SUMMARY
- Recycled auto parts can be appropriate for some collision repairs, but not every recycled part is suitable for every vehicle or repair location.
- A recycled part is typically an original equipment component removed from another vehicle, rather than a newly manufactured aftermarket part.
- Part selection should depend on the component, condition, prior history, attachment method, OEM position, repair procedure, and agreement among the parties involved in the repair.
- I-CAR does not make a blanket recommendation for or against recycled parts. Instead, it says the decision must be evaluated case by case and agreed upon by the parties involved in the repair.
- Some recycled components may be practical choices, especially when they are non-structural, undamaged, identifiable, and compatible with the vehicle.
- Other components can raise much greater concerns. Structural parts, restraint-system components, certain electronics, and ADAS-related parts may have manufacturer restrictions or prohibitions.
- Several automakers specifically advise against or prohibit recycled structural or safety-related components because previous collision damage, corrosion, heat exposure, flood damage, or improper removal may be difficult to verify.
- Recycled parts should not be confused with aftermarket parts. A recycled OEM part originally came from the vehicle manufacturer, while an aftermarket part was produced by another company.
- Wenzl’s Collision Center follows OEM repair procedures and I-CAR guidelines and prioritizes OEM and OEM-approved parts whenever possible.
- Lincoln drivers can visit Wenzl’s Collision Center at 4515 N 62nd St, Lincoln, NE 68507, United States for professional collision repair and parts evaluation.
Introduction
After a collision, your repair estimate may list several different kinds of replacement parts.
You might see terms such as:
- OEM
- Aftermarket
- Recycled
- Salvage
- LKQ
For many drivers, one of the biggest questions is:
Are recycled auto parts safe to use on my vehicle after an accident?
The most accurate answer is:
Sometimes, depending on the part and the vehicle.
A recycled original-equipment body component can be very different from a previously deployed airbag, a damaged structural rail, or an unknown electronic module.
That is why professional collision repair should not treat all recycled parts the same way.
The repair facility needs to consider:
- Which component is being replaced
- Where it is located
- What condition it is in
- How it was removed from the donor vehicle
- Whether its history can be evaluated
- What the vehicle manufacturer permits
- How the part will be attached
- Whether it interacts with structural or electronic safety systems
Understanding these differences can help Lincoln drivers make a more informed decision when a recycled component appears on a collision repair estimate.
What Is a Recycled Auto Part?
A recycled auto part is generally an original vehicle component removed from another vehicle for reuse.
These parts may come from vehicles that were:
- Totaled
- Dismantled
- Retired from service
- Damaged in a different area
Examples could include:
- Door
- Fender
- Hood
- Decklid
- Mirror
- Lamp
- Certain trim
- Mechanical components
The part is reused rather than manufactured new.
Is a Recycled Part the Same as an Aftermarket Part?
No.
This distinction matters.
A recycled OEM part was originally manufactured for a vehicle by or for the original automaker.
An aftermarket part is newly manufactured by a company other than the original vehicle manufacturer.
For example:
Recycled OEM fender:
A factory fender removed from another vehicle.
Aftermarket fender:
A newly manufactured replacement fender produced by an independent parts company.
Neither category is automatically appropriate or inappropriate for every repair.
What Does LKQ Mean?
In collision repair, LKQ commonly refers to Like Kind and Quality and is often used when discussing recycled replacement parts.
However, the presence of the term does not by itself determine whether a part is suitable.
I-CAR says the decision to use a recycled or LKQ part is a business decision that must be agreed upon by the parties involved in the repair.
The part still needs to be evaluated for the specific vehicle and repair.
Does I-CAR Say Recycled Parts Are Safe?
I-CAR does not issue a blanket recommendation saying recycled parts should always or never be used.
Instead, I-CAR emphasizes that part selection becomes increasingly complex as vehicles use more:
- Advanced materials
- Electronic systems
- Specialized construction
It states that the decision to use recycled parts should be agreed upon by the parties involved and made with appropriate repair information.
