You risk voiding your warranty by using non-OEM parts on your INFINITI, which might cause you major financial headaches down the road.

We take these guidelines seriously at our shop.

We take all manufacturers’ Position Statements very seriously at our shop, because we care about your safety AND your wallet.

Despite the recommendation to use OEM parts in repairs, some shops will continue to use aftermarket parts, even though this choice can jeopardize your vehicle and void your warranty. It might shock you to learn that body shops are not forced to abide by the manufacturers’ guidelines.

When you take your INFINITI to us for repairs, we will use only INFINITI OEM replacement parts so that you don’t risk future problems with your car that could potentially lead to an accident.

There is no guarantee that every shop will make the smartest and safest choice for your car, but rest assured, we always will.

February 21, 2021
Why Volvo Only Permits OEM Parts and How That Matters for Your Repair

https://youtu.be/HzoRJ7lFxo4

OEM parts are the best replacement parts for your Volvo’s collision repair.

Volvo has issued a robust position statement explaining which parts it does and does not approve of in its vehicles’ repairs.

As a whole, Volvo does not approve of any parts other than Original Equipment Manufacturer parts. That means no aftermarket parts, reconditioned parts, or salvaged parts are acceptable for your Volvo’s repairs.

Original Equipment Manufacturer parts have been designed specifically by Volvo to fit like a glove in its vehicles. The parts are also made of the highest quality materials and built to complement every other part of your vehicle’s system.

This means that OEM parts provide your Volvo with optimal safety and structural integrity, and they function well together as a whole.

The problem with aftermarket parts:

Aftermarket parts are designed to be more generic, since they are intended for use in a wide variety of vehicles. However, because they are so generic, they are not made to Volvo’s exact specifications. According to Volvo:

“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 are also unacceptable.

The biggest issue with reconditioned parts is their history is questionable.

It is difficult to determine what kinds of damage they have sustained and how reliable their condition is after reconditioning. Volvo has this to say about reconditioned parts:

“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.”

Like Kind Quality parts are problematic, as well.

As with reconditioned parts, it is difficult to determine the history of LKQ, salvaged, or recycled parts. They might have been subjected to damage in a collision, extreme weather conditions, or even through general wear and tear.

Proper adhesives and hardware are important, too.

As with all other vehicle components, Volvo requires that specific Volvo Car adhesives be used in repairs. Volvo also requires that all damaged hardware be replaced with Genuine Volvo Car replacement parts.

As with all other non-OEM parts, non-OEM hardware is not subjected to the same standards that Volvo upholds for its own parts.

The quality of your repair matters to us.

Even though Volvo has provided a detailed statement explaining that only Genuine Volvo parts are acceptable in the repairs of its vehicles, you might be surprised to discover how many body shops choose to ignore this recommendation.

Because no one is actually forcing shops to follow a manufacturer’s guidelines, some shops will choose to cut corners and use whatever parts they can get ahold of.

We take every repair very seriously at our shop and promise to deliver the best possible result. We do this by adhering to the guidelines set by the manufacturer and using only genuine OEM parts.

We believe this is the only way to ensure your Volvo’s structural integrity, performance, and safety.

February 21, 2021