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The Dangers of Purchasing Counterfeit Car Parts
Talveer Guram • Sep 27, 2019
The Dangers of Purchasing Counterfeit Car Parts
The counterfeit car parts market is worth billions across the UK and Europe, and as a result, year-on-year more British motorists are put at risk. Commonly the end user (us motorists) are totally unaware of this growing problem and the dangers that are caused on the back of this illegal trade.
The most common counterfeit car parts are:
- Service items such as:
- Oil
- Air & Fuel Filters
- Spark Plugs
- Pollen/Combination Filters
- Brake Pads & Brake Discs
- Suspension Items
- Brake Lights
- Wiring & Cables
- Cylinders
- Air Bags
- Grills
- Radiators
In this blog we are going to look at the dangers of fitted counterfeit car parts, and how to guarantee that the parts installed on your car are 100% genuine.
Counterfeit car parts have not undergone the same strenuous testing and approvals processes which are enforced on genuine manufacturers. Which means that it is impossible to guarantee their quality and integrity. This increases the risk of part failure and the consequences do not bear thinking about.
As this topic is of significant importance to safety, we have decided to share this helpful video from the Intellectual Property Office featuring our friends at BMW. It shows the difference in quality between genuine and counterfeit car parts.
How Can I Avoid Fake Car Parts?
Fake car parts are everywhere, and to make things even more confusing, they are names, labelled, and packaged exactly the same as genuine parts. If you have ever attempted to source your own car parts, you will have noticed that online shopping websites such as eBay and Amazon are often the cheapest.
These online shopping websites only conduct basic checks on their sellers, so it is very easy for non-genuine businesses to list products which look to be genuine. Although it is not the cheapest option, our advice is to always seek the services of a professional garage or mechanic. It is also important to note that fitting fake car parts will invalidate your vehicle warranty should it be covered by one. Is it really worth the risk?
Here at TEC Automotive, we only use Mercedes Approved Parts, that is our promise to you, and we always discuss the work to be undertaken beforehand, so that you can rest assured that there will be no cost surprises when you come to pay for the repair. Here is why you should always use Mercedes Approved Parts:
Batteries
Your battery supplies power to your car’s electrics, even when the engine is turned off. Each battery has a service life which deteriorates over time which can be a risk considering they are relied on by modern safety features such as airbags and ABS.
Why you should use genuine Mercedes-Benz batteries:
- They are more reliable and facilitate larger reserves starting power which help your car to start reliably during cold weather.
- They are manufactured from materials of the highest quality, which means they will last longer.
- They perform better as they are perfectly matched to the electrical requirements of your vehicle.
Brake Discs
Due to the fact that they help your vehicle to stop, brake disks are one of the most important components on your car. They wear during everyday use and must be replaced once they reach a minimum thickness.
Here’s why you should always obtain Mercedes Approved Brake Discs:
- They are designed to match the weight of your vehicle; this has in impact on braking distances.
- Mercedes approved brake discs also provide superior performance and a reconfigured to compliment your cars safety features such as ABS.
- They go through stringent tests to ensure maximum safety and durability.
Shock Absorbers
Worn shock absorbers can seriously effect stopping distances and your vehicles stability on the road.
We would always advise using genuine Mercedes shock absorbers because:
- They are manufactured with your specific vehicle in mind. They are specified to match your vehicle’s weight and the dynamics of your car.
- They are tailored to work hand-in-hand with your ABS system aiding safety.
- Mercedes designed shock absorbers are proven to last longer, saving you money in the long run!
Passenger Compartment Filters
This filter captures harmful substances from the air and provides a improved air quality and comfort.
Why buy a Mercedes Approved Passenger Compartment Filter?
- They have to meet standards which are designed to protect your health. Mercedes’ design captures almost 100% of pollutants.
- They are highly efficient, matching the air and ventilation systems on your car.
- They actually save you money! They are manufactured so that 100% of the surface area is used meaning they do not need to be replaced as often.
Air Filters
An air filter prevents dust and debris from entering your engine and causing damage as a direct result. Over time you air filter may become blocked and a replacement may be needed.
Here’s why you should always choose a Mercedes Approved Air Filter:
- They are manufactured using the finest materials, offering superior air quality.
