How do you recognize counterfeit and often inferior spare parts

Many currently want to protect themselves from the SARS-COV2 coronavirus and for this reason wear a so-called FFP2 mask. These must have a CE mark, plus a four-digit number that indicates the test center. Because only tested and approved masks protect against inhalation of infectious aerosols.

These mouth and nose covers come on the market unchecked and without corresponding labeling or, even worse, with false labeling. Would you like to put on a mask like this to protect your life? Probably not! But why do you do it with spare parts for vehicles?

In our guide today we want to show you how to identify counterfeit spare parts in the automotive sector and why it makes sense to use original, high-quality spare parts.

 

The topic of security should be a top priority, this applies to the FFP2 masks cited above, but also to spare parts. Undisputed, there are components where you can reduce the quality requirements, but with the most important parts such as wheels, tires, rims, drive, steering or chassis as well as all other components that serve safety, you should not save at the wrong end. You wouldn't bungee with an elastic band, parachute with an umbrella, or secure yourself on a shoelace on the mountain.

 

We swear Original parts as well as spare parts in OEM quality. You have to know that about 80% of the parts come from suppliers, but they often have the manufacturer ID stamped on them. The supplier companies produce original parts and sell them directly to end customers through various dealers. In this case, original wear parts are often cheaper and you can save without hesitation.

 

Some components can also be purchased as reconditioned replacement parts. This involves, for example, the carbon in a three-phase generator (also known as an alternator in specialist circles), diodes, slip rings, injectors, bearings, regulators. In the case of replacement parts, often only the defective component is replaced. This saves resources, protects the environment and your wallet.

 

Many components produced in Germany are also available as so-called identical parts. This can be compared with manufacturers from the food sector who bring “very similar” products onto the market under a different name or who supply them to no-name chains. These replacement parts are usually of the same quality as the OEM products because they come from the same manufacturer, but unfortunately there are also many blatant counterfeits.

 

Everyone knows the imitation branded products, every vacationer has certainly had a fake Rolex or a fake Gucci bag in their hand. In that case, too, brand piracy is bad! Especially for the brand owners, but safety is not being played here.

 

Hard to believe, but unfortunately a harsh reality and a dangerous business with the game for life. You play Russian roulette because you never know when the component will fail, when you will step into nothing when braking or when the vehicle suddenly stops steering.

In the case of wearing parts in particular, product copies can often be found very cheaply on the Internet, while professional workshops - for good reason - advise against installing them Hobby screwdriver lured here as a customer. The stinginess is cool mentality often strikes here.

 

The spare parts usually have neither an official article number, an OE number, a test mark and often no protective function. From defective brake pads, where the braking function is of poor quality, to the fake airbag that exploded when ignited like a Polish firecracker on New Year's Eve. Headlights, spark plugs, rims and even filters are counterfeited.

 

Here the FFP2 mask comparison fits again, because you wouldn't want to breathe through a fake mask, why should your car let poorly filtered air flow into the combustion chamber? In other words, this is not just about safety, but about longevity, if you install imitation air filters, you can save yourself oil changes in an exaggerated sense.

 

There are also counterfeit oil filters; it was only this year that customs in Germany destroyed a large number of counterfeit oil filters. Copies of the product not only inhibit fair competition, but can also lead to engine damage when commissioned, because oil filters, which do not absorb the dirt particles, are just as effective as wide-meshed fishnet tights as mouth and nose cover in the fight against infection by aerosols.

If you are looking for a spare part, you should look at the price range. If you have the price for the original spare parts in mind and have found the prices for the spare parts in OEM quality, you will quickly recognize the cheap offers. If you order a smartwatch from Wish for 5 euros, you certainly don't expect an original Apple watch. If, for example, original brake pads cost 60 euros and OE parts 50 euros, then offers for 5 euros may be tempting at first glance, but should make you think.

Those who buy cheap often buy twice. In the best case scenario, the spare part doesn't even fit - and therefore cannot cause any further damage. In the worst case, it can be installed, but it works worse than an original spare part or not at all.

 

All manufacturers have many employees who search the net for product copies every day, but it's like a cat-mouse game. Once you have discovered a forger, the next one is in the starting blocks. Because no wholesaler or marketplace wants to be associated with fake products, there are controls there too, but as with Tom & Jerry, the mouse is often a bit faster and the best research is ruined if there are many fake products arrived at the end customer.

 

The well-known OE manufacturers as well as the manufacturers swear by supposedly forgery-proof holograms, various numerical codes, embossing and everything that makes it difficult for product pirates. But these are getting better and better, the fakes are often so professional that even experts find it difficult to identify the fake products without a test.

 

Some large manufacturers have joined forces in the Manufacturers against Product Piracy Initiative. There are data matrix codes on the packaging that can be checked on the website or via a suitable app. In the future, we'll talk about microfeatures that every original component gets. Like a fingerprint, a specific feature. The original component will therefore be able to be identified in the future thanks to AI technology.

 

However, there is a simple tip on how best to protect yourself from fake spare parts: Turn on your head, because how you can recognize a fake Rolex on the beach or fake branded clothes on the market on vacation, you can often also use the pricing Recognize counterfeit products in automotive parts and stay away from them. Who for example in a official VW Shop ordered, he will certainly not get any fake products.