Replacement car bumpers weaker than originals

Today’s cars and car parts are made not just in one place, but many. Toyotas hail from Mississippi, Volkswagens are assembled in America, and Chryslers aren’t just made in Detroit any more. But replacement parts for all these car types and makes come mainly from China. (FAQ: What kind of parts are used to repair my car?)

When a car needs structural repair, parts for a GM, Chrysler, VW, or even a BMW are sourced from factories that have never produced, or likely ever even seen, the whole vehicle.

Replacement body parts often don’t come from the manufacturer that produced the originals used in the fabrication of the car, but very likely will come from a factory that produces only parts for the aftermarket network of buyers and distributors.

That’s because there is a flourishing market in parts manufactured all over the globe, but mainly in China, that represents a billion dollars plus in imports to the U.S. market.

The parts produced are labeled “LKQ” which stands for “Like Kind & Quality.” That’s what is promised when a cars parts are replaced. The replacement part should fit and function just like the original one.

That’s where it can get a little tricky. Thing is, there is no universally accepted standard for “Like Kind & Quality.”

Parts can be tested and certified by CAPA, a private distributor of auto parts manufactured for aftermarket distribution. There is however a body of opinion that questions the absolute accuracy of parts manufactured this way.

Take a look at the video below for a look as to what happens with a bumper not manufactured to original specifications in an accident.

Toby Chess, an industry pundit, famously took an electric saw to both an original and then an LKQ bumper on network TV. Replacement car bumpers weaker than originals. The saw failed to dent the original but the “LKQ” bumper melted like butter under the blade.

So since cars are made everywhere, and parts are too, what’s the difference? Well, for openers, cars are made on a factory floor with parts sourced from the manufacturer. “LKQ” parts are made in completely separate facilities as copies. Reference to the specifications required for the car for which they are destined will vary.

Tolerances in aftermarket parts may differ a lot. All this means one must rely on the experts fixing the car to be sure the fit and finish are “LKQ” as promised. CAPA is one standard but everything has to be checked when the part arrives. Trial fit and close inspection is the rule followed to assure an excellent result. To ensure compliance with this last step recently the DOI (Dept. of Insurance) in CA created regulation s that spell out the obligation of insurers to pay for replacement of ill fitting or substandard parts mandated by them.

Elite Auto Collision in La Mesa, CA is a trusted repairer who does make judicious use of LKQ and CAPA parts with stringent quality control measures. Insurers trust and rely on repairers to perform and guarantee repairs.