Despite the false belief that some people have about aftermarket automotive parts, they are not the same as counterfeit products. However, depending on your experience, distinguishing a genuine component could be a difficult task, especially if their prices are nearly the same. Nevertheless, you must choose authentic parts.
For example, seeing those cheap aftermarket engine parts can be a tempting purchase as everyone likes to spend less. However, this short-term benefit comes at a cost that could affect your life. Continuing to use counterfeit products could put you at risk. Continue reading this article for more information regarding the dangers of buying fake aftermarket automotive parts.
7 Dangers of Buying Fake Aftermarket Automotive Parts
Raises Several Safety Concerns
Aside from the clear disadvantage of poor quality, counterfeit aftermarket automotive parts raise several concerns regarding your safety. For example, fake engine components could affect the overall performance of your vehicle. Over time, it could lead to overheating and eventual explosion, potentially harming you and your passengers. Additionally, a knockoff aftermarket air filter may not be as efficient in purifying the air as their genuine counterparts, exposing you to several volatile organic compounds and smoke.
Higher Risk of Accidents
Aside from the possible fires or exposure to toxic air, counterfeit aftermarket automotive parts are also more likely to malfunction. For example, your fake car brakes could have a slight delay. While the difference may be small, it could spell the difference between life and death.
Dangerous to Other Vehicles
In connection with the previous point, using fake aftermarket automotive parts also places nearby drivers and passengers in danger. Malfunctioning brakes mean you can do little to stop a collision. Depending on the impact, the damage could range from negligible to devastating, not to mention the possible loss of life.
Higher Carbon Emissions
Like how a fake aftermarket filter exposes you to toxic particles in the air, counterfeit exhaust systems could be working with lower efficiency than their genuine counterparts. The reason is that these components generally don’t function according to the regulations set by the government. Therefore, avoid purchasing knockoff products if you want to reduce your carbon footprint.
Gets Expensive in the Long Run
The absurdly low price of fake aftermarket automotive parts is one of its most appealing ways of getting customers to buy them. However, you have the wrong idea if you think that purchasing counterfeit components, such as a vehicle thermal management system, will save you more money. These products tend to work with less efficiency than their genuine counterparts, causing other parts to work harder to compensate for it. Over time, continuous usage damages your vehicle, causing you to seek repairs. Persistent use could eventually lead to permanent damage, requiring you to purchase replacement parts.
Reduces Your Vehicle’s Value
As your counterfeit aftermarket automotive parts continue to damage your vehicle, its resale value diminishes. After all, these components are generally ineffective. Therefore, refrain from purchasing these kinds of products if you plan to sell your car in the future.
Affects Your Warranty
If you recall your vehicle’s warranty, it probably has something to say about the use of counterfeit components. While your manufacturer or seller may offer free repairs, provided the damage occurs within the warranty period, it is highly likely that one of its guidelines involves the strict prohibition of using fake aftermarket automotive parts as replacements. If they discover that your vehicle has knockoff components, your warranty is immediately null and void, forcing you to seek other establishments willing to attend to your car. Keep in mind that these services are generally more expensive.
How to Avoid These 7 Dangers?
Given these seven risks, you must know how to find legitimate suppliers who offer genuine aftermarket automotive parts. Continue reading this article to learn more about these five tips when purchasing components for your vehicle.
Avoid Unknown Sellers
Everyone should know that dealing with unknown sellers is a gamble. Some may offer high-quality aftermarket automotive parts, while others are there to scam you. Whatever the case is, it is generally advisable to stay away from them.
Never Fall For Huge Discounts
One of the common tricks that scammers or fake establishments use to attract customers is to offer, for example, knockoff engine components at low price tags. Unfortunately, they are also aware that this method won’t work against those with experience or awareness. Therefore, their response to this change is to mimic the appearance of genuine parts and set their price somewhere near the original. With this information, you need to adapt by researching how to distinguish authentic components from counterfeit ones.
Compare Stores
Never purchase aftermarket automotive parts from the first supplier you meet. Ideally, you should scout other establishments and see their prices. You never know when you might encounter affordable deals for the components you want. Moreover, this tip allows you to check the average cost of the product.
Read Reviews
If you’re purchasing aftermarket automotive parts online, never forget to utilise the advantage of having access to customer reviews. Read as much feedback as you can to gain an overall understanding of the seller and their product.
Look For Warranty
Not every supplier of aftermarket automotive parts will offer warranties for their products. Those who don’t aren’t automatically scammers. Some of them are reputable establishments that simply chose not to include it. However, try and purchase products from those who provide them.
Conclusion
Although counterfeit aftermarket automotive parts are cheap, they are generally less reliable than their genuine counterparts. Aside from their low quality, they also pose several risks to their owner and surroundings. Some of these dangers include fire hazards, higher carbon emissions, increases in the likelihood of accidents, and could nullify any existing warranties.
Therefore, it is crucial to choose your sellers wisely. Avoid unknown establishments, especially those that offer absurdly high discounts. Additionally, check several other stores before purchasing to help you learn more about the component. If possible, pick a deal that includes a warranty.
If you’re looking for a reliable and genuine supplier of aftermarket automotive parts, check out MAHLE Aftermarket for more information regarding their products.