The life of a truck driver is always busy, and sometimes you’ll need to pick up new truck parts while you’re on the road. Some would argue that it’s best to buy your parts directly from the original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, but that isn’t always possible. Often, aftermarket parts stand as the most practical solution. But counterfeit truck parts inundate the aftermarket. Here some tips to help you avoid counterfeit parts.
You don’t want to waste time and money on counterfeit truck parts.
Find a Supplier You Trust
Not too long ago, we posted a blog on what to look for in a body shop. You might think that the stakes aren’t quite as high when it comes to truck parts, but this isn’t the case. For the most part, you should follow the same advice.
As the consumer, it’s up to you to do the research and find a supplier of truck parts you can trust. The internet is a great place to start, but it shouldn’t be your only source. Always take internet reviews with a grain of salt. You should be suspicious of any glowing online reviews that don’t strike you as honest. By the same token, you probably shouldn’t pay too much attention to one-star reviews, unless there are a lot of them.
Supplement your online research with word-of-mouth and your personal experience. That is the first step to avoiding counterfeit parts.
Know the Products You Want by Name
Even if OEM parts aren’t available, you should still be able to get a sense of your favorite aftermarket manufacturers. Doing some research online and relying on word-of-mouth can help with this too. Instead of walking into a shop and just asking for “brake pads,” learn the precise names and manufacturers of those you trust.
By the same token, don’t just learn the name of the truck parts you love. Learn what they look like, too. Check out both the packaging and the part itself. Does the logo look how it should? Is it cast on the product’s body like the last time you purchased it? If you notice anything different, you might have a counterfeit product on your hands.
Be Suspicious of Low Prices
It’s one thing to want to save money, but it’s another to cut corners. If the price-tag on a truck part strikes you as too good to be true, then it probably is. You shouldn’t have to spend an arm and a leg to avoid counterfeit truck parts. But you should be suspicious of anything that strikes you as too cheap.
You might feel as though you are saving money by opting for cheap truck parts. But you might find the opposite to be the case, as you need to replace them more frequently. With these tips in mind, we hope you can avoid counterfeit parts.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western for all Your Trucking Needs!
Whether you are looking to upgrade your fleet to tow trucks or simply interested in the latest trucking technology, you can rely on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. We have provided top-notch service for the trucking industry for 30 years and would love to assist you in buying a new top-of-the-line truck, finding the specialty parts you need, or repairing your truck. Give us a call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474, or contact us online. To find out more about what we are up to, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.