Counterfeit Automotive Parts

By Mark Herbert


A customer sent me an email saying that a part we sold was $70.00 dollars higher than the same part he found it on eBay®.

I had to look into this.

The part in question, a headlight switch for an Audi A6, we sell as an Original Equipment part, meaning it was from Audi, in the Audi box. Not from one of our OEM/OES part manufacture.

The part on eBay® looked the same in the pictures so how could this be? How could they be that much cheaper?

But than I noticed the part was located in Hong Kong. Now I got it; it is a counterfeit part selling under the premise of being an Original Equipment part.

And the other point that interested me was in the seller's conditions you cannot return the part. A typical counterfeit part manufacture trait.

For a $70.00 savings what could be bad about installing a counterfeit headlight switch?

If it is not made right it can cause wiring damage, melted wire harness,the part itself melting in the dash, even a fire!

A headlight switch might not be that big of a problem, but what about Brakes? Bearings?

How does this affect you? Installing a counterfeit part might just lead to a minor inconvenience but it also can be a safety issue depending on the counterfeited part.

Counterfeit Automotive Replacement Parts Problem.

The counterfeit part problem is a Global problem that has been going on for years, reported to cost upwards of 12 billion a year.

It was a big problem in the 80's, Fram filter's being the most publicized problem. Old tuna cans were made into an oil filter and stuffed with rags. If the part was installed on an engine, that engine did not last long. Hard to tell the difference from the real Fram filter and the counterfeit one until you opened the part.

Back than the counterfeiting problem was slowed down, but now with today's sophisticated global economy and the increase in technology counterfeiting has made a comeback, big time.

Most of the counterfeit parts are tracked to the Far East. Cheaper labor and lax trade laws.
Some of the counterfeit parts are high quality reverse engineered copies of the original, they look and feel the same, but the components are not of the same quality, cheaper metal, inferior plastic, improper electrical components, substandard brake pad material and a lot more .

In pocketbooks or watches this isn't a problem, but in car parts in can be a safety issue.
Even in our shop we have experienced counterfeited parts, mostly from customers who got the part at a great price.

We have seen timing belt tensioners that looked the same but fell apart when the car was started. Resulting in bent valves.

We had one timing belt tensioner that was assembled backwards.

An air conditioner receiver dryer where the holes were not machined correctly, we couldn't keep the lines from leaking. We didn't open it but we wondered what they used for the desiccant material inside.

A Porsche 911 Parking Brake/Seat Belt warning light assembly, wired incorrectly inside causing the wire harness to melt.

Had a customer come in with a melted wire harness because the counterfeit fuse he installed didn't melt, that cheap little fuse cost him a lot of money.

We have heard of brake pads made of compressed grass clippings. Wheel bearings made out of inferior metal causing them to fail almost immediately.

Bottom line is if the price is too good to be true it is.

Mark Herbert is the owner of GermanPartsOnline.com, an online parts supplier for German Automobiles. GermanPartsOnline.com is also a great resource for technical articles written by German Car Technicians

http://www.germanpartsonline.com/

The Differences Between OE OEM and OES Parts

By Mark Herbert


OE: Original Equipment: This part is either made by the car manufacture or is made by an automotive part supplier and is branded with the car manufactures logo and/or in the car manufactures box.

OEM Original Equipment Manufacture

OES Original Equipment Supplier

Car manufacturers do not make all their parts that they put on their vehicles during assembly or repair, they contract out to auto part manufactures to make parts for them. For the most part the car manufacturer makes the body, frame and major engine components the rest they 'farm out' to OEM/OES manufacturers. The car manufacturer provides the specifications to the OEM/OES manufactures for the parts they need. The OEM/OES manufactures the part to these specs, adds a logo and ships it to the car manufacture.

Bosch, Bilstien, Boge, Beru, Mann, ATE, to name a few, are all OEM or OES suppliers to the car manufacturers. They make parts from spark plugs to exhaust parts. The difference between OE and OEM/OES is mainly the OEM/OES usually don't have the car manufactures logo, but they are the same exact part. Sometimes the logo is ground off the part by the OEM/OES company so as not to affect there contract with the car manufacture. Same part coming off the same assembly line as the OE part does.

The OEM/OES parts are less expensive because they do not go through the car manufactures part system. Every time an OE part goes through a depot, warehouse, dealer, there is a little more money added to the cost of the part. This is the major reason that OE parts cost more. OEM/OES do not go through this procedure, our buyers get them directly from the manufactures, keeping the prices down.

