Before a long trip it’s best to take your car in for a tune-up or service. But how do you know your service provider isn’t taking you for a ride? Before we jump into it, let’s begin by explaining the different types of legitimate spare parts available.

 

Genuine Spare Parts: Also known as original equipment (OE), are parts that are factory fitted to your car. They are usually the safest option, because they were made specifically for your car model and come with the manufacturer’s guarantee.

 OEM Spare Parts: OEM refers to original equipment manufacturer. These spare parts are usually supplied by an external manufacturer that makes parts identical to your vehicle’s genuine spare parts. OEM parts typically cost less than OE spare parts.

 Aftermarket Spare Parts: Also known as replacement or pattern parts, are a more affordable alternative to genuine spare parts. Aftermarket companies frequently buy the rights to manufacture spare parts using a template from the original manufacturer. However, the parts may be of a lower quality.

 

Difference between OE, OEM, and Aftermarket parts and fake parts

The auto-repair world is flooded with fake spare parts and over-the-counter counterfeits. Distinguishing between fake spares and legit ones can help you to avoid engine failures, electrical fires, windscreen woes, etc. Legit spare parts are manufactured following the safety and quality standards of the automotive industry. In contrast, fake parts are manufactured using cheaper and less quality materials and often below quality assurance standards.

 

5 ways to spot a fake.

  • Packaging

The general quality of the packaging is always the first indication. Most genuine parts come in properly branded packages. Fake parts often come in flimsy and cheap packaging.

  • Typos

Misspellings on the packaging are also a huge red flag. Look out for any awkward or incoherent phrasing on the package or instruction manual.

  • Labels

If the package says made in China – when you were expecting a part made in Germany – it’s probably a fake.

  • Serial number, Hologram, or QR code

Legitimate parts will have the same serial number displayed on the manufacturer’s website or brochures. They also often come with unique identifiers such as holograms or QR codes to validate their authenticity or track them back to the manufacturer.

  • Price

If it’s too good to be real, it’s probably fake. A discount of 15% is one thing, but if you see parts being offered at an excessive discount or find that its retail price is significantly lower than the usual price, there’s a high probability that the part is fake.

 

Fake parts can cause real damage to your car. So, when in doubt, call the manufacturer and ask about the part. Where possible, make a side-by-side comparison of the spare part with the original and look for any obvious flaws in design such as size, colour, weight, and mismatched components. Always get your spare parts from (or service your car with) a trusted and reputable dealer.