Used Auto Parts: Buy From Reputable Sources
That replacement auto part you are planning to install or have installed on your vehicle may be a counterfeit. Government officials are telling us that the fake parts industry is costing
Americans billions of dollars per year. Counterfeit auto parts are
plain wrong...unsafe too.
Recent concerns about U.S. port control
have been focusing on the possibility that American ports will be used
as a conduit for terrorists to attack America. What many people do not
realize is that only about 5% of all containers going through our port
system have their contents inspected by authorities. That means a full
95% of the containers never receive a visual inspection, although many
do get electronically scanned. Still, it is the naked eye which can
detect and determine if something in a container isn't quite right. As
far as auto parts go, a visual inspection is necessary; unfortunately
many fake parts do get through. A global epidemic is in progress and it
has little to do with terrorists and everything to do with counterfeit
auto parts. Let's take a look at the counterfeit parts "industry" and
how you can avoid getting taken.
Yes, it is an industry...the
counterfeit auto parts "business" that is. Every year billions of
dollars worth of fake auto parts are produced worldwide and circulated
to unsuspecting consumers. In some countries the problem is completely
out of hand resulting in injury, even death, to drivers and their
passengers. Among the parts frequently counterfeited are:
- Camshafts
- Rocker arms
- Antifreeze
- Transmission fluids
- Bearings
- Belts
- Distributor caps
- Valves
- Alternators
- Brake pads
- Air conditioner condensers
- Shocks and struts
- Oxygen sensors
- Spark plugs
So,
how can you spot a fake auto part? A visual inspection of the product
is very important. Look at the part and feel it. If it seems or looks
different from the part that it is replacing, then that can be a sure
sign that it is a counterfeit. In addition, check the packaging
carefully: odd shaped or odd fitting packaging, mismatched logos,
typos, anything out of the ordinary should raise a red flag to you.
If
you believe a part is fake contact the retailer and let them know that
you suspect that they sold a counterfeit part to you. Don't accuse the
retailer of knowingly doing something wrong; any decent retailer will
quickly remedy the situation as it is their reputation that is on the
line.
No, you can't guarantee that you will never purchase a
counterfeit auto part, but you can certainly reduce the chances. Only
deal with reputable retailers and when purchasing online avoid
purchasing from overseas suppliers. Auto parts wholesalers not only can
save you money,
but lessen the risk of you getting something that isn't genuine. How is
that? Because wholesalers buy everything directly from the
manufacturer. No middle man to get in the way to jack up prices or,
potentially, try to pass off auto parts as genuine that are in reality,
fake.
The counterfeit auto parts industry is booming but you can
do your part to lessen its impact. Be aware of what you are buying and
only purchase your replacement auto parts from reputable dealers who
stand by everything they sell.