That is an important distinction.
The question is not simply:
“Is recycled good or bad?”
It is:
“Is this specific recycled part appropriate for this specific repair?”
What Factors Determine Whether a Recycled Part Is Appropriate?
A repair facility may consider:
- Part type
- Condition
- Vehicle application
- Previous damage
- Corrosion
- Attachment method
- Material
- OEM restrictions
- Electronic-system involvement
- Availability of the correct replacement
The requirements can be very different for a bolt-on door than for a welded structural rail.
Are Bolt-On Recycled Parts Easier to Consider?
Often, yes.
Parts attached primarily with bolts may generally be easier to:
- Remove
- Inspect
- Reinstall
than parts that must be cut from a donor structure.
Examples could include certain:
- Doors
- Hoods
- Decklids
- Fenders
depending on the vehicle.
Even then, technicians should inspect the part for:
- Previous repairs
- Corrosion
- Distortion
- Broken mounting points
- Correct application
before using it.
Why Does the Part’s History Matter?
A recycled component already has a service history.
It may have been exposed to:
- Previous collision forces
- Weather
- Corrosion
- Improper storage
- Flooding
- Fire
- Prior repairs
Some of those conditions may be obvious.
Others may not.
That uncertainty becomes much more important when the component contributes to:
- Crash structure
- Occupant protection
- Electronic safety systems
Why Are Structural Recycled Parts More Controversial?
Structural components can contribute to:
- Crash-energy management
- Passenger-compartment integrity
- Load paths
- Suspension mounting
Examples may include:
- Rails
- Pillars
- Rocker structures
- Reinforcements
- Structural panels
Several manufacturers specifically advise against using recycled structural components.
Honda, for example, states that it does not support reuse of structural components removed from previously damaged vehicles because prior collision damage, environmental exposure, or previous repair history can be difficult to determine.
Volkswagen similarly states that it does not support recycled structural panels or assemblies.
Can a Recycled Quarter Panel Be Used?
Sometimes, but this can be much more complex than using a bolt-on part.
A quarter panel may be:
- Welded
- Bonded
- Hemmed
- Layered with adjacent structures
I-CAR notes that attachment and layering are important when determining whether a recycled quarter panel can be removed and reused without destroying critical mounting areas.
If the part cannot be removed cleanly or the surrounding structure cannot be accessed appropriately, it may not be a good recycled-part candidate.
Why Does Removal Method Matter?
Some recycled components are removed by:
- Unbolting
- Cutting
- Drilling welds
- Separating bonded joints
The removal process can affect the condition of the replacement part.
If critical:
- Flanges
- Mounting surfaces
- Attachment areas
are damaged during removal, the component may no longer be suitable for reuse.
The technician should consider not only how the part looks but also whether it can be installed according to the appropriate procedure.
Can Recycled Airbags Be Used?
This is an area where manufacturer restrictions are especially important.
Airbags and restraint systems are safety-critical components.
FCA, for example, states that it does not approve recycled restraint-system parts and requires new airbag systems and components installed using its original repair procedures.
Because restraint systems can include:
- Airbags
- Sensors
- Pretensioners
- Electronic modules
technicians should follow the manufacturer’s position for the specific vehicle.
Why Are Used Restraint Components Risky?
It may be difficult to verify:
- Previous deployment history
- Previous collision exposure
- Storage conditions
- Internal damage
- Recall traceability
Restraint components are engineered to work together during a collision.
That makes them very different from an ordinary cosmetic trim piece.
Can Recycled ADAS Components Be Used?
This is increasingly manufacturer-specific.
Modern ADAS components can include:
- Radar sensors
- Cameras
- Electronic modules
- Parking sensors
Automakers may publish specific positions on whether recycled electronic or ADAS components are permitted.
This issue is actively debated within the collision and recycling industries.
For example, the Automotive Recyclers Association recently publicly disagreed with GM’s updated position prohibiting recycled OEM parts, arguing that recycled OEM components can provide affordable repair options.
