Aftermarket Automotive Accessories; How To Find The Best Dea
by TERRY BOLTON
If you are unfamiliar with what makes aftermarket accessories the genuine article or a shady deal, then you may not be able to recognize a counterfeit performance car accessory when you see it. Counterfeits exist in every conceivable market, and discount car accessories are no exception.
This is not a new problem. Since the 1980's, criminals have been selling fraudulent high performance car accessories at a cheaper price. The dangers go beyond loss of revenue to the automotive industry. The lower price may save a few bucks in your pocketbook in an automotive world where gas prices are ballooning out of control. It's understandable but dwell on this: most of these discount car accessories and parts sacrifice quality and safety with more inexpensive and less strong materials.
A few years ago, the CBS Evening News featured Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) on a counterfeit aftermarket automotive accessories report. One segment featured a set of rip-off brake pads that were filled with compressed grass or wood instead of the standard friction material. Imagine purchasing a popular brand of brake pad thinking you're getting a great deal, having them installed, then, in an emergency situation, you find your brakes fail because they're filled with grass! The dangers are apparent. Be very wary of performance car accessories at low prices.
How can the average consumer protect against aftermarket automotive accessory fraud? Here are some tips:
If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Seeing a popular brand of an auto body kit you've been eyeing for half price may not be for real. Many counterfeiters have started to counter this tact by lowering the price just enough to avoid suspicion. Do your research. Don't settle with finding the item in one place. Shop around to see what the average price is for the accessory and make an educated decision based on what you've observed..
Take a look at the package. At first glance, the package may look legitimate but closer inspection may reveal some flaws that could be signs of the part being fraudulent.
Visit trusted stores or well-recommended shops. Stick to places you or someone you know trusts. This doesn't insinuate that every small shop is deliberately being crooked by selling you discount car accessories; sometimes they are fooled just as much as you can be. Going to distributors you've had good service with reduces risk as distributors often buy from the same manufacturer that has never steered them wrong.
Contact the manufacturer directly. If you're still unsure, the manufacturer can often verify if the performance car accessory is real. Most major companies have anti-fraudulent protocols to prove the authenticity of an accessory. Sometimes this is as simple as a code engraved on the part.
Cutting corners by purchasing cheap aftermarket automotive accessories to save a few dollars isn't worth risking your life. If you feel that you have been a victim of a fraud, report the crime immediately. Many manufacturers have toll-free numbers or websites you can visit to file a report. Protect yourself and those around you, shop smart, and learn how to recognize counterfeit performance car accessories.
Terry Bolton is and internet publisher of automotive stuff. Read his useful and popular articles about buying cheap used cars and how to buy car insurance online .
