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The
Hazards of Counterfeit Automobile Parts
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by:
Matthew C. Keegan
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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.
About the Author
Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for Car Parts Stuff,
an online supplier of high quality and well priced automobile parts.
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