In the automotive repair sector, particularly within collision repair, understanding the types of parts available is crucial. When your vehicle requires repair after a collision, you’ll encounter various categories of Car Collision Parts, each with distinct characteristics and implications. This article will delve into three specific types: LKQ, reconditioned, and counterfeit parts, providing essential information for vehicle owners and industry professionals alike.
LKQ (Like Kind and Quality) Parts Explained
The term LKQ in the collision repair industry refers to parts sourced from vehicles deemed a total loss after an accident. These parts, often salvaged from salvage yards, are also known as “salvage parts.” LKQ parts frequently include substantial body components such as complete bumper assemblies, doors, or front-end sections of a vehicle, cut from the windshield forward.
While LKQ parts can present an initially appealing, lower-cost option, it’s important to consider potential downsides. The donor vehicle might have previously had aftermarket collision parts installed, meaning the LKQ part itself isn’t original equipment. Furthermore, the salvaged part could have sustained structural damage from the original collision, which might not be immediately apparent.
Several factors can compromise the quality and safety of LKQ car collision parts:
- Improper Storage: Exposure to weather elements in salvage yards can degrade parts over time.
- Hidden Damage: Damage not visible upon initial inspection could compromise the part’s integrity.
- Removal Process: Improper removal from the donor vehicle can cause damage.
- Water Damage: Vehicles flooded or subjected to fire suppression can suffer severe damage, particularly affecting electrical components.
- Heat Exposure: Vehicle fires can generate extreme heat, potentially altering the structural properties of high-strength steel used in modern vehicles and affecting their safety performance.
These potential hidden issues associated with salvage parts could negatively impact the safety and performance of your repaired vehicle. Importantly, damage to your vehicle or its components resulting from the failure of LKQ parts may not be covered under your new-vehicle warranty.
It’s worth noting that while “LKQ” is an industry term for these types of salvage parts, it should not be confused with LKQ Corporation, a company that supplies both salvage and aftermarket parts.
Reconditioned Car Collision Parts: What to Know
Reconditioned parts in collision repair generally refer to original parts that have been removed from a vehicle, then repaired and refinished. Common examples include bumper covers, wheels, and lighting assemblies. The goal of reconditioning is to restore these parts to a usable condition, offering a potentially more cost-effective alternative to brand new OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts.
However, similar to LKQ parts, using reconditioned car collision parts can also have warranty implications. Damage to your vehicle or its parts due to the failure of a reconditioned component might not be covered by your new car warranty. It’s essential to inquire about the reconditioning process and the quality of the repair before opting for these parts.
The Danger of Counterfeit Collision Parts
Counterfeit car collision parts represent a significant safety concern. These parts are designed to visually resemble OEM collision parts but are internally different, often in ways undetectable to the untrained eye, or even experienced technicians. They are fraudulently branded to appear as if they are genuine OEM products and are often sold by dishonest distributors aiming to deceive customers.
A stark example of the danger of counterfeit parts is in airbags. Counterfeit airbags are sold at significantly lower prices than genuine OEM airbags. While a vehicle owner might be unaware of a counterfeit airbag installation under normal circumstances, the consequences in a collision can be dire. If a counterfeit airbag fails to deploy correctly or at all during a subsequent accident, it can lead to severe injuries or fatalities for vehicle occupants.
The use of counterfeit car collision parts undermines vehicle safety and quality. It is crucial to be vigilant and ensure that replacement parts are sourced from reputable suppliers to avoid the risks associated with counterfeit components.
