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Counterfeiting takes place in every industry and the motor vehicle industry is certainly no exception. When counterfeiters become aware of the need for a particular product yet this product has a fairly high price tag, they see an opportunity to make a quick buck.
Inferior quality
While two products might look the same from the outside, the components inside can differ significantly. Auto manufacturers put all of their assembled vehicles and spare parts through various tests in order to ensure that they are up to safety standards. Inferior products can prove unsafe, unreliable and the bottom line is that they are a waste of money.
How different counterfeit auto parts put you at risk
If you are wondering about the real effect of a fake part on your car can affect you, your fellow travellers and other road users, here are some examples of the most common counterfeits you will find and why to avoid them:
Airbags are an essential safety feature today. They can really cushion the impact of an accident and prevent serious trauma. The timing of the deployment is critical as well as the deployment itself. Airbags work with a number of other safety mechanisms in the vehicle which means that they need to meet the manufacturer’s standards in order to be effective. Counterfeit varieties can easily fail and you will never know until it’s too late.
Drivetrain and engine components like various filters and spark plugs can result in engine failure if they are of the counterfeit variety. You can even risk a fire which is not something anyone wants to think about when driving short or long distances.
Brake pads are one of the most important safety features in your vehicle. Counterfeit brake pads have been found to be made from compressed grass, sawdust and even asbestos. These materials are not suitable for such an essential component. These materials disintegrate and smoke under pressure which makes them ineffective when it comes to stopping your vehicle.
Fake auto body parts are not only an eyesore, but they can also fail to protect the occupants of your vehicle in the event of an accident. Inferior quality and poor alignment are common problems associated with counterfeit car body parts.
Electrical components such as lights can result in an electrical failure and they even pose a fire risk.
Wheels are designed to withstand high speeds and challenging road surfaces. That said, the poor integrity of counterfeit wheels means that they will not hold up well under pressure.
Windscreens that are not original can displace or shatter. This can result in serious injury and it will also fail to protect you from potentially harmful objects like stones.
Keeping original parts affordable
The main concern for vehicle owners is how they will be able to afford original parts for their car. Since they are so expensive and there are counterfeit alternatives at a fraction of the price, how can they afford the original parts? When you buy a new car, it will usually be backed by a warranty from the manufacturer. Once the terms of this warranty are reached (time limit or mileage), you will need to invest in an extended car warranty. If you buy a used vehicle, you can also invest in a used car warranty. What these warranties do for the vehicle owner is offer security and peace of mind. When your car needs repairs or maintenance, you can rest assured that your warranty will cover the use of original parts. You will not have to pay a huge sum of money for these parts out of your pocket and you can drive with confidence knowing that your car is in the best possible condition.
At A-Protect Warranty, we understand that different drivers and different cars have their own unique needs. We are here to cater to those warranty needs by offering a wide variety of packages. Call us today at 1-866-660-6444 for more information on the best package for you.