| Car repair is never an easy or even affordable | | | | between this and other types are that LKQs are |
| event to go through. More then likely that | | | | not new and have been previously used and |
| damaged car is the only source of transportation | | | | restored. Since LKQs were previously owned and |
| you have so this can be especially frustrating. You | | | | used there may be minor visual blemishes or |
| will be faced with many decisions as you strive to | | | | differences. |
| get your beloved car serviced and one of those | | | | Many car owners want only the best and believe |
| will be using new parts or old parts. | | | | that only OEMs can satisfy this. However, there |
| While you may want to jump to the new and | | | | are many considerations to keep in mind as you |
| shiny equipment first, a comparison should really | | | | make such a decision. |
| be made. Often times, going with something else | | | | Now, you need to be aware that your Insurance |
| will save you hundreds of dollars while providing | | | | Company will probably make the final decision for |
| the same, if not better performance. First, let us | | | | you. Insurance companies prefer LKQs to that of |
| take a look at these "new parts" | | | | OEMs, though some will compromise for |
| Original Equipment Material or OEM is used far | | | | Aftermarket material. The reason for the |
| more often by mechanics instead of just saying | | | | preference for LKQs is cost. LKQs are often far |
| new parts. OEM parts and equipment are not | | | | more affordable and provide the same function |
| necessarily built by the company that constructed | | | | as other parts. To the car owner, this may be |
| the car, but by the company that created the | | | | unacceptable as they want the newer part. While |
| parts in that car. Many find OEMs preferable | | | | owners can choose to go with the OEMs they will |
| without giving any real thought to why. Often | | | | probably not be reimbursed for the expense. |
| times, Aftermarket equipment will run far less | | | | You may also want to consider the car's age and |
| then OEMs in price range and may even provide a | | | | overall health. Unless the car has a significant |
| higher quality product. Aftermarket materials are | | | | sentimental value to you, it is never advisable to |
| created by other companies and are still | | | | pay more for a repair then what the car's overall |
| considered new. | | | | value is. For older model cars, an OEM can cost |
| On the other hand, "old" parts and material will be | | | | far more then the Blue Book value so settling for |
| much more affordable then either OEMs or | | | | a LKQ just makes since. If, the car is a classic or |
| Aftermarkets but due to the stigma attached to | | | | means something special to you, OEMs will be a |
| these parts they are overlooked or rejected. | | | | sound investment. |
| These old parts are recycled or remanufactured | | | | No matter what type of vehicle you own, when |
| from previously owned vehicles. These parts and | | | | you take your car into the repair shop you will be |
| materials are called Like Kind Quality, or LKQs. | | | | faced with this decision. Mitsubishi repair, general |
| The LKQs will come from a vehicle that is the | | | | truck repairs, and even motorcycle repairs can |
| same year, model, and make as yours and have | | | | used either new or old parts. |
| the same quality as OEMs. The only difference | | | | |