July 6, 2025
When repairing your car, you often face a choice: recycled metal parts or new metal parts. Here's what you need to know:
Choosing between recycled and new metal depends on your repair needs, budget, and environmental priorities. Recycled parts are ideal for cosmetic or non-structural repairs, while new parts ensure safety for critical components.
Using recycled metal parts can lead to significant savings, making them a crucial option for managing repair budgets.
Recycled parts often cost 50–75% less than their brand-new counterparts, offering substantial savings for consumers. For example, a new alternator typically costs $400–$600, while a recycled one is priced at just $150–$200. Similarly, a new radiator might run about $300, but a recycled version costs closer to $100. In one case, a mechanic replaced a transmission with a recycled unit for $800, compared to $2,500 for a new one.
Material type also plays a role in pricing. For instance, a steel door jamb for a Ford pickup costs around $1,780, while the aluminum version is over $3,010. However, for smaller parts like grilles or headlamps purchased through dealerships, the price gap is narrower - sometimes just $25.
These savings set the foundation for how insurance companies influence repair part choices.
Insurance companies significantly influence the choice of parts to control repair costs. Many insurers include aftermarket or recycled parts in their estimates, and some even require their use. This practice helps keep premiums lower for policyholders.
Non-OEM parts are often 20–65% cheaper than OEM crash parts, creating noticeable savings. A 1999 study found that assembling a $25,000 vehicle entirely from OEM parts would cost over $100,000.
Some insurers offer policy options like "OEM Endorsement" coverage, which allows customers to request original parts. Others rely on a mix of non-OEM and recycled components. State Farm, for instance, emphasizes its commitment to using both non-OEM and recycled parts:
"State Farm® keeps the promise of 'Good Neighbor' service every day as we pay individual claims. Our promise includes a commitment to your satisfaction regarding new non-original equipment manufacturer (non-OEM) and recycled parts used in the repair of your vehicle." – State Farm
These insurance policies directly impact which parts are chosen, balancing cost and performance considerations.
Economic factors, including tariffs and supply chain challenges, further shape the availability and pricing of recycled parts.
Tariffs and supply chain issues can drive up the cost of recycled metal parts. For instance, car manufacturers use about half a ton of steel per vehicle, and a 25% tariff could increase production costs by more than $1,000 per car.
The availability of salvageable vehicles also affects the recycled parts market. A decrease in new car sales today could lead to fewer vehicles available for recycling in the future. Local factors like transportation costs and the overall supply of scrap metal further influence pricing.
Paul Delaney, chief visionary officer of Fenix Parts, highlights the impact of tariffs:
"A large percentage of the OEM and aftermarket parts with which used parts compete are produced outside of the United States and will become more expensive due to the tariffs. Used parts are sourced from vehicles that are already in the United States and will therefore not have to bear the impact of this additional cost." – Paul Delaney, Fenix Parts
Global demand and regional manufacturing trends also play a role. Clean, uncontaminated metal often commands a higher price than mixed scrap, which requires extra processing. Long-term trends show an increasing reliance on recycled metals due to policies, energy savings (recycling aluminum saves up to 95% of the energy required to produce it from raw materials), and cost advantages. These factors make recycled metal an appealing option for auto repairs, despite the challenges in supply and pricing.
Recycled auto parts, when properly inspected, can match new parts in quality, ensuring safe and reliable repairs.
Recycled auto parts go through rigorous testing, including tensile, hardness, corrosion, and metallography tests, to meet ISO 9000 quality standards. The industry also follows strict design specifications, such as requirements for straightness, flatness, and dimensional tolerances, and ensures measuring devices are regularly calibrated.
WorldAutoSteel emphasizes the reliability of recycled materials:
"Recycled steel is as strong and durable as new steel made from iron ore."
This confidence is reflected in steel recycling rates. For instance, car bodies typically use about 25% recycled steel. Automakers recycle over 14 million tons of steel from end-of-life vehicles each year, contributing to an overall steel and iron recycling rate of nearly 90%.
That said, there are repair situations where new metal is the safer choice.
In certain cases, new metal components are essential to maintain vehicle safety and structural integrity. For example, damage to critical support structures - such as bent beams, crumpled panels, or misaligned frames - requires replacement with new metal. A February 2023 report from BodyShop Business highlighted that bumper beams on the Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV, made from high-strength steel, must be replaced if they show any kinks or tears. Attempting heat repairs in such cases would weaken the material further.
