Window Motors: Watch Out For Suspect Parts!
The automobile replacements parts industry is a multi billion
dollar per year industry. Everything from brake pads to exhaust
parts, from air filters to gaskets, and anything else you can
imagine are produced by companies around the globe for your
vehicle. Unfortunately, the counterfeiting of replacement parts
is also a multi billion dollar industry. The window motor you
are purchasing for your car could be a fake, made in China, the
Middle East, or some other country. We'll examine some ways you
can determine whether the parts you purchased are suitable for
your car.
When shopping for replacement parts there are a few things
you must determine:
1. Does the part meet or exceed original equipment
manufacturer specifications [OEM]? Just because the company
claims that the part meets requirements does not mean that it
actually does. Reputable parts stores, including online
wholesalers such as Car Parts Stuff, will list everything by
brand name.
2. Is the part made from a recognized manufacturer? For
example, are those Bosch spark plugs you are purchasing or are
they spark plugs from a no name brand? Be careful, the spark
plugs could say Bosck or some other name very close to Bosch,
but they aren't Bosch. No reputable parts company would name
their product close to the name of another company. One more
warning: some counterfeiters have even copied company logos
and packaging to make their product look like the real thing.
3. Examine the part closely. Is it the same size as the
part that it replaces? Is the texture the same? Is the shape
proper? For example, the window motor you ordered could look
similar to the one that was in your car, but if it is made
completely out of cheap plastic you can pretty much count on it
that you have purchased a fake.
4. Be careful where you purchase your parts. Your dealer
will stock genuine OEM replacement parts and so will most
leading auto supply chains. Many online wholesalers also stock
OEM parts and these parts are sold at discounted prices. If the
online prices are ridiculously low across the board [70-90% off]
then the parts being sold could be fake. Buy only from dealers
who accept credit cards [so you can get your money refunded to
you in the event that there is a problem], a toll free number
where you can make a call to speak with a live person, and make
sure that their base of operation is in the US or Canada.
Recommendation: Never buy your parts from China. The
prices are too good to be true for a reason.
If you suspect that the parts you purchased are fake, contact
your local police department for assistance.