How not to go wrong when choosing non-original spare parts for a car
When buying a car, everyone is interested in where they can purchase components in case of unscheduled repairs or maintenance of the “iron horse”. And this question also applies to buying a new car from a showroom. The range of automobile spare parts is very extensive, which causes the car owner a lot of inconvenience when choosing compatible products.
Contents of the article:
understand how to choose suitable aftermarket spare parts for foreign cars.
Types of auto parts
There are two types of spare parts for cars: “original” (original) and non-original (analog). The former are produced under the supervision of official manufacturers and have factory markings; the latter are provided by independent companies for various car brands. Drivers also buy used parts.
Original products are more expensive, but they are fully compatible with specific car models and equipment and have various quality certificates. Non-original products are produced under the trademarks of both the manufacturer and the packager.
The quality of such products is questionable. In most cases, owners of foreign cars prefer original auto parts, even if they are used. However, they can only purchase the parts themselves if they have compatibility information. If you do not have such knowledge, it is recommended to seek professional help.
We also pay close attention to where we buy. Currently, there are specialized stores such as SS20 online store offering a wide range of products. This is necessary for high-quality car repairs.
How to check the quality of spare parts
It is not easy to determine whether a spare part is original or compatible similar or counterfeit. In this case, the labeling of the company for which the product was manufactured is taken into account. Analogs are manufactured in accordance with the standards of the original product manufacturer. This is confirmed by various documents and relevant certificates. Therefore, analog spare parts for the Korean car industry, American and European models are almost identical in quality.
Counterfeits are often passed off as originals, but without the manufacturer’s logo, packaging or sticker. There is a description of the characteristics. Therefore, it is recommended to immediately contact a reputable store so as not to doubt the quality of the components of foreign cars. Especially if you plan to repair the car yourself in your garage.
What are the details of the non-original
Many car parts sold in the market are aftermarket but are compatible with various car models and brands. Each automobile concern has many suppliers, and often the same component is produced in several factories. And this is not localization of production, but a global practice. Therefore, large auto parts suppliers know what parts are needed for a particular vehicle.
Not long ago, the term “aftermarket” was coined in the automotive industry. We are talking about a large group of spare parts manufactured on factory lines, but having their own packaging and intended for sale by distributors around the world through their own networks.
There is an opinion that such products are inferior in quality to original or analog models. However, this issue is ambiguous and remains on the conscience of the manufacturers. After all, each company follows its own production principles, taking into account the scale of consumption.
Of course, in world practice there is strict quality control of products, but “conveyor” type goods are checked by automakers, while others are checked by third-party companies. As you know, the original set of spark plugs is often superior to the “native” analogue of the box. And such patterns are almost always visible, just like candles.
Thus, factories producing bearings for Japanese automobile concerns may be located directly in Japan, while five companies producing parts for the distribution market are located in China.
Which spare parts should you trust?
Conveyor production of automotive parts is a criterion for quality and high reputation of manufacturers. However, products from other suppliers are not always of poor quality. Experts recommend reviews from car owners and ratings of specific companies. If you are not sure about the differences between them, check the preferences of the technician at the service center where you are going to carry out repairs.
Please note that many components are only available in genuine or aftermarket form. The former refers to components for new vehicles that are not yet available from other parts suppliers or whose release under third-party brands is prohibited.
Completely aftermarket components are a separate group that includes spare parts not included in the company’s catalog. Therefore, if the control arm includes a bushing or ball joint and the manufacturer does not offer a replacement, you will have to purchase the part with the control arm.
As in other retail sectors, there are intermediaries in the used auto parts market. These intermediaries, called “packers,” do not manufacture anything, but only purchase genuine products and sell them under their own brand. Similar companies offer a wider range of genuine parts for various vehicle models and makes.
Criteria for selecting non-original spare parts
By comparing prices in the descriptions, you can purchase aftermarket parts for your car online. The advantage of online shopping is that the time spent searching for parts is reduced, allowing car owners to quickly find what they need. When selecting parts, consider the following:
When choosing body repair parts, the choice should be based on compatibility with original parts. After servicing, the car should look and function exactly as before. Spare parts undergo extensive crash testing and inspection.
You can also buy used parts, taking into account the age and condition of the car. This can often save money at the time of purchase.
When repairing a car after an accident, it’s important to ensure that only original components are selected. Otherwise, the dimensions of the body parts may not match or severely deformed areas may result.
Besides choosing aftermarket parts, learning how to increase headlight brightness can be a useful skill for car owners. How to avoid mistakes when choosing aftermarket car parts
