Parts Buying Guide

When buying a spare part you have probably heard these words: "original," "genuine," "aftermarket" or "high copy." In the market these terms are sometimes used with different meanings, which confuses buyers. In this article we look at the differences in simple terms. Differences between common terms • Original part (OEM): A part made for the carmaker or to its specifications, and used on the production line or in after-sales service. • Aftermarket part: A part made by a company other than the carmaker to replace the original. Its quality ranges from weak to very good and depends on the manufacturer. • Counterfeit part: A part made with the name and packaging of a reputable brand but not actually from that brand. This category is illegal and dangerous. An important point is that aftermarket does not necessarily mean bad. Some reputable manufacturers make good-quality aftermarket parts. The problem is with unbranded, undocumented and counterfeit parts. ۵ signs to check the authenticity and quality of a part ۱. Packaging: The box should be uniform, with clear printing and no spelling mistakes. Poor or untidy packaging is suspicious. ۲. Label and part number: The part number on the box and on the part itself should match the catalog. A number that cannot be found is a warning sign. ۳. Build quality: Check the surface, welding, paint and rubber parts. Roughness, cracks or a strong smell of material are signs of weakness. ۴. Weight and dimensions: Comparing with the previous part or official specifications sometimes shows that a part is lighter or smaller than normal. ۵. Documents and warranty: A reputable seller states the source of the part and is transparent about warranty and returns. A very low price is a warning sign A price several times lower than the market usually has a reason: weak materials, insufficient quality control or a counterfeit part. For safety parts such as brake pads, suspension and steering, saving money on quality can cost you your safety. Questions to ask the seller • Who is the brand and manufacturer of this part? • Is it compatible with my car&#x۲۷;s model and year of manufacture? • Does it have a warranty or a return option? • If a problem occurs, how is support provided? A professional seller answers these questions precisely. Conclusion For important parts, do not rely only on the price or the word "original." Check the packaging, part number, source of supply and the seller&#x۲۷;s support. To choose a part compatible with your Chinese car, you can consult the Carina Part team.