A new graphic illustrates five of the tell-tale signs of a counterfeit auto part. Since counterfeit auto parts continue to be a problem, the team at GMB North America created this infographic to help protect both customers and retailers from potential safety and financial risks. This chart offers a quick visual aid to help keep inferior aftermarket parts out of a retailer’s inventory, which prevents counterfeit part installation on customer’s vehicles.
“As a parts manufacturer, we value our retail and repair shop clients and want to help them keep their strong reputations in the industry,” says Sarah Porter, marketing manager at GMB. “The infiltration of counterfeit parts into the supply chain could make those clients unwitting sellers of these parts. Not only can a low quality part damage a vehicle but the business that sold the part could face damage to their reputation.”
The graphic features these at-a-glance tips for spotting a counterfeit part:
- Parts that arrive in cheap, flimsy packaging. Check the printing on the box and inside materials. Actual auto parts are usually shipped with care and in high quality boxes.
- Real brand parts often have the part number printed on the box. If the number is absent or slapped on with a sticker, it may be a fake part.
- Look closely at the printing on both the package and the instructions. If there are typos or misspellings, inspect the part carefully. It may be a counterfeit.
- Instructions are incomplete or incorrect. Fake auto parts may come with instructions that are missing a step or a diagram.
- Compare it to the part you’re replacing. Do the fasteners match? Does the material feel like the same weight? An authentic part should match almost exactly, if not perfectly.
A counterfeit part is designed to replicate a legitimate auto part, so the infringement of intellectual property is another negative effect of this trend. If you suspect you’ve received counterfeit parts, file a report with the Intellectual Property Rights center or the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“In addition to causing financial issues, counterfeit parts can be unsafe,” Porter says. “Buying and selling counterfeit parts and stealing intellectual property are crimes and do have victims. We hope this graphic reminds everyone what to look out for.
About GMB
Since 1943, GMB’s manufacturing quality has been recognized within the industry beginning with Universal Joints, Water Pumps, and Tensioner & Idler Bearings. Over the years GMB manufacturing expanded into a variety of quality parts now including Wheel Bearings and Hub Assemblies, Fuel Pumps, Fan Clutches, and Steering & Suspension parts. Each product line has extensive Asian, Domestic, and European coverage that meet or exceed OE standards. Learn more at https://www.gmb.net