What are OEM Parts?

These are the parts made by the manufacturer of your vehicle. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer.

What are LKQ Parts?

These are often referred to as used parts as they come from salvaged vehicles. Salvage yards buy vehicles which have been severely damaged. They then inspect the vehicle for usable parts and remove and clean them. LKQ stands for Like Kind and Quality.

What are Aftermarket parts?

These are parts not made by the manufacturer of your vehicle. They are less expensive then OEM parts but may not have the same fit and functionality for your specific vehicle. That is why you need a quality auto technician who knows what will work well with your vehicle

What are QRP parts?

This is just another name for aftermarket parts. QRP stands for Quality Replacement Parts.

Do You Service Leased Vehicles?

Yes, we service leased vehicles. In fact, regular maintenance is important when leasing a car because it is expected that the vehicle is kept in tip-top shape.

How Does My Vehicle Become a Write-Off?

Your vehicle will be written-off or declared a ‘total-loss’ when the total cost to repair the damage is greater than the total value of the car itself. In this case, insurance companies will not pay to fix the vehicle.

How Can I Get an Estimate?

At Automod Racing, we can provide you with an estimate for the cost of the repair when we take the time to inspect or assess the damage. Although many services have set prices, all vehicles and damage are unique, that’s why we always take the time to complete an inspection.

If My Vehicle’s Frame Is Damaged, Is It a Total Loss?

No. Although frame damage can be severe, we are able to fix damaged frames with the use of our specialized equipment. In some cases, if the cost to repair the frame is higher than the car’s value, the vehicle may become a total loss.

The Rattle

More often than not, you will notice something wrong with your vehicle before it breaks down and you need to bring it in. The rattle is one of the most common indicators that there is something in your car that needs fixing.

Accelerating – If the rattle comes from under your vehicle when accelerating, then the problem is usually when the muffler is burnt out or damaged. But it could also be a problem with a leak in your exhaust system. Lastly, it can often be when a hanger or something is loose in your car. If the heat shield or other parts are no longer connected properly then you may hear a rattle.

Driving – If the rattle happens during driving then we must know if it comes from under the vehicle or from the engine. If it is underneath then it is probably worn or damaged tie rod ends. If it is coming from the engine then it is probably loose steering gear mounting bolts.

Changing Gears – If you hear the rattle while changing gears then it should be an issue with or around the u-joint. The U-joint, or universal joint, is a critical component and a suspected problem should be checked out right away.

Idling Engine – Your vehicle isn’t going anywhere but it’s making a strange rattle from the engine. Most likely, this is because there is a problem with armature or bearings of the alternator.

In the case of an accident

What should I do if I’m in an accident?

The first thing you should do is stop your car immediately and check to see if anyone is injured as a result of the accident. If anyone is hurt, you should do what you can to help, including calling emergency services or performing first aid, if necessary. Once you are sure that everyone is okay or that injuries are being treated, you should call us at (661) 729-8877 and we will dispatch a tow truck to get your vehicle towed out of the way so it won’t be a traffic hazard, and can then take it our shop.

How long will it take for a tow truck to arrive?

The arrival time will depend on where your accident occurred, but you can rest assured that a tow truck will be en route to your location within minutes of your phone call.

Can you pick up my vehicle from the scene of the accident?

Yes, we can. Depending on the circumstances, the police may require that details about the accident be recorded before the vehicles involved are moved, but we can remove your vehicle from the scene of the accident as soon as it is safe and legal to do so.