The use of Salvage Parts in Collision Repair

Salvage, or recycled parts are Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts that are available through salvage yards throughout the valley.  The use of these “Like Quality Kind” (LKQ) parts often have multiple benefits in the repair of a vehicle.

Most insurance policies have mandates that include the usage of LKQ parts when available.  This allows for OEM parts to be used for repairs to the vehicle while significantly reducing the cost of the repairs.

It is required by law that the consumer is always notified of the usage of LKQ or after-market parts.  The source of all parts for a repair should be clearly defined in every estimate as LKQ, non-OEM (aftermarket) or OEM.

Not all parts are good candidates for LKQ usage.  All salvage parts need to be inspected for damage, rust, and proper mounting before installation.   Safety systems are not recommended for salvage part replacement.  This can significantly affect the performance of the safety features on a vehicle and should be replaced with OEM parts per manufacture guidelines.  Many structural components of a vehicle are also not to be replaced with LKQ parts.

It is vital that the repair shop the consumer chooses, uses best practices when determining the usage of a salvage part.  Once usage has been determined, parts must be thoroughly inspected prior to installation.

This is just one of the reasons that it is vital to the consumer to choose a repair facility that is educated and committed to always using best practices when repairing a vehicle.

As an I-Car Gold Certified shop, Altra Collision prides itself on always using best practices and following OEM guidelines for every repair.  We take the time to ensure that our customers are educated about their repair and we are available to address any questions they may have.