Aftermarket: aftermarket parts are just that, aftermarket. They are not made by the car manufacturers. They can be made by one of the original equipment manufacturer companies or by a completely different manufacturer. The main difference is they are not made completely to the car manufacture specifications. This is not always bad. One example is Bilstien. They are an OEM/OES supplier, but they offer aftermarket parts also. There HD struts/shocks are original equipment, but their Sport struts/shocks and suspension kits are not made to OE specifications, better but not OE, so it's now an aftermarket part. Another example is the Stewart EMP BMW water pumps. Stewart EMP is NOT an OEM/OES manufacturer but the pump they make is better and stronger than OE. It is an aftermarket part but a better part altogether.

But still another example of an aftermarket BAD part is a counterfeit part. Counterfeit part manufacturers use backward engineering to get the specifications of the part without paying the car manufacturer. And almost all the time these parts are made with very low quality components. Sometimes these parts are very hard to identify because a lot of emphasis is put on the look and feel of the part and not what it is made from. One way to identify an counterfeit part is its unbelievable low price, the old adage you get what you pay for fits here. The best way to avoid these cheap low quality parts is to purchase your parts from a reliable source, one that offers a warranty and return policy.

Almost all Performance parts are aftermarket parts, again be careful with these parts also. Buy from a reputable supplier or/or manufacturer.

Finding Aftermarket Auto Or Truck Parts Online

By Manoj Tiwari


If you need automotive parts but you're too hooked up on your work, what would you do? Simple, purchase it online!

We can now do away with the tedious task of personally going to an automotive store to buy our automotive accessories - be it car or even truck parts because there are already online stores that offer these automotive accessories. With one simple click of our mouse, our problems on our automobile will be solved.

Online Auto Shop: What is this?
Online auto shop stores offer the consumers the comfort of purchasing their automotive parts via the internet. On top of the comfort, a consumer's search can also be done quickly because some online stores offer links to other online automotive shop stores.

The links to other online auto shops offers the consumers the added advantage of doing their search before finalizing their decision to buy a product, which allows the consumer to compare prices and even scout for discounted car and truck parts. Some auto shops can even give wholesale or warehouse prices to their buyers.

What products are available?
Just like in a conventional auto shop, these online stores also cater to the variety of client needs for automotive parts and accessories. They can provide for original and new car and truck accessories from the OEM or the Original Equipment Manufacturer, aftermarket, and second-hand/used automotive parts. There is also a wide selection of range, styles and manufacturers of auto and truck accessories that a consumer can choose from.

Do I get to see the products?
Online automotive shops usually provides for pictures of their products so consumers can see what they are buying.

What about quality?
The online automotive shops offer products that meet the highest standards of quality which means that they are reliable and heavy duty. The automotive parts sold by online auto shops also came from authorized dealers and manufacturers of automotive accessories just as it is in a conventional automotive shop. Even aftermarket auto parts being sold by online auto shops are high quality. Online automotive shops also offer warranty to their products to vouch for quality. The duration of the warranty can be from one year to a lifetime

Drive Away With Savings on Your Automotive Parts and Maintenance

By Joe Deacon


Purchasing a vehicle is a major financial step. In order to enjoy the return on your investment, you need to perform maintenance on your car or truck. However, you can save a lot of money on your next oil change or set of tires if you know where to look and what to do. If you take your time and shop around, you can save up to 50% off your next automotive project.

Spending Money on Maintenance Can Save You Money

Studies show that most major auto repairs are directly related to lack of maintenance. Consider that most oil changes cost as little as 30 dollars, but a new motor will cost you thousands. Most auto makers will provide a checklist of things on your vehicle that need maintenance on a monthly of yearly schedule. Performing these small tasks can leave your vehicle running like new for years to come.

Join a Car Care Club

The cost of vehicle repairs can vary from shop to shop. Many repair shops now offer car care clubs for loyal customers. They might offer your tenth oil change free or a huge discount on your fourth set of new tires. These clubs can save you a lot of money over the years. When you are in search of this type of offer, look for a shop that has been in business for a long time. It is no fun to get to the goal and find the business is no longer open. You should also look for quality workmanship; never sacrifice service just to get a discount.

Do It Yourself

Even if you have no automotive experience, there are many things you can do yourself. Buy a manual for your vehicle that provides step by step instructions. Most auto repair costs are high because of labor costs. You will find that in most cases, the parts required are only a fraction of the cost. Rather than paying an automotive shop fifty dollars to change a light bulb, you can buy the part for just a few dollars and do it yourself. However, you need to make sure that any task you decide to take on will not void your existing warranty.

Buy Online

If you need automotive parts you can often find great prices online. When you are in search of that specialty part, this can also be a great option. There are many large part companies online. You will find that many offer substantial savings over your local parts supply store. Cutting out the middle man can save you a lot of money on auto parts. Consider that every time an auto part changes hands, the price is marked up a little more. Order directly from the distributor and save yourself up to 50%.

Use Coupons for Auto Service

You can often find coupons for auto maintenance or repair. Some companies offer an opt-in list that you can join. They will send you coupons by mail or email. You can also look on coupons sites online and find many great coupons. If you live close to major auto chains, this can be a good option.

