TECHNICAL ARTICLE

Genuine vs Aftermarket parts

Effects of Legal liability on vehicle parts selection

This is the absolute fundamental underscoring parts selection. In the event of a component failure, the results may vary from minor annoyance to life threatening peril. No professional shop is going to take the risk with the latter

Trivial versus non-trivial vehicle components

Only a professional workshop has the knowledge and experience to decide which components meet this fundamental criterion. They will also know when an after market part is actually better then the original and is non-critical for safety and operational reasons. Therefore, the legal liability aspects become irrelevant for this specific component, so it may be both sensible and more cost-efficient to select the after market part. In fact, the latter may be better designed, more robust and frequently cheaper than the OEM version. After all, technology improves and difficult-to-fit parts may be redesigned for easier installation

It is also worth considering that every vehicle is built to a price and market niche. The engineers and accountants will inevitably have different views not only on the level of inclusions, but also on the cost of each and every component. The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) may source parts for virtually anywhere but they have the responsibility of testing, ensuring compatibility with other vehicle components and above all, the effect on vehicle warranty.

Some examples of good after-market parts suppliers

For critical systems, engine, drive train and brakes are just some of the vehicle components where OEM parts are essential, not the least for the warranty and legal liability issues described above. It does not matter where the OEM sourced the part, it complies with manufacturer specifications and warranty.

Conversely, suppliers like Maxidrive, Bilstein, Hella, IPF and others provide components that are tried and tested, with years of satisfactory service. Their products often out-perform the OEM versions because they are engineered for performance, not just price.

Where to get advice about Land Rover parts

Recent changes to the law now make independent workshops more accountable, but accepting substitute parts from any unqualified supplier is seriously bad policy. Specifically, the Graeme Cooper team includes qualified experts who know exactly what best suits the circumstances.

This article is one of many written by ASPAC Consulting,in collaboration with the technical experts at Graeme Cooper Automotive.

CONTACT US to discuss your specific needs. Our telephone number is 02 9550 2689

CLASSIX SYDNEY PTY LTD, License number 46112
trading as Graeme Cooper Automotive
Copyright 2021 All rights reserved

Website design & content
www.aspac-consulting.com.au