OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts for Auto Collision Repair

Tony Mers • March 13, 2024

Whenever you get into an accident, the repair process can help you return to your regular routine and ensure your vehicle’s safety and performance. One of the fundamental decisions car owners face in this process is choosing between OEM (original equipment manufacturer) and aftermarket parts. While there are ups and downs to both options, it’s a good idea to look at both sides when it comes to choosing OEM or aftermarket parts for auto collision repair.

Benefits of OEM Parts

When you decide to go with OEM parts, you're choosing components from the original creator of your vehicle. Naturally, these should perfectly fit your vehicle without the need for additional adjustments and match or exceed the quality of the parts already in your car. The benefits of OEM parts extend beyond mere compatibility and quality, though. They often come with warranties that can provide peace of mind. Also, vehicle warranties that have remained intact can cover your new OEM parts. For many car owners, these factors outweigh any potential cost differences.

Why Consider Aftermarket Parts

Alternatively, aftermarket parts are those from other manufacturers that can fit your vehicle. You may not notice a difference in quality. However, you may need to spend a lot more time looking into the manufacturers and ensuring you’re getting something that works for you. Because the aftermarket industry is so vast, the additional effort may not be worth the savings. However, if you’re working with a professional body shop, they may have trusted distributors and be able to help you find a good or reliable deal on aftermarket parts.

The Decision-Making Process

When looking at OEM vs. aftermarket parts for auto collision repair, you must ensure you have your car fixed to a high standard. If your vehicle is relatively new and still under warranty or safety is your top concern, OEM parts are the secure option. However, for older vehicles and repairs that are non-critical to safety, aftermarket parts can offer substantial benefits.

At River North Collision Repair, we understand the importance of your vehicle's integrity and performance, especially following an accident. Our team of certified experts specializes in both OEM and aftermarket parts, ensuring your car receives the care it needs to return to its pre-accident condition. Whether you're navigating the choice between OEM and aftermarket parts or simply seeking the best collision repair in Chicago , we're here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule your repair and see why we're the trusted choice for drivers across Chicago.

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Why Ignoring Small Dents Can Lead to Bigger Problems

January 30, 2026

It is an awful feeling when you walk out to your car after a long day and see a small dent on your passenger door. While it may appear to be just a cosmetic issue, you should still get it fixed, because ignoring small dents can lead to bigger problems for your vehicle. Don’t let small dents on your car go untreated; let's talk about why you need to tackle these issues ASAP. Rust Loves Chicago Winters We all know the drill here in the Windy City. We have beautiful summers, sure, but we also pay the price with brutal winters. And what comes with winter? Salt. Tons of it. Your car’s paint job acts as a suit of armor protecting the metal body underneath. Even a minor dent often comes with microscopic cracks in the paint—sometimes too small to see with the naked eye. Once that seal is broken, moisture and road salt sneak in. They settle against the bare metal and start a chemical party you definitely don’t want to host. Oxidation begins immediately. By the time you notice bubbling paint or that tell-tale orange stain a few months later, the rust has already been eating away at your door panel from the inside out. Resale Value Takes a Nosedive For many people, maintaining their car is a valuable part of purchasing a new vehicle. When that day comes, curb appeal is everything. Used car buyers (and dealership appraisers) will judge your car by its exterior appearance. If they see a vehicle riddled with door dings, bumper scrapes, and ignored scratches, they see a car that wasn't cared for. They assume that if you didn't care enough to fix the outside, you probably didn't care about the rest of it either. It lowers the perceived value instantly. Maintaining your car’s body and its paint is an investment in your future trade-in value. Paint Damage Spreads Like a Virus When a dent or scrape compromises the integrity of the paint, the surrounding paint loses its grip. High-pressure car washes, wind, and temperature fluctuations cause the paint to flake away from the initial injury site. A scratch the size of a quarter can grow into a patch the size of a softball over a couple of seasons. It’s Easier (and Cheaper) Than You Think Here is the good news: fixing these things early is surprisingly affordable. Modern body shop technology is amazing. For many small dings where the paint isn't cracked, we can use techniques that massage the metal back into place without spraying a drop of paint. River North Collision Repair offers paintless dent repair in Chicago to fix minor dents. Regardless of what nicked your door, we can help remove the dents and maintain a seamless look for your vehicle. Don’t Wait for Problems Don't let minor dents turn into a big nightmare. Save your future self the headache (and the cash). Swing by River North Collision Repair for your quick and easy repairs. Because driving a car you’re proud of? That’s a feeling you can’t put a price on.