That disagreement illustrates why technicians should check the current OEM position for the specific vehicle and component, rather than applying one rule to all vehicles.
Does OEM Mean a Recycled Part Is Automatically Safe?
No.
A recycled OEM component was originally manufactured to the automaker’s specifications.
But its current condition still matters.
Questions include:
- Has it been damaged?
- Has it been repaired before?
- Has it been exposed to flooding?
- Is it corroded?
- Was it removed properly?
- Is it the correct vehicle variant?
Original manufacture does not erase the component’s service history.
What Do Automakers Say About Recycled Parts?
Positions vary considerably.
Some manufacturers strongly discourage or prohibit recycled parts in certain applications.
For example:
- Honda advises against recycled structural components.
- Volkswagen does not support recycled structural parts and assemblies.
- Volvo states that it does not approve salvaged or recycled replacement parts because prior damage, environmental exposure, and traceability may be difficult to establish.
- FCA states that it does not approve salvage or recycled parts for collision repairs and specifically rejects recycled restraint components.
This is why OEM procedure research matters.
Does Ford Allow Recycled Parts?
Ford’s current collision position emphasizes genuine Ford replacement parts and identifies concerns involving non-OEM and salvaged components, including long-term durability, corrosion resistance, crash performance, warranty, and lease requirements.
The exact repair should still be researched for the specific:
- Ford vehicle
- Component
- Model year
rather than relying on a general assumption.
Does Toyota Recommend Recycled Parts?
Toyota strongly recommends genuine parts and recommends against alternative collision repair parts because of concerns related to vehicle safety and performance systems.
Toyota also notes that used salvage parts are not covered under its transferable limited warranty in circumstances described by its collision-parts guidance.
Again, the exact vehicle and repair matter.
Does Mercedes-Benz Support Recycled Components?
Mercedes-Benz has stated that salvaged or recycled parts are not approved because it cannot guarantee their:
- Safety
- Quality
- Capability
- Durability
It also raises concerns about traceability for future recalls.
This shows why a shop cannot assume that a recycled component is acceptable simply because an insurer or supplier can provide one.
Why Is Traceability Important?
Modern vehicle parts can be affected by:
- Recalls
- Technical updates
- Manufacturer campaigns
A new OEM component generally has a clear supply-chain history.
A recycled component may have less complete information about:
- Origin
- Previous repairs
- Environmental exposure
The significance of that uncertainty depends on the component.
Are Recycled Body Panels Always Unsafe?
No.
That would be too broad.
A properly inspected recycled bolt-on body panel may be an appropriate option in some repairs.
Examples might include an undamaged:
- Fender
- Door shell
- Hood
- Decklid
depending on the vehicle and OEM requirements.
The key is distinguishing those parts from components with:
- Structural significance
- Safety-system involvement
- Manufacturer restrictions
Can a Recycled Door Be Used?
Potentially.
A door can be more complicated than it appears, however.
Modern doors may include:
- Side-impact reinforcement
- Wiring
- Sensors
- Cameras
- Window mechanisms
The repair facility may use the recycled component as a:
- Complete assembly
- Shell
- Individual component
depending on the repair plan.
The door should be evaluated for:
- Prior damage
- Corrosion
- Correct configuration
- Structural condition
Can a Recycled Fender Be Used?
Potentially.
A bolt-on fender is generally less structurally significant than a welded rail or pillar.
However, technicians still need to confirm:
- Correct application
- Condition
- Mounting points
- Previous repair
- Corrosion
It may also need:
- Surface preparation
- Repair
- Refinishing
- Paint blending
before installation is complete.
Can a Recycled Hood Be Used?
Sometimes.
A recycled hood should be evaluated for:
- Previous collision damage
- Corrosion
- Hinge areas
- Latch areas
- Panel distortion
Some hoods may also contain or interact with:
- Insulation
- Washer components
- Active pedestrian-protection systems
depending on the vehicle.