Advanced high-strength steels (AHSS), which can reduce vehicle weight by up to 25%, also require special handling. If damaged, they must be replaced with new components to maintain structural integrity. General Motors reinforces this point:
"The use of heat to repair damage is not recommended for this type of steel."
This restriction applies to ultra-high-strength steel (UHSS), dual-phase steel, and ultra-high-strength dual-phase steel. Using heat on these materials when prohibited could compromise both the vehicle's structure and passenger safety. That’s why professional collision repair specialists carefully assess frame damage to determine the best approach. Following OEM guidelines ensures that repairs maintain structural integrity, which is crucial for performance during acceleration, braking, and cornering.
Ultimately, the choice between recycled and new metal depends on the specific repair needs and the required level of structural integrity.
Despite their proven performance, recycled parts are often misunderstood. Certified recycled components retain their original structural and performance characteristics. Proper certification ensures these parts meet safety standards, providing a cost-effective alternative to new parts without compromising quality. While OEM parts are often seen as the gold standard due to their precise fit and material quality, properly certified recycled OEM parts can meet original specifications and perform reliably.
Concerns about warranty retention and the functionality of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) can also be addressed when recycled OEM parts are inspected and sourced correctly.
The scale of automotive recycling highlights the industry's trust in recycled materials. Automakers recycle more than 14 million tons of steel annually, and steel and iron recycling rates hover around 90%, making recycled materials an integral part of vehicle production.
Professional evaluation is critical when choosing between recycled and new parts. At 1st Choice Collision, skilled technicians carefully assess each repair scenario to recommend components that align with safety, structural, and performance requirements - whether recycled or new.
For collision repair centers, the choice between recycled and new metal components goes beyond repair quality - it also plays a crucial role in reducing their environmental impact. Opting for recycled metals helps cut down on energy consumption, conserve natural resources, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. These benefits highlight how recycled metals are a key player in promoting greener practices in the auto repair industry.
Recycled metals bring undeniable environmental advantages, making them a smart choice for sustainable auto repairs. For instance, producing stainless steel from recycled materials reduces energy consumption by 60–70% compared to using raw resources. This translates to energy savings of 16–19 gigajoules per ton. Recycling aluminum is even more energy-efficient, cutting energy needs by up to 95%.
The reduction in carbon emissions is just as impressive. Manufacturing stainless steel from recycled materials results in 70–80% fewer CO2 emissions compared to traditional methods. For every ton of recycled stainless steel, about 4.3 tons of CO2 emissions are avoided. Similarly, recycling aluminum can prevent up to nine tons of CO2 emissions per ton.
Automakers have embraced these benefits by incorporating recycled metals into their production. Ford, for example, uses recycled metals to manufacture engine blocks and body panels, maintaining high standards of quality and durability.
The scale of metal recycling in the automotive industry underscores its environmental importance. In the U.S., 74 million metric tons of iron and steel, 4.7 million metric tons of aluminum, and 1.8 million metric tons of copper are recycled each year. Additionally, 96% of auto repair shops actively recycle scrap metal from automotive components.
"Recycling metals is transforming the manufacturing industry. Many manufacturers find that using recycled metals offers numerous benefits beyond cost savings. From environmental advantages to quality performance, recycled metals are essential in various sectors. Understanding these benefits is crucial for manufacturers looking to stay competitive and sustainable in 2025." - Roller Die + Forming
Recycling also helps conserve vital natural resources. For every ton of steel recycled, 2,500 lbs of iron ore, 1,400 lbs of coal, and 120 lbs of limestone are saved. This is significant, especially when considering that coal was responsible for 43% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2010.
While recycled metals offer clear ecological advantages, producing new metals has a heavy environmental cost. Creating steel from raw materials is far more energy-intensive. Recycled steel requires only 25–30% of the energy needed for virgin steel production. Furthermore, producing one ton of virgin steel generates about 1.8 tons of CO2 emissions, whereas recycling one kilogram of steel saves 1.5 kilograms of CO2 emissions and 1.4 kilograms of iron ore.
