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Distinguish OEM parts, aftermarket and counterfeit car parts

Content

1. Different types of car spare parts at a glance

2. How to check the authenticity of replacement car parts

3. Other methods for checking authenticity

4. These are the problems with counterfeit parts

5. What to do if you have counterfeit parts in your car?

Car parts as spare parts are available in different designs and types. In case of a defective one on the car, replacement is often needed quickly, and no one wants to pay too much. However, if there are temptingly cheap offers, it may be a fake. We explain the difference between OEM parts and aftermarket parts, and how you can easily recognize counterfeit parts.

Different types of car spare parts at a glance

  • OEM parts: OEM parts are car parts that are also installed at the factory as-is. The parts are developed and manufactured by the car manufacturer or by a contracted supplier in high quality.
  • Aftermarket parts: Auto parts as aftermarket parts are not manufactured by or developed exclusively for the vehicle manufacturer. They are parts from third-party manufacturers, mostly in original quality. Often, these parts are manufactured under license by well-known manufacturers.
  • Counterfeits: Counterfeit auto parts are manufactured without the permission of the original manufacturers and are often of inferior quality. The counterfeits are often offered as new parts at particularly low prices via online platforms on the Internet. They rarely meet the required manufacturer standards.

Significance of OEM parts for motor vehicles

The term OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. This translates to an original equipment manufacturer. The corresponding OEM car parts or OEM components are not sold in the open market. OEM parts are manufactured and sold specifically by or for the respective car manufacturer. As a replacement part, OEM parts are often more expensive than other replacement parts, but they are also usually of particularly high quality and fit perfectly.

How to check the authenticity of replacement car parts

Original car parts stand for safety and precision fit. Original parts also guarantee long-term and reliable function. That’s why drivers prefer to use original spare parts. But how can the authenticity of a car part be reliably verified? There are a number of factors that indicate whether a part is original or counterfeit.

  1. Appearance and fit: Original spare parts usually look better than counterfeit parts. In addition, counterfeits often differ visually from originals. It is best to check the appearance of the parts against the existing original part installed at the factory.
  2. Packaging and presentation: Manufacturers of original parts often package their parts in elaborately printed packaging. Boxes and cartons often have stickers on them. Cheap counterfeits, on the other hand, are packaged in a simple cardboard box with a different look.
  3. Brand names and lettering: Unauthorized replicas of well-known car parts often do not have the car manufacturer’s lettering. On original parts, on the other hand, the car brand is embossed. Other lettering on the part may also be missing or different.
  4. Seals and holograms: Original manufacturers are increasingly using special seals or stickers to emphasize the authenticity of the product. These include affixed holograms with a 3D effect, which counterfeiters find difficult to imitate. There is often only a graphic printed on it.
  5. Offers and purchase price: The price of a spare part can also provide information about authenticity. Often, an offer is simply too cheap for it to be an original part. The production of high-quality parts is cost-intensive and no dealer gives away money.
  6. Test seal and mark: Original spare parts are often marked with a test seal. A testing organization certifies the product safety or the admissibility in road traffic. Such test seals and other markings are often missing on counterfeit products.
  7. Type approval and certificates: Original accessories are supplied by the manufacturer with a type approval or parts certificate. These documents are usually missing on counterfeit vehicle parts. In this case, the parts may not be operated on the car.

Other methods for checking authenticity

Manufacturer features such as printed packaging or inspection seals applied to parts can be counterfeited with a certain amount of effort. That’s why manufacturers of genuine parts have come up with other security features. These include QR codes or a so-called data matrix code. Each car part marked with these codes is given a unique identification number that can be matched via the manufacturer’s website or smartphone.

Is the OEM number a reliable way to verify the authenticity of a part?

The OEM number is used to identify replacement parts for specific vehicles. Using this number, it is relatively easy to determine whether the part in question fits your car. However, the OEM number says nothing about the authenticity of a car part. The manufacturer of a counterfeit can simply take the code from the original part and print it on the counterfeit parts.

These are the problems with counterfeit parts

Counterfeit auto parts present several problems for vehicle owners at once. Firstly, the counterfeit parts often have a poor fit, making them difficult to install in the vehicle. Secondly, counterfeit car parts are increasingly made of cheap materials. This means they pose a real safety risk if the part is ever subjected to exceptional loads. Counterfeit brake pads or brake discs can break or fail to perform under heavy braking. This has been shown by relevant tests of counterfeit vehicle parts in the past. The same applies to other parts, such as suspension components. In addition to the risk of accidents, the vehicle’s operating license effectively expires if no approved components have been installed. Counterfeit parts are often noticed at the next general inspection at the latest. The car fails the test and does not receive a sticker.

Are counterfeit parts an increasing problem worldwide?

The counterfeiting of vehicle parts has increased in recent decades. Modern manufacturing technologies make it easy to produce counterfeits in large numbers. Via the Internet, new distribution channels for counterfeit car parts have emerged in recent decades. Often car owners buy counterfeit parts for self-installation via online platforms.

What to do if you have counterfeit parts in your car?

Counterfeit car parts are sometimes installed by the car owner himself out of ignorance or lack of awareness of danger. More and more frequently, used cars are offered for sale on which counterfeit spare parts have been installed, either intentionally or unintentionally. What should you do if you notice counterfeit parts on your own car? If, for example, safety-relevant parts such as brakes have been replaced by counterfeit parts, the counterfeit components must be replaced immediately. The risk is too great that the installed part will break or fail under load. The replacement of other safety-relevant components should also not be postponed in order to avoid endangering oneself and others.

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