Beware! The Parts Could Be Imitation

When it comes to auto parts, that old saying is definitely the case. Imitation auto parts have become a serious problem in recent years. And it doesn't just hurt companies such as ACDelco — it hurts you, the person buying the parts, as well. It's worth your while to read on and find out more about this problem.

What are imitation parts?

Imitation parts manufactured, packaged and represented in a way to mislead the public. Imitators often duplicate a trademark exactly, or alter it just enough that the average customer won’t notice the difference. The people who make and sell these fakes want you to think you’re getting a part produced by a reputable company such as ACDelco, but you’re not! Also, most fake parts distributors use trademarks without obtaining the owner’s permission. This is a criminal offence that can land them in jail!

Why Should I care?

While imitation parts may be cheaper, they could cost you a lot more in the long run, and we’re not just talking about money.

Imitation parts typically don't last as long as genuine parts, making it necessary to replace them more frequently, which ends up costing you more money! Also, considering these parts typically aren't built to your car's specifications (as ACDelco parts are), they can lead to other mechanical problems and system breakdowns, which could set your bank account back even further.

Worse yet, fake parts could cause major safety problems for you and your loved ones. Sometimes, fakes are produced from substandard materials that don't hold up or perform like genuine parts. Imagine what could happen if the brake pads you just put on your vehicle were made from compressed wood chips — on second thought, don't!

Commonly Counterfeited Parts

The most commonly produced counterfeit parts are maintenance and high-volume items such as oil and air filters, shock absorbers, fan belts, disc brake pads and shoes, air conditioning compressors, starters, spark plugs and oxygen sensors.

Other imitation parts commonly produced include:

• Valves and valve lifters
• Distributor caps
• Gasoline filters
• Rocker arms and camshafts
• Antifreeze/coolant and transmission fluids
• Bearings
• Alternators and generators

How to Spot a Fake...Or Ensure You Have a Genuine...

• It isn't easy to spot a fake. That's because the really good counterfeit parts makers work long and hard to fool consumers. Here are a couple of tips to help you tell a phony from the genuine article:
• If you're not installing the part yourself, ask the person who is if you can see the part and package.
• Inspect the packaging. If it appears flimsy, lacks the name brand or logo, or has graphics or a name that is similar to, but not quite the same as, those you're used to seeing (i.e., AZDelco instead of ACDelco), it could be counterfeit. Counterfeiters often use colours, artwork and type fonts on their packaging that are similar to the original.
• A competitive market drives variation in price among reputable manufacturers; however, extremely large differences in price should cause you to be suspicious.
• Remember, because counterfeiters have become very sophisticated as technology has improved, a visual inspection of the product may not be enough to distinguish genuine parts from the fake. Insist on ACDelco parts from authorized dealers and retailers.