In the auto body repair industry, we are provided with manufacturers’ Position Statements that describe each auto maker’s recommendations for how those repairs should be done. General Motors has released a detailed statement explaining why they prohibit the use of any parts other than genuine GM warranted parts in the repairs of their vehicles.
If you own a GMC and need to have your air bag system replaced, it is crucial to follow the guidelines set forth by GM.
According to General Motors:
“Air bag system components are carefully developed and specifically tuned for the specific vehicle environment. Corresponding air bag system components from other models or other model years may appear similar from the outside, may even fit the vehicle, but different internal elements or calibrations may result in degraded restraint performance.”
GM is explaining that new OEM parts have been designed and manufactured specifically for the make, model, and year of your vehicle using the highest quality materials.
Using aftermarket parts, salvaged parts, or parts from previous model years could jeopardize your entire air bag system, potentially risking your safety.
Safety and reliability go hand-in-hand when it comes to your vehicle. GM makes an important point about the reliability of salvaged parts:
“Reuse of used or salvaged components brings into question the conditions under which the components were obtained and stored prior to use. Components could have been damaged or stored under unfavorable conditions that could compromise performance and reliability.”
They are saying that it’s often difficult to determine the history of the car from which the salvaged parts came. Who knows if that car was previously in an accident or if the air bag components were compromised in some way?
A vehicle is a finely-tuned machine that functions well when all the parts work properly together. Using a salvaged or used part could throw the whole system off.
It’s pretty standard for manufacturers to stipulate that new parts must be used in order for them to honor your vehicle’s warranty.
This is no different for GM, which states, “The use of these new parts is consistent with the vehicle factory warranty and extended warranty programs.”
The reason why we explain the manufacturer’s Position Statement to you is that we want you to understand why we take it so seriously ourselves.
Some shops don’t really care what the manufacturer says and they use whatever parts they can get their hands on. We simply refuse to take such a chance, because we don’t believe it’s worth the risk to your safety, your warranty, or your vehicle’s performance.
We deliver only the best repair for your GMC.
At Flagstaff Collision Center, we provide quality services to our clients in Northern Arizona, including collision repair, dent removal, bumper repair, and auto paint repair. Learn more about us and the services we offer.