For companies that have multiple cars, vans, or commercial vehicles, any damage that occurs to a car body might not just be an expense but could also lead to downtime of that vehicle, thus preventing delivery, appointments and the company’s everyday operations.

Correct selection of replacement car body parts and the effective planning of the repair process will assist fleet operators to reduce downtime.

Know your Fleets’ Needs

Fleet vehicles may travel large distances, operate in crowded cities or stop frequently. This will expose the vehicle to possible collisions, scraping or wear of some of the exterior components.

Most common parts that need replacement are the bumpers, the front wings, door mirrors, headlamps, grilles and other body panels.

Maintain the records of frequently damaged components to better understand the needs for regular repairs.

Consider Exact Fitment

The compatibility of vehicles becomes especially crucial when there are multiple vehicle models or generations within the fleet.

The replacement part must match in terms of the make, model and year of production of the car as well as any equipment it has.

The part that is purchased must be suitable for the specific make, model, production year, and relevant equipment of the car. Even cars that look similar may require a different bumper, lighting unit, or installation method.

In preparation for ordering, check the specifications of the part and see if any of its sensors, electrical installations, etc., influence its compatibility.

Compare the Total Cost of Replacement Rather than the Price

The cheapest replacement part is not always the most economically viable if it leads to compatibility issues.

When comparing replacement parts, take into account:

* Price of the part and shipping costs.
* Compatibility and installation instructions.
* Availability and lead time.
* Surface treatment (if any) and painting.
* Cost of the vehicle down time.
* Warranty and return policy.

Comparison of the aforementioned characteristics will help companies to make their purchasing decision without lowering their standards of repair.

Partner With a Trusted Parts Provider

A large catalog of vehicle parts that have detailed information on them makes the process of finding them easier for business owners.

Provision of correct information regarding the vehicle while making an order enables the supplier to suggest appropriate products. Keeping previous order information can also simplify the process of making subsequent orders.

For cases where several vehicles are involved, ordering should be done based on the registration number of each vehicle or fleet ID number to minimize any confusion between parts.

Plan for Repairs to Minimize Downtime

The fleet manager can make repairs more efficient by ensuring that the inspections take place as soon as possible, with all parts identified before the date of repair.

Having a comprehensive parts list may assist in minimizing any delays that may result from the discovery of missing items such as brackets and fittings once the job begins.

Effective replacement part sourcing will enable fleet operators to strike a balance between repair cost, availability and fitment needs.

Replacement Body Parts for Cars and Vans at Dial4Panels⁠