The entire assembly and OEM requirements should be considered.
Can Recycled Headlights Be Used?
Possibly, but modern headlights can be highly sophisticated.
A headlamp may include:
- LED modules
- Adaptive lighting
- Control modules
- Leveling systems
A recycled lamp should be checked for:
- Housing damage
- Broken tabs
- Moisture intrusion
- Correct variant
- Electronic compatibility
A lamp that illuminates does not automatically mean every function works correctly.
Can Used Sensors Be Reused After a Collision?
This depends heavily on the manufacturer and component.
Electronic safety components may have:
- Installation requirements
- Calibration requirements
- Programming requirements
- OEM restrictions
Never assume a used sensor is acceptable simply because its connector fits.
The specific OEM repair information should determine whether reuse is permitted.
Why Does VIN Compatibility Matter?
Vehicles that look identical externally can have different equipment.
Differences can include:
- Trim level
- Driver-assistance package
- Engine
- Lighting system
- Production date
A recycled component needs to match the required configuration.
This is particularly important for electronic parts.
How Should a Recycled Part Be Inspected?
The inspection depends on the component, but technicians may look for:
- Collision damage
- Corrosion
- Cracks
- Distortion
- Previous repairs
- Damaged mounting locations
- Correct part number or configuration
For certain parts, visual inspection alone may not provide enough information.
That is another reason safety-critical components require additional caution.
Does a Recycled Part Need Refinishing?
Often.
A recycled body panel may be:
- A different color
- Scratched
- Weathered
The shop may need to:
- Prepare the surface
- Prime where appropriate
- Refinish it
- Blend adjacent color when required
So a recycled body panel does not necessarily eliminate refinishing costs.
Can Recycled Parts Reduce Repair Costs?
Sometimes.
Recycled OEM parts can cost less than new replacement components.
They can also provide another source when a new part is:
- Backordered
- Difficult to obtain
But cost should not be the only factor.
The part still needs to be appropriate for the repair.
Can Recycled Parts Reduce Repair Delays?
Potentially.
If a new component is severely backordered and an appropriate recycled component is readily available, it may help reduce waiting time.
However, the recycled part may require:
- Inspection
- Additional preparation
- Minor repair
- Refinishing
Those factors need to be considered when comparing options.
Can Recycled Parts Actually Add Repair Time?
Yes.
A recycled part may arrive with:
- Additional dents
- Previous paint
- Corrosion
- Damaged mounting points
That can create extra preparation or repair work.
FCA specifically identifies possible additional installation and repair time among its concerns about salvage parts.
The lowest part price therefore does not always produce the lowest total repair cost.
Is a New OEM Part Always Better Economically?
Not necessarily.
A new OEM part may cost more initially.
But a recycled part requiring substantial:
- Repair
- Preparation
- Additional labor
could narrow the price difference.
A good estimate compares the complete installed repair cost, not simply the purchase price of the component.
Who Decides Which Parts Are Used?
Several parties may be involved.
The repair facility evaluates:
- Damage
- OEM repair requirements
- Repairability
- Parts options
The insurer may evaluate what it will cover under the claim.
The vehicle owner authorizes the repair.
I-CAR specifically says recycled-part selection is a business decision that must be agreed upon by the parties involved in the repair process.
Can Your Insurance Company Specify Recycled Parts?
An insurer may write or approve an estimate that includes alternative parts depending on:
- Policy
- Claim
- State requirements
- Vehicle
This does not automatically determine whether the proposed component is technically appropriate for every application.
If a recycled part appears on the estimate, ask:
- What part is it?
- Is it structural?
- What does the OEM say?
- What condition requirements apply?
What Should You Do if You Do Not Want Recycled Parts?
Discuss the concern with:
- Repair facility
- Insurance company
before the repair proceeds.