Research from Worcester Polytechnic Institute sheds light on the broader environmental benefits of using recycled auto parts. Professor Brajendra Mishra explains:
"This work provides clear, quantifiable evidence that reusing auto parts offers a practical way to reduce carbon emissions while improving supply chain resilience. By extending the life cycle of automotive components, we can significantly cut manufacturing-related emissions and decrease dependency on imported parts." - Professor Brajendra Mishra, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Recycling also significantly reduces waste. Approximately 93% of waste steel can be recycled, and the automotive sector has already reduced waste releases by 64% since 2005. By choosing recycled components, repair centers can help push this progress even further.
At 1st Choice Collision, decisions about materials are carefully considered, balancing environmental impact with quality and cost. By selecting recycled metal components whenever possible, repair centers can drastically reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining the high standards customers demand. This approach supports a circular economy, keeping materials in use longer and reducing the need for new resource extraction.
"What the automotive recyclers are doing is saving materials, saving energy and impacting the environment in a positive way, in a great sense." - Professor Brajendra Mishra, PhD, Director of the Metal Processing Institute at WPI
The environmental advantages of recycled metals go beyond individual repairs. They contribute to industry-wide efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions, conserve resources, and minimize waste. These choices demonstrate how collision repair centers can align cost, quality, and environmental responsibility in their operations.
When it comes to real-life repair scenarios, the decision between recycled and new metal often hinges on factors like appearance, structural needs, safety, and cost. Here's a closer look at how these considerations play out.
The type of repair - whether cosmetic or structural - has a big impact on which materials are chosen. For cosmetic repairs, such as replacing doors, panels, mirrors, or trim, recycled metal is a practical option. It can reduce costs significantly, sometimes by as much as 50%. For instance, a recycled door might cost $2,000 compared to $4,000 for a new one. Other parts like radiators and alternators also offer substantial savings when sourced from recycled materials.
"When shops source them responsibly and use them appropriately, recycled auto parts can be a safe, cost-effective, and eco-friendly option for certain non-critical repairs."
Structural repairs, however, are a different story. Components that impact the vehicle's frame, crumple zones, or safety systems generally require new OEM parts to ensure the car's structural integrity. A 2018 study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that vehicles repaired with aftermarket parts were more likely to have structural and safety issues. This highlights why professional repair centers often insist on new metal components for critical structural work.
Cost differences also come into play when repairs approach insurance payout limits. Using recycled parts can sometimes keep repair costs low enough to avoid a total loss designation, which benefits both consumers and insurers. In fact, aftermarket and recycled parts save consumers about $2.2 billion annually.
Safety concerns further complicate the decision. For example, airbags and related safety systems may not perform reliably with aftermarket parts. OEM parts, designed to fit precisely, help maintain the vehicle's structural integrity during collisions. Poorly fitting or incompatible parts can lead to malfunctions and safety risks.
The insurance industry often supports the use of recycled parts because of the cost savings. Maurice Leiser from Ridge Roads Auto Parts puts it plainly:
"The insurance industry loves recycled parts because they are able to save money. That's what it's all about."
"Logically speaking, I think it's in everybody's best interest to use recycled parts."
These examples emphasize the importance of selecting the right material based on the type of repair.
With safety and cost differences at stake, professional expertise is essential to making the right material choices. At 1st Choice Collision, experienced technicians rely on rigorously tested Recycled Original Equipment® (ROE) parts, which can cost 20–80% less than new parts, while still meeting high safety and performance standards.
Professional Automotive Recyclers supply these high-quality ROE® parts, which are carefully harvested from end-of-life vehicles. These parts have been trusted in repairs for over a century, offering an affordable and reliable solution for many repairs.
On average, using a ROE® part cuts costs by about 50% compared to a new part, without compromising safety or effectiveness. However, professional repair centers must carefully weigh multiple factors, such as safety, cost, and repair quality, when deciding which materials to use.
I-CAR, a leading automotive training organization, underscores the importance of collaboration in these decisions:
"Part selection is a business decision that must be agreed upon by all parties involved in the repair process."
This collaborative approach ensures that vehicle owners, insurers, and repair professionals are all on the same page about the implications of material choices. While consumers can request recycled parts for repairs, professional guidance is crucial to ensure these choices align with safety and quality standards.
When dealing with complex damage, the expertise of professional repair centers becomes even more critical. Deciding which parts can safely be replaced with recycled materials versus those that require new components demands a deep understanding of vehicle design, safety systems, and industry standards. This careful assessment not only protects the car's performance and the owner's safety but also helps balance cost savings with quality repairs.
