How Collision Repairs Affect Your Vehicle Warranty
After an accident, getting your car back on the road is important, but how the repair is done can have lasting effects on your vehicle’s overall value. Many Arizona drivers don’t realize that collision repairs performed outside of manufacturer standards can put factory coverage at risk.
At Elite Automotive, we take pride in performing repairs that meet or exceed OEM (original equipment manufacturer) specifications. Our collision repair Mesa services work to protect your investment, your warranty, and your peace of mind.
Understanding Your Vehicle’s Factory Warranty
When you buy a new vehicle, it comes with a factory warranty from the manufacturer. This warranty covers specific components, such as the powertrain, paint, and safety systems, for a set period or mileage. The coverage is designed to protect you from defects in materials or workmanship.
However, there’s a catch. Our family-owned auto body shop in Mesa explains that the warranty assumes that all repairs and maintenance are completed according to the manufacturer’s standards. So, if your vehicle is repaired using improper parts or procedures, that coverage can be compromised.
That’s why choosing the right collision repair Mesa AZ is about protecting your warranty and the long-term performance of your vehicle.
The Role of OEM Repair Procedures
OEM repair procedures are the detailed instructions provided by your vehicle’s manufacturer for how each repair should be performed. These guidelines are specific to your make, model, and production year. They ensure that repairs meet factory standards for safety, performance, and durability.
For example, manufacturers specify:
Which OEM parts should be used to maintain structural integrity and crash performance.
Proper welding, adhesive, and corrosion protection methods.
The correct recalibration process for modern safety systems like airbags, sensors, and cameras.
When these steps are skipped or altered, something that can happen at low-cost or high-volume shops, it may appear the car is fixed, but the repair might not perform properly in another accident. Worse, it can void portions of your warranty if the manufacturer determines the work didn’t meet its specifications.
How Improper Repairs Can Void Your Warranty
Many insurance-recommended or budget repair facilities rely on aftermarket or reconditioned parts to reduce costs. While these parts may fit your vehicle, they’re not built to the same exact standards as OEM components. This can lead to issues like misalignment, paint mismatches, or malfunctioning sensors, all of which can compromise your car’s performance and safety.
If a future problem arises and the manufacturer determines that an incorrect part or repair procedure was used, they can deny warranty coverage related to that system. In other words, saving a little money now could cost a lot more down the road.
Why OEM Collision Repair Matters
At Elite Automotive, we reference manufacturer guidelines for your specific vehicle, use high-quality parts, and ensure every system, from the frame to advanced driver-assist features, is restored properly.
Our auto technicians understand that modern cars are more complex than ever, with advanced materials, sensors, and electronics that require precision. A proper repair protects not only your warranty but also your safety and the long-term value of your car.
As a locally owned auto body shop Mesa, we take pride in doing things the right way, not the quick or cheapest way. Our reputation has been built on honesty, craftsmanship, and treating every vehicle like our own.
Protecting Your Investment
Your car is one of your biggest investments, and it deserves repairs that preserve its integrity and factory coverage. Choosing a shop that performs OEM collision repair in Mesa ensures that your vehicle remains safe, reliable, and eligible for warranty protection.
At Elite Automotive, we’ll also communicate directly with your insurance company to ensure your claim is processed properly without cutting corners. We believe in full transparency and will always explain your options so you can make the best decision for your vehicle.
Contact Elite Automotive Today
When it comes to collision repair, quality matters. A repair done right the first time protects your vehicle’s warranty, performance, and resale value. A rushed or low-cost repair could cost you far more in the long run.
If you’ve recently been in an accident and want to make sure your warranty stays intact, contact Elite Automotive, your trusted auto body repair shop Mesa AZ. We’ll get your car back to factory condition and give you the peace of mind you deserve.