The first automobile created in 1885 changed humanity for good, and we now depend on them for traveling and moving goods. Just as much as your vehicle takes care of you, it’s best you return the favor by fitting broken parts with high-quality replacements. There’s great importance in investing in high-quality parts, and this article will explain why this is so.
Significance of Using High-Quality Automotive Spare Parts for Safety
Original vehicle parts usually have an unmatched quality, this is a reason why they last before prompting a change. Therefore, you should do your vehicle a favor by replacing worn-out parts with high-quality replacements for sustained high function and output. High-quality spare parts enhance your vehicle’s safety by ensuring optimal performance. These parts have a reduced risk of malfunctions and can guarantee long-term durability.
Africa Automotive January-February issue 2024 Digital
Risks and Consequences of Using Counterfeit and Substandard Spare Parts
Fake or substandard spare parts compromise the vehicle safety particularly on the African roads. Although quite cliché, so to speak, African off-road tracks can be unforgiving, meaning you rather should ensure every part you include in your vehicle is up to the task. In the long run, the chances of experiencing frequent breakdowns and dealing with higher subsequent costs due to using fake spare parts can always be high. In the worst-case scenario, sub-part vehicle spare parts can have a negative environmental impact, void your warranty or lead to legal consequences or causing a fatal accident.
A Guide for Looking for Genuine Spare Parts
According to Andrzej Senkowski, Founder of Polcar, “The body structural parts responsible for car safety are not produced by aftermarket factories.” He further observed that, beside the original parts there are also hundreds of aftermarket parts manufacturers that produce visible (cosmetic) parts like fenders, bumpers, bonnets, grills, headlamps, corner lamps etc. that have no influence on vehicle safety. His reference is based on the crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which states that, “The crash performance of parts from non-OE suppliers would have no impact compared to cosmetic parts from original-equipment manufacturers in terms of their safety.
Therefore, as an African vehicle owner, seeking genuine spare parts should be your priority. Ensure you always purchase from reputable dealers and authorized distributors. Verify product labels, packaging, and serial numbers to ensure authenticity. Besides, educate yourself on the specific parts needed, and be cautious of meager prices, which may indicate counterfeit products. Establishing a relationship with trusted repair service providers and relying on their expertise can also aid in identifying and sourcing authentic automotive spare parts.
Conclusion
Genuine and original-quality vehicle spare parts can keep it in good shape for the long haul. However, based on Block Exemption 461/2010 EU Commission Regulations valid in Europe, matching quality replacement parts can be successfully used – to ensure safe operation of vehicles. It concerns wear and so the body parts as well. Therefore, for every driver, especially if you are travel long distances and in unforgiving road conditions, like the Africanroad terrains, always entrust yourself with proficient and authentic vehicle repair companies to obtain the highest quality spare parts for better safety.
