Posts Tagged automobile parts
The Hazards of Counterfeit Automobile Parts
When purchasing automobile parts, you are making the assumption that the parts are original. Unfortunately, the growth of counterfeit auto parts is harming the auto supply industry, the overall U.S. economy, and puts drivers and passengers in extreme danger. What can be done about the problem? Consumer awareness! Let’s explore the effect of fake car parts on American life.
What exactly is a fake part? Is it an inferior branded item or something completely different? Counterfeiters are ‘wise’ in that they do not create and market a low cost alternative brand, instead they copy well known existing brands. The Jeep parts you purchase may come in a package that is nearly identical to the one marketed by DaimlerChrysler, but only the package is the same: the product you are purchasing is of an inferior quality [not equaling manufacturer specifications] that can damage your car. Reports about counterfeit brake pads have circulated for years; deaths attributed to accidents involving fake parts have been recorded.
According to the Department of Commerce, the US economy loses approximately $200 billion a year from the counterfeiting of trademarked consumer products and as many as 210,000 jobs have been lost. Worldwide, it is estimated that as much as 9% of the global economy is based on trafficked counterfeit goods, many of these items being auto parts. In Germany, fake VW parts as well as counterfeit BMW parts have surfaced compromising the quality and safety of the two brands.
So, what products are especially prone to being copied? Unfortunately, virtually everything. The following, are some of the items reported by the original equipment manufacturers to be frequent targets of counterfeiting and the “ingredients” they contain:
Brake pads containing sawdust
Fire extinguishers filled with flour
Transmission fluid laced with dyed oil
Filter stuffed with rags
Here are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing new auto parts:
To avoid purchasing counterfeit products only shop with a reputable supplier; e.g. authentic VW parts as well as manfacturer made BMW parts will be sold by recognized online providers. If a part somehow manages to find its way into the inventory of a respected auto parts supplier, you can return or an exchange the item.
The price of an item on eBay or at the flea market is probably “too good to be true” for a reason. Counterfeiters use flea markets extensively to market their wares while eBay and some other auction sites are notorious for passing inferior products.
Examine the packaging and check for incorrect spelling. Ford auto filters have appeared on auto supplier shelves with the words “Food” substituted for Ford and “Motograft” for Motorcraft.
The trafficking of counterfeit auto parts will likely be a long term problem, so you – the consumer – can play an important part by shopping wisely and examining the part before you install it on your vehicle. The safety of you and your loved ones can be compromised without exercising diligence.
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5 Places to Find Replacement Automotive Parts
Vehicle owners often find it hard to replace automotive parts for their disturbed vehicles. They constantly search for automobile parts to quick fix their auto problems. No matter whether you are any service provider, or a customer waiting for the repair of your vehicle or a car enthusiast, it is a tiring task to search for the right auto replacement part.
You may come across various automobile stores offering automobile parts that are not of standard quality. Many stores charge heavily on every single replacement part you buy. Many a time, you simply may not get the part, as the same might not be in stock. Hence, you need to locate other auto part stores that sell automotive replacement parts round the clock.
Different Spots:
1. Car dealership: When you want to change a specific automotive part of your vehicle, say the car’s door handle, visit the car dealership first, from where you have bought the car. The dealer may have the required part in store, which may save time of searching somewhere else.
2. Retail stores: Before searching for automotive parts at distant places, it is better to look around the corner to locate a nearest store, which deals in auto parts. Franchisee stores make available the parts on cheaper rates and serve a variety of automobile replacement parts for their customers. These retail stores are usually engaged in selling generic auto accessories such as windshield wipers and oil filters.
3. Avail car club membership: If you own a classic car, it is better to join any car club for replacement of its auto parts. You may not get the parts easily on the market other than the car club for classic cars. General auto stores do not keep stock of old parts. The car club provides the members with many resources for replaceable parts of classic automobiles. Here, you may reach the right person, who uses the same classic car as yours through the car club membership for further information.
4. Internet: You may even search for replacement parts on the Internet. Many web sites offer old and new auto parts. You may browse through a variety of auto parts to find the right replacement part. You need to be cautious, while placing bulk order for auto parts, since you are not aware of the dealer’s market status. Chances are the online dealer may deceive you. Also, check whether the parts serve you a warranty or not.
5. Salvage Yard: When you find it difficult to purchase the auto parts from a store, you may try visiting the auto salvage yards. The junkyards offer auto replacement parts at a lower cost and if lucky, you may even come across the right part over there. Here too, take some precautions.
Conclusion:
If you are still unable to find the required automotive replacement part, you are searching for, ask people who possess a vehicle since a long time. You may post an ad in the newspapers seeking information on auto replacement parts.
Some parts that are critical for your car’s engine pose a heavy risk to the vehicle, if you use a used part in its place to make up for the deficit, so watch be careful.
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Used Auto Parts Vs Discount Auto Parts
The usual thought or instinct of an online shopper who intends to buy inexpensive parts for his or her car would be to check out the used auto parts. However, buying used auto parts is not really the best way to go, all the more if a buyer is totally unaware of the history of the auto part he or she is buying.
Important details like the factors of how it came by the shop and its hidden defects might be overlooked especially when sugarcoated by the seller.
Indeed while anything used usually means cheap, it does not guarantee high ratings in performance, which would be synonymous to putting the automobile where it will be attached to into trouble and risk lives of people who will be riding the vehicle.
Remember the following facts about used vehicle parts:
- These are usually taken from vehicles, which have been wrecked or have been involved in accidents.
- These are quite difficult to put into proper testing for performance
- The parts that are most in-demand and most expensive are usually the most important ones that could cause the whole detriment of a vehicle and its passengers if replaced with used, junkyard or refurbished ones instead of brand new. Of course, the used ones are a lot cheaper, but it only guarantees savings and not safety.
- Buying from salvage yards can be risky since it never does guarantee safety.
So the question becomes, how can one have cheap auto parts without resorting to purchasing used auto parts?
Simple. There are lots of online auto parts stores offering not used, but brand new, discounted items! Vehicle parts sellers online that offer brand new parts at very affordable prices does not mean less quality of products. It simply means that they lowered their overhead costs and reduced their expected profits. This enabled them to sell at discount prices without sacrificing the quality of their products.
Auto parts sellers that offer brand new products at affordable prices can be found on the web and they are often called “discount auto parts shops or stores”. Others, which do not openly declare that their products are on discount prices, would often announce usual sale or promo activities. For example, they would make shipping services free for a particular number of purchases or promote a policy of “buy 1 or 2 items and get 1 or 2 items more” schemes, and other such schemes, which ensures that buyers who are under budget constraints would still be able to purchase brand new, under-warranty items.
Furthermore, brand new automobile parts wholesale sellers on the Web are also great sources of discounted items or very affordable products at factory prices – brand, spanking new. Lots of stores online are direct dealers of the parts and accessories manufacturers. Looking for reputable auto parts wholesalers on the Web can be great for those who are after lower prices, fast transaction, wider product selection and great customer services.
In looking for discount auto parts, diligence must be practiced. Never settle for less quality and cheap prices. Make sure to find cheap prices with high quality.
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