What are genuine car parts?
Genuine car parts are parts that have been made specifically by the manufacturer. Using these authenticated parts are the only way you can be sure that your vehicle is going to be kept in the best possible condition for years to come.
Why should I only use genuine Mercedes parts?
It’s not a question of why you should only use genuine Mercedes parts, but rather a question of what are the consequences of using non-genuine parts?
With non-genuine parts, you can’t guarantee the quality or safety that comes with using parts that have been made by the manufacturer themselves. Genuine parts will be fully compliant with the relevant safety regulations, so will protect customers and installers from the potential harm of installing a non-regulated part.
There’s also the chance that a non-genuine part won’t last anywhere near as long as a genuine part. Therefore you may only have to pay the extra money for the genuine part in the near future.
Types of non-genuine Mercedes parts to look out for
There are a few different types of non-genuine parts out there. We’ve put together this list so that you can have a better idea of what to watch out for. After all, getting caught out by a non-genuine part can be costly and time-consuming.
Aftermarket – These types of parts have been made by another company as an alternative to a genuine part. They are especially risky as they have never actually been anywhere near the vehicle’s manufacturer, and haven’t even necessarily been tested properly.
Counterfeit – These are cheap imitations that are illegally sold as genuine parts. They may even have a serial number and a logo stamped on them to make them look authentic. A good way to avoid buying counterfeit parts is to remember: if the price is too good to be true it probably is!
Salvaged – These are parts that have been salvaged from a vehicle wreckage and considered non-genuine in nature. With these types of parts, it’s important to remember that just because they weren’t damaged in the accident, they may still show signs of significant wear and tear, as well as having been exposed to the elements for an extended period of time in the wrecker’s yard.