Counterfeit Auto Parts
The distribution and the manufacturing of counterfeit car parts is a multi billion dollar a year business. The growth of this black market has caused problems for manufacturers, suppliers, motorists, and even governments the world over. Whether a person owns a Golf, or a Geo, a Camaro, or a Kia, anyone is at risk of being presented with a fake part. To save your self from being one of the people swindled, read on!
Start by Reading the labels. Fake parts sources are getting very shrewd in copying logos and other significant information off product packaging. Check for obvious typographical errors or other odd sounding wording on the boxes. In general, counterfeiters are smart when it comes to setting up the crime, but rather stupid when it comes to understanding the proper use of English terms, grammar, and spelling. For example, off beat brand names spelled wrong such as Monrow for Monroe. Another important point is; packaging may be ‘correct’ but the sized wrong; be wary of any part sold to you in a package that is not sized appropriately to the product it holds.
Be sure to check the part. If the feel of a part seems out of the ordinary, it could very well be a fake. For example, a Hella headlight may not be what it is supposed to be especially if the component inside looks cheap or broken, or if an excess of plastic was used in the development of the casing.
Try to know your supplier. Procuring your parts from a reliable supplier isn’t a 100% guarantee that the parts delivered/handed to you are genuine. Still, if they back up what they sell with a guarantee, you will not get stuck should a counterfeit part get passed through them on to you.
Buy OEM or better. Always keep in mind that you should only purchase parts that meet or exceed severe original manufacturer requirements. Prices that are 70, 80, or 90% lower than retail rates should move up a caution flag. Stick with the well known brands; there is a reason why products from Bosch, Covercraft, Denso, Flowmaster, Injen, K&N, and others sell so well worldwide: they are trusted names associated with well known brands. Avoid generic or no-name brands.
If you believe that you have been sold phony parts, notify the local police as well as the parts provider of the situation. If you buy from an overseas company, the chances of you ever receiving a refund from them are rather slim. Also, if purchasing online, only buy through those retailers who have a reputable track record and are accessible through a toll free number. It may be true that you may save money in the short run with bogus parts, but you will be the one to lose in the long run with parts that are defective or even borderline dangerous.
Related posts: