FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
It is a systematic process designed for quality. It generally follows these steps:
Estimate & Disassembly: We inspect the car and remove damaged parts to find hidden issues.
Structural Repair: If needed, we repair the frame or unibody structure.
Body Work: We replace or repair exterior panels.
Paint: We apply primer, base coat, and clear coat in our dust-free booth.
Reassembly & Detailing: We put the car back together, check all systems, and clean the vehicle before you pick it up.
When repairing your vehicle, you generally have three categories of parts to choose from. Understanding the differences is critical for ensuring your vehicle’s safety, value, and performance.
1. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
These are brand-new parts made by your vehicle’s manufacturer (e.g., Ford, Toyota, Mercedes) or their specific licensed supplier. They are identical to the parts your car was built with on the assembly line.
Fitment: Guaranteed perfect fit. No modification is required, ensuring body lines and gaps match the factory look.
Materials: Made from the specific steel grades, aluminum, or plastic composites engineered for your car’s crash safety and durability.
Warranty: Typically backed by the automaker (usually 1–2 years or more), covering both the part and often the labor if it fails.
System Impact: These are the only parts verified to work correctly with your vehicle’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
2. Aftermarket Parts
These are new parts produced by third-party companies, not the vehicle manufacturer. They are designed to replicate the original part but are often built to be cheaper.
Fitment: Variable. While some high-quality aftermarket parts (like CAPA-certified) are good, many "economy" parts may have uneven gaps, misaligned bolt holes, or require the technician to modify the part to make it fit.
Materials: May differ from the original. Aftermarket body panels sometimes use thinner metal or different plastic compounds that may not have the same corrosion resistance or crumple-zone behavior as OEM.
Warranty: Varies by brand. Some offer lifetime warranties to the original purchaser, while others offer very limited coverage. Importantly, the automaker will not warranty an aftermarket part or any damage that the aftermarket part causes to your vehicle.
System Impact: Can cause issues with modern safety systems (see below).
3. Salvage (Recycled/LKQ) Parts
These are used OEM parts harvested from other vehicles (often from a salvage yard) that were totaled or dismantled.
Fitment: Since they are original parts, the fit is usually excellent, provided the part wasn't damaged in the donor vehicle's accident.
Materials: Original factory material, but they may have existing wear, hidden rust, or fatigue.
Warranty: usually very limited (30–90 days) or sold "as-is."
System Impact: Risky for electrical components, as sensors or modules may have been shocked during the donor car's crash.
Critical Considerations: Safety and Systems
1. Impact on Safety Systems (ADAS) Modern vehicles rely on sensitive sensors (radar, LIDAR, cameras) often located behind bumpers, grilles, and windshields.
The Risk: Aftermarket bumpers may use plastic that is thicker, thinner, or of a different density than OEM. This can block or distort radar signals, causing your Blind Spot Monitoring or Automatic Emergency Braking to fail or react unpredictably.
The Recommendation: Most manufacturers strictly state that only OEM parts should be used near ADAS sensors to ensure the safety systems function correctly.
2. Material Strength & Crash Safety Vehicles are engineered with "crumple zones" designed to fold in a specific way to protect passengers.
The Risk: If an aftermarket bumper reinforcement beam or rail is made of different steel (e.g., mild steel vs. ultra-high-strength steel), it may not absorb energy correctly in a crash, transferring more force to the passengers.
3. Warranty Differences
Federal Law (Magnuson-Moss Act): A dealer cannot void your entire warranty just because you used an aftermarket part.
The Catch: If the aftermarket part causes a failure (e.g., an aftermarket radiator leaks and blows the engine), the manufacturer will deny the warranty claim for that engine repair.
Yes, absolutely. Custom paint work is where our passion and precision truly shine. At Innov8 Paint & Body, we don't just repair vehicles; we transform them.
We are proud to be recognized as the "Best Auto Body Shop / Collision Center" in the Best of Pueblo 2025 awards, following our success as a Finalist in both 2022 and 2023. These accolades reflect our commitment to excellence, which is why clients seek us out from all across Colorado for their custom projects.
Why trust Innov8 with your custom build?
Veteran Craftsmanship: Our Lead Painter has been executing full custom projects since 2008. Whether it's a classic restoration, a candy/pearl finish, or a complete color change, your vehicle is in the hands of a true artist with over 15 years of specialized experience.
Premium Materials Only: A custom job is only as good as the chemistry protecting it. We strictly use top-quality automotive paints and high-solids clear coats. This ensures your finish isn't just glossy when it leaves the shop, but remains deep, durable, and UV-resistant for years to come.
Guaranteed Results: We stand behind our craftsmanship. Because we refuse to cut corners on preparation or materials, our custom paint work is backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected.
If you are looking for a show-quality finish that stands out on the street and stands the test of time, stop by specifically to discuss your vision with our team.