Auto Body Repair Terms You Should Know: Insights from an Auto Body Repair Company in Addison, Illinois
If you’re getting ready to have some auto body work done on your vehicle, you’re bound to come across a variety of terms that you may not have heard before. To fully understand the auto body repair process, it’s important to understand what these words entail. That’s where this article comes in.
Below, this auto body repair company in Addison, Illinois is going to define some of these terms, helping you get through the auto body repair process with confidence.
OEM
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. The label “OEM” is put on parts that were manufactured by the original manufacturer. It can be manufactured either by the vehicle brand itself or by a third-party organization that was contracted by the vehicle brand.
OEM parts are essentially the official parts of given vehicles. They are specifically designed to work within said vehicles, and they are typically considered to be a safer purchase.
Note, though, that OEM parts are often on the expensive side. They can also have some limitations when compared to aftermarket competitors. Because of this, they’re not necessarily the parts you should choose.
Aftermarket
“Aftermarket” is the label given to auto body parts that are manufactured by third-party companies not associated with the vehicle brand. These companies are not contracted by the vehicle brand but do make parts that are compatible with their vehicles.
Aftermarket parts come in many varieties, some of which are of higher quality than OEM parts, and some of which are in lower quality. Because of this, they also come at a range of different prices. Depending on your circumstances, you might find that an aftermarket part is superior to an OEM part. If you need help making the right call, you can always discuss it with your auto body repair company in Addison, Illinois.
LKQ
LKQ stands for Like, Kind, and Quality. In the world of auto body repair, this refers to OEM parts that have been removed from vehicles, and which are being sold for use in other vehicles. It references the idea that these removed parts are at the same level of quality as brand-new OEM parts. The benefit of them, however, is that they tend to be cheaper. Therefore, if you need to replace a part on your vehicle, you should consider going with an LKQ part. If you need help finding one, do not hesitate to contact a reputable auto body repair company in Addison, Illinois.
Blue Book
Blue Book refers to the Kelley Blue Book, in particular. This is a book that provides values for specific vehicles depending on their ages and conditions. Not only does it help vehicle owners to understand the ballpark values of their vehicles, but it also helps insurance companies to properly assess vehicle damage.
Appraisal
When a vehicle is involved in an auto collision, one or more insurance companies may be responsible for repairing its damage. In this case, the insurance company will complete an assessment known as an appraisal. This involves looking over the vehicle to determine its current value. The insurance company can determine whether the damage is covered, and it can also determine how much money it will take to repair.
Looking for an Auto Body Repair Company in Addison, Illinois?
Is your vehicle in need of auto body repair? Looking for an auto body repair company in Addison, Illinois that can return your vehicle to its prime condition? If so, Lombard Body & Fender is the place to visit. Whether you need dent repair, painting services, parts replacement, or some other auto body service, we can accommodate you. Contact us today at (630) 627-8688 to get the process started.