Ask whether:
- New OEM parts are available
- Your policy provides specific parts coverage
- There is a price difference
- You would be responsible for any additional amount
Do not wait until the vehicle is nearly completed to raise the question if the parts are already identified on the estimate.
Why Should You Review the Estimate Carefully?
Collision estimates often identify parts using abbreviations or categories.
If you see terms you do not recognize, ask.
You should understand whether major replacement components are:
- New OEM
- Recycled OEM
- Aftermarket
- Reconditioned
before authorizing the repair.
Should You Ask Where the Recycled Part Came From?
It can be useful.
Depending on the component, relevant questions may include:
- Was the donor vehicle damaged in this area?
- Does the part show corrosion?
- Was it previously repaired?
- Is it the correct configuration?
The collision facility may obtain this information through the supplier when available.
What Is the Automotive Recyclers Association?
The Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) represents professional automotive recycling businesses.
ARA advocates for the use of recycled original-equipment automotive parts and argues that these components can provide economical and sustainable repair options.
Its recent disagreement with GM over recycled OEM ADAS components shows that the collision industry continues to debate where recycled parts should appropriately be used.
Are Recycled Parts Better for the Environment?
Reusing an existing component can reduce the need to manufacture another replacement part and can keep usable automotive material in service.
This environmental benefit is one reason automotive recycling remains an important part of the vehicle repair ecosystem.
However, environmental benefits should not override:
- OEM restrictions
- Component condition
- Repair requirements
when a safety-critical component is involved.
Why Do OEM Repair Procedures Matter So Much?
Vehicle manufacturers determine how their structures and systems were engineered.
They may publish specific guidance about:
- Recycled parts
- Structural replacement
- Safety systems
- ADAS components
- Welding
- Sectioning
The I-CAR OEM Technical Information Matrix helps collision professionals locate manufacturer-specific information.
A part that is acceptable on one vehicle may not be acceptable on another.
Why Should Structural Parts Be Treated Differently From Cosmetic Parts?
A cosmetic exterior component may primarily influence:
- Appearance
- Aerodynamics
- Fit
A structural component may influence:
- Crash-energy management
- Suspension geometry
- Passenger-compartment integrity
That difference changes the risk of using a component with uncertain history.
It is one reason manufacturers often publish stricter positions on recycled structural components.
Why Are Restraint Parts Different?
Restraint components are engineered to operate during a collision.
They may include:
- Airbags
- Pretensioners
- Sensors
- Electronic modules
Their operating history can be difficult to verify after removal from a donor vehicle.
That is why some manufacturers specifically prohibit recycled restraint-system components.
Should You Use a Recycled Part Just Because It Looks Good?
No.
Appearance is only one consideration.
A part can look visually undamaged while potentially having:
- Hidden deformation
- Previous repair
- Environmental exposure
The level of concern depends on what the component does.
For a simple trim piece, that may be less significant.
For a structural or restraint component, it can be critical.
Can Recycled Parts Affect Warranty Coverage?
Potentially.
Manufacturer warranties may not cover a recycled component itself or failures caused by that component.
Toyota, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and other manufacturers publish positions that address warranty limitations associated with non-new or non-genuine parts.
Ask what warranty applies to:
- Part
- Installation
- Paint
- Workmanship
before authorizing the repair.
Does the Collision Shop Warranty Recycled Parts?
Warranty terms vary by shop and supplier.
A collision facility may warranty:
- Its workmanship
- Refinishing
while the recycled-part supplier may provide separate coverage for the part.
Ask:
- Who warranties the part?
- How long?
- What happens if the part fails?
Keep that information with your repair paperwork.
Why Does Wenzl’s Prioritize OEM and OEM-Approved Parts?
Wenzl’s Collision Center states that it follows OEM repair procedures and I-CAR guidelines and prioritizes manufacturer-branded or OEM-approved parts whenever possible.
That approach recognizes that parts selection should be connected to:
- Vehicle design
- Repair procedures
- Manufacturer requirements
rather than simply choosing whichever component has the lowest purchase price.