Buying Auto and Cars Parts Online

By Manoj Tiwari


Buying auto and cars parts online had become a regular feature now for all auto owners. The purchase of car parts and truck parts on the net not only saves time but also gives you opportunities to compare the specifications and prices of a great number of manufacturers. With the conventional auto spares dealers, you would be forced to choose only from the particular brands that they had stored, which could sometimes be even a single one. This would deny you any opportunity to verify the features of different manufacturers and their rates. Buying auto parts online allows you to conduct as wide a search as you wish.

Purchasing car parts online

When you browse the Internet, you come across websites offering various brands of car parts. They have detailed lists of the various car parts, their specifications, and rates, apart from details like warranties, shipping terms, etc. Some of them deal with a single brand or with some select brands / manufacturers. A few of them offer products of several manufacturers. With such sites, you would be able to compare a wide range of products, feature wise and price wise. This allows you to save a fair amount of money on the purchase of car parts.

Truck parts available online

Truck parts for all types of light pickup trucks are presented online by specialized Internet marketers. You would be able to choose from small tail lamps to large engines from these online dealers just by the click of a mouse. From light trucks to pickups to all automobiles are covered by these auto dealers including power equipments for trucks. You would be able to hunt for real bargains with these online dealers.

Used auto parts supplies

Many online auto dealers also specialize in the supply of used auto parts. It is always difficult to get the car parts or truck parts for models that had been modified or shelved by the manufacturers. The original manufacturers and their authorized dealers would stop stocking the auto parts for such vehicles. The online auto dealers are able to obtain spare parts for these vehicles also at reasonable prices.

Convenient Shopping With Auto Parts Warehouse

By Abhay Kumar


A broken car can be a real nuisance, especially if you are ready to go somewhere and find that your car's spark plug has damaged. Buying an auto part replacement from a local auto parts warehouse can prove to be really expensive. Moreover, you never want to return to the auto parts warehouse again and again to exchange the auto part.

Now with the facilities of online shopping, it has become quite comfortable to order an auto part as per your car model and within your budget. You also do not need to travel around to the warehouse and choose the part suitable for your car. You just need to mention the make and model of your car to the online service provider and can get your replacement car part delivered right at your door step. This online convenience not only saves time but also and tiresome efforts. With the growing competition, most of the online stores have come up with special offers and discounts for customers.

If you are also looking for replacement car parts for your vehicle, you can find all the necessary information on an extensive automotive parts directory online listing out details on performance parts, replacement parts and OEM to cater to all your requirements. All the car parts are catalogued in detail according to the model and type of the car. Automotive parts directory makes it easy for the customers to look for the particular car parts that match their specific car model.

All the replacement parts available at an auto parts warehouse are tested for their quality so you can be assured of best performance from their parts. Also, via shopping online, the processing and shipment is fast and convenient but make sure the service provider offers clear terms for exchange or return, in case of delivery of wrong auto part.

Automotive Portal is the most comprehensive automotive parts directory on the web providing all information about auto parts warehouse. For more information about auto parts warehouse please visit http://www.automotive-portal.info

Tips to Buy Automotive Parts

By Roberta Groche


Choosing appropriate auto parts for your car is as important as buying the car itself. A wrong decision can lead to a more expensive product or even worst, accidents can happen when faulty auto parts are purchased. But a good decision will definitely give best results. Let us examine some essential things that a buyer or car owner should consider when purchasing automotive parts either new or slightly used.

When purchasing these products, it is strongly recommended to seek professional help prior to taking any action. Similar to what we do when we are not experts or unsure of some things that need accurate decisions, seeking help from professionals is always on the brighter side. Professionals can provide you with concrete ideas on the necessity and best alternative for an auto part you are trying to purchase. They sometimes would recommend stores that they have proven to be the best source for that car part.

Choose only genuine auto parts if necessary. With genuine auto parts, a car owner is guaranteed of the same quality as the original part fitted on the car. Parts like brakes, rocket arm, crankshaft, and other vital parts of a car should only be replaced with genuine auto parts. If possible, only purchase auto parts from car manufacturers and their recognize dealers. Replacements should be the last alternative in case finding genuine auto parts is impossible. But these days, genuine auto parts are easily found.

There are plenty of stores recognize by car makers to sell car parts. Some of these stores are starting to build their online presence by setting up websites to represent their business over the Internet. It is best to consider visiting these websites to check for their recommendations about car parts and accessories. One advantage of online stores is the number of stores offering a certain product. Since it houses thousands of sellers from around the globe or just a specific area, you are positive to finding the part you need that may not be available from stores nearest you.

