3 Tips To Identify Counterfeit Car Parts

Counterfeit car parts circulate alongside original ones in the auto parts market. You can easily confuse them since even some legitimate stores unknowingly sell counterfeits. Unlike OEM car parts, fake ones don't pass quality and safety assurance tests. In addition, they wear out quicker than original car parts.

Find out below three tips to help you identify counterfeit car parts.

1. Cheaper Prices

OEMs produce high-quality car parts made of more robust and reliable material. The quality of original car parts and durability justify their cost. On the other hand, counterfeit car parts don't pass quality assessments and are made from low-quality material.

Don't let the low price tempt you. Counterfeit auto parts are expensive in the long run. First, they are less durable and require frequent replacements. Second, they are low-quality spare parts that can malfunction at any time and cause accidents.

Do your due diligence before purchasing any auto parts, even if the store is legitimate. But, again, the internet comes in handy when you need such information.

2. Return Policy

Most car parts are expensive, and everyone wants reassurance that these items are worth the prices. Guarantees or warranties give you enough confidence in your purchase. A warranty period guarantees the genuineness of the parts. Both new and used car parts stores provide return policies to clients.

Counterfeiters offer short warranty periods. Other auto parts stores don't provide this service for clients. Therefore, purchase your car parts from stores with an extended warranty period. Candid car parts sellers will also openly tell you the difference between their low-priced shorter warranty car parts and the higher-priced, more extended warranty car parts.

3. Flimsy Packaging

Original products come in quality packaging, especially if they require long-distance shipping. However, flimsy and cheap packaging may indicate your car parts are counterfeits. Again, research is your only weapon to prove this. Learn about different original packaging materials as you compare.

Also, look at every detail, including the package thickness and printing. The printing on the packages tells a lot about the car parts' genuineness. Ensure that the packaging doesn't have typos, misspellings, or grammatical errors. An original auto part will usually have a part number or the first section printed directly on the packaging. Counterfeiters often print the part number on stickers.

Conclusion

Counterfeit car parts are dangerous since they reduce wheel rigidity, cause electrical hazards, and compromise structural integrity. Therefore, always understand everything about original car parts to avoid such misfortunes. Contact OEM service providers for professional advice when purchasing new or used car parts. 

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