Does That Mean Wenzl’s Never Uses Recycled Parts?
Not necessarily.
Prioritizing OEM and OEM-approved components does not mean every repair situation is identical.
A parts decision can depend on:
- Vehicle
- Component
- OEM position
- Insurance
- Availability
- Customer authorization
The important point is that the selected part should be evaluated within the context of the complete repair.
Why Can Manufacturer Certification Matter?
Manufacturer-certified repair programs can impose requirements involving:
- Parts
- Procedures
- Training
- Equipment
The rules vary by certification program.
A repair facility participating in an OEM program may therefore have additional restrictions on which parts can be installed on vehicles repaired under that program.
How Does Parts Choice Affect ADAS?
Modern exterior parts can interact with:
- Radar
- Cameras
- Parking sensors
For example, a bumper cover may sit directly in front of a radar sensor.
A replacement component may need to meet specific requirements involving:
- Shape
- Material
- Thickness
- Sensor mounting
That is why parts decisions become more complex as vehicle technology advances.
Does Installing a Recycled Part Require ADAS Calibration?
Not automatically.
Calibration depends on:
- Vehicle
- Component
- Installed systems
- Repair operation
- Sensor movement
- OEM requirements
Replacing a simple door trim piece would not automatically trigger calibration.
Replacing a component supporting or surrounding an ADAS sensor might.
The specific manufacturer procedure should determine the requirement.
Why Is Diagnostic Scanning Relevant?
Electronic components on modern vehicles can communicate with numerous control modules.
If a recycled electronic component is considered, there may be issues involving:
- Programming
- Coding
- Vehicle compatibility
- Diagnostic trouble codes
This makes manufacturer-specific diagnostics particularly important for electronics.
Should You Use Recycled Parts on a Newer Vehicle?
Vehicle age alone does not answer the question.
A newer vehicle may have:
- More electronic systems
- More manufacturer restrictions
but the specific part still matters.
Likewise, an older vehicle does not automatically make every recycled component appropriate.
Evaluate:
- Component function
- Condition
- OEM guidance
rather than age alone.
Can Recycled Parts Be Helpful for Older Vehicles?
Yes, in some cases.
When a vehicle is older, certain new components may be:
- Discontinued
- Difficult to obtain
- Expensive relative to vehicle value
A suitable recycled component can sometimes provide a practical way to keep the vehicle repairable.
Again, safety-critical and manufacturer-restricted components require more caution.
Could Recycled Parts Help Prevent a Total Loss?
Potentially.
Lower parts costs can sometimes reduce the overall repair estimate.
That could matter when repair cost is approaching a vehicle’s economic total-loss threshold.
But technicians should not use an inappropriate recycled component simply to reduce the repair total.
The part still needs to be suitable for the repair.
Is the Cheapest Parts Estimate Always Best?
No.
Consider two repair plans.
One may use a cheaper recycled part that requires:
- Additional repair
- More preparation
- Additional refinishing
Another may use a new part requiring less preparation.
The lower component price does not automatically equal the lower complete repair cost.
Compare:
- Parts
- Labor
- Refinishing
- Procedures
- Warranty
together.
What Should You Ask if a Recycled Part Appears on Your Estimate?
Consider asking:
- What component is recycled?
- Is it an original OEM part?
- What condition is it in?
- Does the manufacturer permit recycled parts in this location?
- Is it structural?
- Is it part of the restraint system?
- Does it interact with ADAS?
- Has it been previously repaired?
- What warranty applies?
- What alternatives are available?
Those questions help you understand why the part was selected.
Should You Automatically Refuse Every Recycled Part?
No.
A blanket refusal may eliminate a perfectly reasonable option for a non-critical component.
Likewise, automatically accepting every recycled component without understanding its function can be unwise.
The better approach is component-specific evaluation.
Should You Automatically Accept a Recycled Part Because It Is OEM?
No.
The original manufacturer is valuable information, but it does not tell you everything about the part’s current condition.
A recycled OEM part may still have experienced:
- Collision damage
- Corrosion
- Previous repair
- Environmental exposure
The part needs to be inspected.
What Does a Good Parts Decision Look Like?
A good decision considers:
- The specific vehicle.
- The specific part.
- The condition of the replacement.
- OEM repair information.
- Repair and installation requirements.
- Insurance coverage.
- Customer authorization.
That is much more useful than treating all recycled parts as either completely safe or completely unsafe.
How Does Wenzl’s Collision Center Approach Collision Parts?
Wenzl’s Collision Center states that its collision repair process focuses on returning vehicles as close as practical to their pre-accident condition in appearance and safety.
Its current repair standards include:
- OEM repair procedures
- I-CAR guidelines
- Priority for OEM and OEM-approved parts
- Structural measuring
- Diagnostic scanning
- Hidden-damage identification
- Professional refinishing
- Post-repair quality control
For Lincoln drivers, that means parts selection is considered as part of the complete repair rather than as an isolated purchasing decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are recycled auto parts safe for collision repair?
They can be appropriate for some repairs, but suitability depends on the specific part, its condition, OEM requirements, vehicle technology, and repair procedure. Structural, restraint, and certain electronic components may have much stricter restrictions.
Are recycled OEM parts the same as aftermarket parts?
No. A recycled OEM part was originally manufactured for a vehicle by or for the automaker and later removed from another vehicle. An aftermarket part is newly manufactured by a different company.
Can recycled body panels be used?
Sometimes. Certain bolt-on panels may be appropriate when they are undamaged, compatible, and permitted by the manufacturer’s repair information. Welded structural panels require much more careful evaluation.
Are recycled airbags safe to use?
Some manufacturers specifically prohibit recycled restraint-system components. Airbags, pretensioners, and related parts should be handled according to the OEM procedures for the particular vehicle.
Can a recycled structural part be used?
It depends on the vehicle, but several manufacturers specifically advise against or prohibit recycled structural parts because prior damage and material history can be difficult to verify.
Can recycled parts save money?
Yes, they may reduce parts cost in certain repairs. However, additional repair, preparation, or refinishing can affect the final cost, so compare the complete installed repair rather than the component price alone.
Can insurance require recycled parts?
Insurance estimates may include alternative parts depending on the policy and claim. If recycled parts are proposed, ask the collision facility and insurer about the OEM requirements, condition of the part, alternatives, and any potential customer responsibility.
Where can I discuss collision repair parts in Lincoln, NE?
Wenzl’s Collision Center provides professional collision repair at 4515 N 62nd St, Lincoln, NE 68507, United States, and can explain the parts and repair procedures proposed for your vehicle.
Make Parts Decisions Based on the Vehicle, Not Just the Price
Recycled auto parts are not automatically safe.
They are also not automatically unsafe.
The right question is:
Is this specific recycled component appropriate for this specific vehicle and repair?
For a non-structural bolt-on component in good condition, the answer may sometimes be yes.
For a:
- Structural rail
- Airbag
- Restraint component
- Certain ADAS parts
the answer may be very different because manufacturers can have specific restrictions.
I-CAR itself does not make a universal recycled-parts recommendation. Instead, it emphasizes that part selection should be evaluated based on the repair and agreed upon by the parties involved.
That approach makes sense because today’s vehicles combine:
- Advanced materials
- Crash structures
- Electronics
- Cameras
- Radar
- Restraint systems
in ways that can make one component far more critical than another.
Wenzl’s Collision Center follows OEM repair procedures and I-CAR guidelines and prioritizes OEM and OEM-approved parts whenever possible.
If your vehicle needs collision repair and you have questions about OEM, recycled, or other replacement parts, visit:
Wenzl’s Collision Center
4515 N 62nd S,t Lincoln, NE 68507, United States
Learn more about collision repair, explore auto body repair, or request an appointment to discuss the repair plan for your vehicle.