Always purchase the right model fit for you car. Names of these auto parts will not change, but the models are of different types. When purchasing auto parts for replacements to old parts, it would be best when you bring the actual auto part to the store for professional technicians to check and give you the right auto part. If you do the purchase online, it is strong advised to check the model and type of the car and gather enough detail about the auto part you are trying to purchase.

After seeking professional help, it is important to consider the price. Auto parts are known to be expensive, but one can fix that. Compare prices with other dealers, but be sure not to compromise the quality of the product you are going to purchase. Buy products that are of good quality and at the best price.

5 Places to Find Replacement Automotive Parts

By Tom Tessin


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.

Replacement Car Parts - Buy OEM Or After Market?

By Tony DiFiore


Consumers face two options when buying replacement car parts following a collision - buy after market, or shell out for original equipment? Beyond the obvious considerations of costs and quality, it's important to understand that comparing either side-by-side isn't always as straight forward as you might think. There are multiple variables and scenarios that can impact the over cost of a replacement part. Collisions, for example add a whole other layer with regards to insurance policies, reimbursements and future risks. The effects of which parts you choose on the resale value of a vehicle is also a concern and plays a part in cost. To make an informed decision, consider all sides of the debate.

OEM parts are parts my by the original equipment manufacturer made expressly for a specific vehicle. They are more expensive than their after market counterparts, parts made by third parties after the original sale of a vehicle. Examining the issue of cost from an insurance perspective, the more affordable option is favored. In fact, because after market replacement parts are almost always less expensive than OPEM parts, they are actually often required by an insurance company for a 100% percent reimbursement if you're involved in an accident. From a buyer's perspective who also factors cost as a high priority, these policies are important to understand thoroughly. Imagine you're in a collision in a vehicle stocked with OEM parts, only to find out you'll be paying the cost differential between it's after market version.

This is where 'ifs' come into play. It's no wonder a consensus hasn't been made on the "best," "safest" or "most inexpensive" option. Probability and preference are facts that can be used in a straight out side by side cost comparison. Individual conclusions can be made in the absence of a community standard, provided all of the angles are explored and factored in to your decision.

Moving on to another such angle, many will argue that OEM replacement parts are superior given the strict safety testing and standardization to which they are subject, and are quick to forgo insurance reimbursement for this peace of mind. It's a position that unsupported however, at least according to a contradiction by by the Insurance institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) who claim that after market replacement parts do not in fact degrade the safety of an automobile in a crash.

The third main argument for cost comes from those concerned about resale value, which diminishes greatly with the use of after market replacement car parts.

Knowing these, an informed consumer can ask themselves the following questions, the answers to which will depend solely on personal values and financial position.

Do I have a history of collisions?

Can I immediately afford OEM parts?

If I can't, can I afford to incur after market replacement costs in the event of an accident?

Will I sell, or how soon do I plan to sell my vehicle?

Do I value an insurance reimbursement over a higher resale value?

Finally note that with a high-end vehicle, you may be forced to purchase OEM replacement parts simply because after market replacement are less common for top of the line imports.

Buying Auto Parts at the Right Price is Easier Said Than Done

By Craig Thornburrow


Taking your car to the shop is an expensive endeavor. Not only do the shops charge you the prices of the auto parts that they need for the vehicle at inflated prices, but they also charge inflated prices for the actual cost of the labor itself and make a huge profit in the process. Instead of dealing with this, consider purchasing your car parts and having the work done by someone else or doing it yourself. While this does have its drawbacks, with careful work or a trustworthy friend who knows about cars, you can buy the parts and pay a flat fee for the work done to the vehicle. This can save you a great deal of money that hiring a professional for the job might otherwise cost.

There are many different places to check out auto part prices. There are local places in you r community that sells things related to the care and maintenance of vehicles, like Auto Zone and other such chain stores. There are independent stores that sell such items as well, and if you look in your local phone book you should be able to find a few other places to look. Call around and see who has the best price for the brand new part for your car. Considering travel time and convenience, this can help you figure out just where to find the parts that you need.

A junk yard is another great place to buy the parts that you need. Some parts can be used brand new or used, and in such an instance used car parts are certainly the more economical option. Just so long as the parts are available at the junk yard in question, you can save a whole lot of money. You may have to search around town a little bit, but most cars have at least one ghost around that they can pick parts off of.

When shopping for parts for your car, remember that where you can get one price point you can look elsewhere for a better price. Most places have compare and save deals that will allow you to get the same or better price at the retailer of your choice if you can prove that another place has the same part for a cheaper price. These retailers will not be beat, and many of them will even give you a difference back in addition the lower price tag.

When you are looking for parts in particular, you also have the internet to choose from. Many web based retailers have the ability to offer parts that you may not find in stores all because they don't have physical locations to run out from. They order the part and have it sent directly to you, making money in the process.

Auto parts are not cheap by any means, but you can save money on the parts that you need with a little bit of smart shopping.