What is OEM Certified Collision Repair?
If you have started researching auto body repair shops you probably have noticed OEM Certified Collision Repair Centers. What does this mean and why is it important to you?
Within the last few years, the OEM’s or Original Equipment Manufacturers (car brand, ex. Honda, GM, Nissan, etc) set up certifications for collision repair facilities. The
purpose of the certification program is to ensure proper vehicle repair and great customer experience.
To participate in the program an auto body repair shop must meet the following requirements:
- Proper Equipment (To repair today’s materials like aluminum and technology)
- Advanced Industry Training (Focusing on proper repair methods)
- Pre and Post Scanning
- Excellent Customer Service
- Well Established Collision Repair Center
- Clean Facility
- Secure area for customer vehicles
- Meet Local, State and Federal Requirements
Customer Benefits:
The requirements ensure the vehicle owner will walk into a clean facility and be treated in a professional manner. The customer can expect a skilled master technician to complete their vehicle’s repair. In addition, the customer makes an informed choice instead of depending on the insurance company to recommend one of their “preferred” auto body shops. OEM certification also helps weed out collision repair facilities that choose not to invest in technician training or updated equipment.
Proper Equipment:
Equipment standards change every few years, but that doesn’t mean that all auto body shops make the commitment to upgrade. Many vehicles are made partly of aluminum and not every collision repair shop is equipped to handle this kind of repair. Did you know, a collision repair facility needs a separate room, separate tools, special welder, and a certified aluminum trained technician to make the repair? In the past, vehicles were made primarily of steel and most technicians today only know how to repair that one material. If you have a vehicle part or all aluminum be sure to take it to an auto body repair shop certified for aluminum repair.
2019 Welder at Airpark Collision Center
Why is it great?
This machine automatically determines the type of metal and measures the thickness of the metals. This means it delivers the proper weld every time.
2019 Frame Machine at Airpark Collision Center
Why is it great?
Longest and strongest frame rack. Its large size allows us to repair any passenger car, large SUV and full size pick up truck.
Scanning:
Dashboard lights are for driver notification and there is only a few. When a professional auto body shop scans your vehicle, it will scan hundreds of error codes.
Scanning a vehicle before and after the repair ensures that everything is in working order. Remember today’s vehicles are equipped with dozens of onboard computers responsible for everything from automatic mirrors to sensors, lane departure, airbags, etc. Simply put, every car must be scanned before and after repairs to ensure everything is in working condition. Auto body shops that don’t invest in scanners or participate in OEM certification programs will not be able to repair the “entire” vehicle.
Inspection:
Each year OEM certifications must be renewed. Along with evidence of annual training. An inspector is sent to the auto body shop. The inspector tests equipment to confirm accurate performance. The inspector quizzes employees as he walks through the facility and even measures the light source.
What if the auto body repair facility doesn’t have my vehicle’s brand certification?
First off, many but not all OEM’s have a collision repair certification program. If the auto body repair facility has any certifications it ensures they have master technicians with up to date repair methods training and the right tools and equipment. Most certifications require many of the same tools and equipment to meet today’s collision repair standards. An auto body shop with any certification must be industry certified. If they are I-Car certified they are certified to work on any make and model of vehicle.
Airpark Collision Center opened in 2006 and is focused on excellent customer service and quality repairs. We are a certified collision repair center for many vehicle brands and industry certified. Please stop in or click here for an online estimate!
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Tina Small has been part of the Airpark Collision Center team since 2006. Working directly with customers, her goal is to share frequent customer questions, and proper methods of collision repair.
