QWhat are alternative parts?

ANew replacement auto body parts such as fenders, bumpers, hoods, lights, etc., are parts referred to as "aftermarket" or "functionally equivalent" parts when made by a company other than the original car manufacturer (Ford, Chrysler, Chevrolet and others). Equivalent comparisons in the mechanical parts business would be aftermarket items such as Sears'" Die-Hard"' batteries, Monroe shocks and Midas mufflers to name a few replacements to the original parts that are not manufactured by original equipment manufacturers (OEM)*.

QWill alternative parts affect my vehicle?

ANo. Vehicle crash tests performed and reported by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that cosmetic repair parts are "irrelevant to safety." In the February 19, 2000 report, the institute concluded that crash parts such as fenders, door skins, bumper covers and similar parts are cosmetic in nature and not meant to affect vehicle safety.

QWill the use of alternative parts void my vehicle warranty?

ANo. The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act provides that the use of non-original parts cannot have any effect on the original warranty. Federal law prohibits companies from invalidating warranties due to the use of non-original replacement parts.