- They compliment your engine perfectly; this helps to improve efficiency.
- Their shape and fit reduces engine noise.
Exhaust Systems
Counterfeit exhausts are becoming more and more popular. This is why you should opt for a genuine Mercedes Exhaust System:
- They are proven to last longer. Through stringent testing Mercedes have identified the most durable materials and have incorporated them into the design and manufacture of their exhausts.
- They ensure low emissions, optimum fuel consumption, and maximum performance.
- They are fine tuned to your car which helps to reduce noise.
Fuel Filters
Your fuel filter captures contaminants are stops them from entering the fuel injection system.
You should ensure that Mercedes Approved Parts are fitted because:
- They have been developed to capture the maximum amount of impurities guaranteeing fuel quality.
- They maintain your engines performance.
- They can prevent early deterioration of the filter, prolonging your fuel filters lifespan.
Windscreen Wipers
Windscreen wipers are an important safety feature on your vehicle, helping you to see the road in front of you when the weather turns inclement. This is why you should avoid cheap, fake windscreen wipers:
- Mercedes windscreen wipers are designed to exactly match the curve and shape of your windscreen. This vastly improved visibility.
- They are manufactured with premium materials ensuring durability.
- They are designed to be aerodynamically compatible with your car, reducing noise in the process.
Brake Pads
Another critically important part on your car is the brake pads. They are one of the hardest working parts of your braking system and when worn, your braking performance is seriously impacted.
- Mercedes approved brake pads minimise stopping distances and increase your safety.
- Provide superior performance as they compliment the rest of the braking system.
- Are highly durable due to the high quality materials used in their manufacture.
Can I purchase My Own Parts and Ask A Mechanic to Fit Them?
Whilst we would always recommend using an approved garage, you can still purchase genuine parts online and from a third party. The IPO have written a helpful guide on how to spot cheap counterfeit parts, you can read it here.
However, it is important to remember that due to the risks involved, the garage or mechanic may refuse to fit parts bought online or from a third party, as they cannot guarantee that they are genuine.
Do you have an issue with your Mercedes-Benz, a warning light, or a change in how the car sounds or handles? Contact TEC Automotive
and we will help you to diagnose the issue, before offering our recommendation on how to fix the problem.
Contact us:
Call: 01474 333377, or 01474 355538
Email: info@tec-automotive.co.uk
T he coronavirus pandemic is having a massive impact on pretty much everyone across the globe. Social distancing and self-isolation are slowing the spread and people are only leaving their homes for essential supplies and medical appointments. Unfortunately, many things, including basic vehicle maintenance are not considered essential, leaving many Mercedes owners feeling anxious about the proper care and maintenance of their vehicles. Keeping that in mind, we are going to share some useful tips and advice that will help you maintain your Mercedes at home during the COVID-19 lockdown. Let’s take a look: Tips To Maintaining Your Mercedes During The COVID-19 Lockdown Battery - During the lockdown, you might not be driving your Mercedes very often. This can cause the battery to slowly discharge over time as it is still powering facilities such as the alarm. To avoid this, start the engine and let it run for at least 15 minutes every two weeks. Tyres And Brakes - If your car is not driven very often corrosion and dry rot can set in on your tyres and braking system. During the COVID-19 lockdown, be sure to check your tyre pressure regularly and remember that, after it has sat for a considerable amount of time, your brakes might make some noise when you begin driving it again, this is normal and will subside quickly. Fuel - Your Mercedes’ fuel tank could begin to build up condensation if it isn’t driven for a considerable amount of time. This can lead to poor performance and a possible CEL. To avoid this, be sure to fully fill your fuel tank before storing your car. MOT - If your car’s MOT is due on or after 30 March 2020, its expiry date will be extended by six months as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown. You do, however, still need to keep your vehicle safe to drive. Paint Protection – Most modern Mercedes-Benz vehicles are coated with a nano-particle paint designed to resist both grime and corrosion. However, it’s still a good idea to give it a clean regularly. Contact TEC Automotive To learn more about the COVID-19 lockdown and how you can properly maintain your Mercedes, contact TEC Automotive today. Our technicians can check and diagnose any issues your car might have and we have the specialised tools needed to repair it the right way. If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to share it on your favourite social media sites.
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