Johnson City, TN, October 28, 2026 - Automan Collision & Repair, LLC, a locally owned auto body repair shop in Johnson City, TN, is reinforcing its commitment to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts as collision repairs grow more complex with modern vehicle technology. The company continues to advise drivers throughout Johnson City and nearby areas on how part selection affects safety, warranty coverage, and long-term vehicle performance.
Why OEM Parts Are Becoming a Bigger Safety Concern
As vehicles incorporate more sensors, cameras, and structural safety systems, the parts used during repair carry more weight than in years past. OEM parts are manufactured by or for the vehicle's original maker, matching exact specifications for fit, material strength, and safety performance. Aftermarket parts, produced by third-party manufacturers, do not always meet those same standards.
According to CCC Intelligent Solutions' 2026 Crash Course Report, 28.3% of repairable estimates now include calibrations, reflecting increasing vehicle technology complexity. Automan Collision & Repair cites this finding as one reason the shop prioritizes OEM sourcing for structural and safety-related repairs, since calibration accuracy depends on parts built to exact manufacturer specifications.
What Does I-CAR Gold Class Certification Mean for Local Drivers?
Automan Collision & Repair holds I-CAR Gold Class certification, the auto body industry's highest training standard. This certification requires technicians to follow manufacturer-specific repair procedures, including calibration steps for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
"When a vehicle comes in after an accident, our job is to put it back to the condition it was in before the crash, not close to it," said James Gorman, owner of Automan Collision & Repair. "That means using parts built to the same specifications as the originals, especially anywhere safety systems are involved."
How Does This Affect Insurance Claims in Johnson City?
Many insurance estimates default to lower-cost aftermarket parts unless a policyholder requests otherwise. Automan Collision & Repair can work directly with insurance providers to request OEM parts when a customer's policy allows it, walking drivers through their options before repairs begin.
The auto body repair shop reports that questions about part selection have increased alongside the number of ADAS-equipped vehicles on the road. Camera brackets, radar sensors, and structural components used in these systems often depend on precise placement, something OEM parts are built to match.
What Should Drivers Ask Before Approving a Repair Estimate?
Automan Collision & Repair encourages drivers to ask their insurance company directly whether OEM parts are included in a repair estimate, particularly for late-model vehicles or any component tied to airbags, seatbelts, or ADAS sensors. Getting this confirmation in writing before repairs begin can prevent disputes once the vehicle is back on the road.
The shop notes that many drivers in Johnson City are unaware they can request OEM parts even when an initial estimate lists aftermarket alternatives. Automan Collision & Repair reviews each estimate with customers line by line, explaining which parts affect safety systems and which do not, so drivers can make an informed decision before any work begins.
Why Local Drivers Choose Automan Collision & Repair
Automan Collision & Repair has served Johnson City and the surrounding East Tennessee region for more than 30 years. The company has been recognized with a Reader's Choice Award and continues to offer no-obligation estimates for drivers evaluating auto body repair options after an accident.
"We're not just fixing a bumper or a fender," James Gorman said. "We're restoring the safety systems built into that part of the car. That distinction matters more now than it did a decade ago."
The shop's technicians inspect structural components, sensor systems, and electrical connections as part of standard post-repair verification, regardless of whether OEM or aftermarket parts were used in a given repair.
About Automan Collision & Repair, LLC
Automan Collision & Repair, LLC is a locally and family-owned auto body shop in Johnson City, TN, providing collision repair, structural repair, and insurance claim assistance for drivers throughout the region. The company holds I-CAR Gold Class certification and has more than 30 years of experience serving the Johnson City area. Automan Collision & Repair offers free, no-obligation estimates and works with all major insurance providers to simplify the claims process for customers.