Let’s dive into a side-by-side look at how recycled metal stacks up against new metal. Below is a breakdown of the key factors that differentiate the two.
This comparison highlights the main differences in cost, performance, and environmental impact between the two options.
Today’s recycling technologies have significantly improved the quality of recycled metals. For instance, recycled stainless steel now offers mechanical properties that are nearly indistinguishable from those of virgin stainless steel. Recycling aluminum is another standout, saving up to 95% of the energy required to produce it from raw bauxite ore. Even better, stainless steel can be recycled repeatedly without losing its core properties. Properly processed recycled metals maintain their structural integrity and deliver dependable performance.
When it comes to practical use, the choice between recycled and new metal often depends on the type of repair. Recycled materials work wonderfully for cosmetic fixes like doors, panels, and trim, where they provide significant savings without compromising safety. However, for structural repairs - such as frames, crumple zones, and critical safety systems - new parts are usually the go-to, ensuring precise fit and guaranteed performance.
Deciding between recycled and new metal for auto repairs is not a straightforward choice. It requires careful consideration of three main factors: upfront costs, long-term quality, and environmental responsibility.
Recycled parts can offer significant savings - sometimes cutting costs by 50% or more compared to new components. For many repairs, this price difference can make a big impact. However, cost isn’t the only consideration; quality plays an equally important role.
For safety-critical repairs, new parts often provide the reliability and warranty support needed to ensure peace of mind. On the other hand, recycled parts are an excellent option for cosmetic repairs like doors, fenders, or trim where function is less of a concern.
"When weighing aftermarket vs. salvaged parts, the evidence increasingly points toward quality aftermarket components as the superior choice for most vehicle repair scenarios. While salvaged parts may offer deeper initial discounts, the consistent quality, reliable availability, and valuable warranty protection of aftermarket parts typically deliver better overall value and peace of mind." - PartsMax
Additionally, the environmental benefits of using recycled materials are hard to ignore. Recycling auto parts consumes about 90% less energy than producing new ones, making it a greener choice for those mindful of their carbon footprint.
Ultimately, the best approach combines expert evaluation and thoughtful decision-making. Knowing when new parts are essential and when recycled options are sufficient ensures the right balance of cost savings, safety, and sustainability. At 1st Choice Collision, we help customers make informed choices, offering repairs backed by our lifetime nationwide guarantee, as highlighted throughout this article.
Recycled metal parts can be a smart, budget-friendly choice for certain auto repairs, especially for non-structural components like doors, panels, or trim. When thoroughly inspected and certified, these parts often deliver quality and performance comparable to new ones. That said, their safety and reliability depend heavily on their condition - issues like corrosion or previous damage can affect their performance.
For critical safety components, such as those that impact the vehicle's structural integrity or airbag systems, new metal parts are usually the safer bet. They provide consistent performance and reduce potential risks. If you're unsure which option is right for your repair, reaching out to a trusted repair center, like 1st Choice Collision, can help you make the best decision for your vehicle.
When you're weighing the choice between recycled and new metal parts for your car repair, there are three main things to keep in mind: quality, cost, and environmental impact.
Recycled metal parts, especially those that are OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), often deliver the same level of quality and reliability as brand-new components. On top of that, they’re much easier on your wallet - sometimes costing 50–75% less than new parts. That makes them a great option if you're trying to save money without cutting corners.
There’s also an eco-friendly upside to choosing recycled parts. By reusing metal, less energy is needed, fewer carbon emissions are produced, and natural resources are conserved. It’s a practical way to repair your car while doing your part for the planet.
In short, recycled metal parts offer a budget-friendly and environmentally conscious alternative, all while maintaining the quality you need.
Using recycled metal parts for vehicle repairs can sometimes influence your car insurance. Many insurance companies see these parts as a more budget-friendly option, which might help cut repair costs and, in some situations, even lead to slightly lower premiums. That said, how this impacts your policy will depend on the specific terms set by your insurer.
It's crucial to ensure that any recycled parts used in repairs meet established safety and quality standards. Insurers typically require these parts to perform on par with new or OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) components. Make sure to notify your insurance provider if recycled parts are being used, as keeping them informed can prevent complications with your coverage or claims later on. Today, many insurers are increasingly accepting of recycled parts, as long as they meet the necessary safety and performance criteria.