Fake parts or genuine parts? The choice is yours

Everybody is aware of the knock-offs of high-end brands and the Indian automotive market is full of knock-offs of auto parts. Fake is now becoming a new reality, be it technology, spare parts or car accessories, clothing, and everything in this world has a fake counterpart. A very renowned German automaker confiscated 1.7 million counterfeit auto parts last year.

From automobile manufacturers or car dealers to regular car users, everyone is very wary of this menace. Companies are trying to take firm actions by imposing stern movements against manufacturing these fake parts. However, there are some companies out there that you may come across doing the same despite restrictions and legal guidelines against it.

 

Counterfeit spare parts explained

OEM (original equipment manufacturer) and OES (Original Equipment supplier) make replacement spare parts for cars and two-wheelers that are manufactured to industry standards. Such parts are essentially good for vehicles as they conform to the right dimensions and standards that leave no room for errors which gratifies the end consumer.

Few car brands don’t manufacture all their parts. They just assemble them. In such cases, the OEM parts won’t have the car manufacturer’s label, they are still genuine parts.

Then comes the aftermarket parts. These are manufactured by a third-party company i.e UNO MINDA. while these parts might be cheaper and still provide great quality just like OEM manufactured parts, they are exactly like real too and works just like an original auto spare part.

And lastly, fake car parts that are fabricated by fake sellers to dupe you. These are sub-par auto spare parts that are misrepresented as genuine or aftermarket parts. Few of the most commonly sold counterfeit parts are spark plugs, oil filters, air filters, tires, and windscreens. These parts are sold at a very low price and that might be tempting, however, such products are created from lower-grade material without any standard or proper testing, which makes them not very safe to use. These are dangerous for you and your automobile.

 

Identification of spare auto parts

Many big auto giants are working tirelessly with regulatory bodies to raise awareness about counterfeit auto parts. However, the network of this grey market is widespread throughout the country. Such fake parts are intermingled with the legitimate ones and it is often impossible for an unaware layman buyer to differentiate between the two.

 

There are a few differentiating factors to spot.

•  Compare the new part with the old- as counterfeit manufacturers are getting smarter by the day, it might be impossible to spot the difference between a fake and an original, so it is recommended not to dispose of the old but original spare parts, just to be on the safe side.

 

•  Check for the certificate or some verification mark- this certificate or the warranty certificate is some assurity provided by the OEM spare part manufacturer which is worthwhile. Check the certificate code against your car's chassis no. to ensure authenticity.

 

•  Observe the pricing -  if the price of a car spare part seems substantially low, it’s usually a fake part. So, don’t get swayed by the deal. Always compare the price offered by the dealer with the market price.

 

Potential consequences of fake spare parts

 

Ø Electrical risk – most accidents involve fire caused by short circuits of lower-grade wiring in cars or fuses, such components are not manufactured according to the standards, which can be severely dangerous.

 

Ø Potential engine failure – auto parts such as air filters, valves, and spark plugs are important for the engine and drive train to function properly. Incorrect components can lead to engine failure or worse than that as well.

 

Ø Hampers the warranty of the concerned vehicle-  warranty is offered by all the manufacturers, but their validity is limited. That means, within the specific period if any of the spares go wrong, the maker will replace them without any cost. However, if you install a fake part and forego the entire process, will affect the warranty of the concerned vehicle.

 

Wrap Up

There are many dangers of using fake car parts, so, it's always best to stay away from using them entirely. In the long run, using the original part is the best way to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and safely. Need genuine car accessories online? Visit UNOMINDAkart.com.  we guarantee the best price for 100% authentic car parts!