A theme on Genuine is Best social media channels are comments stating:
“You say only genuine parts are appropriate for each vehicle. But, vehicle manufacturers don’t make all their own parts. Some of their genuine parts are made by other suppliers.”
That’s absolutely true. Vehicle manufacturers sometimes engage external suppliers to develop and manufacture parts and systems for their vehicles. Some notable suppliers include ARB, Bosch, Brembo, Ohlins and many others.
What’s the Difference?
If a supplier makes a genuine part for a vehicle manufacturer, you can be sure that the part will be tried and tested by the vehicle manufacturer for that specific vehicle. However, if a supplier makes non-specific replacement parts, there is no guarantee they will be tested to the same degree, and be built to the same quality standard.
Why Not?
Every genuine part, down to literally nuts and bolts, goes through what vehicle engineers call ‘iteration validation’. It’s an arduous, rigorous process. It means every part on your car has been tested, tested, tested – and tested again. The process is designed to prove that every genuine part is up to a lifetime of whatever the driver (reasonably) throws at it.
Aftermarket parts are not tested or proven by the manufacturer with the car.
The Risk
The people who built your vehicle built it with parts that were tested and proven to function with the vehicle as a whole. This makes it predictable and maintains the intended factory safety and performance.
If you swap in a non-genuine part that hasn’t been tested with the vehicle as a whole, you can’t be sure what the response from your car will be. That’s a real risk.
Keep it Real
Is there a way to maintain your car’s value, performance, durability, and reliability? While keeping factory safety systems working as expected?
Absolutely. Insist on genuine parts, accessories, and servicing.
The easiest way to make sure you get these is to take your car to your brand’s local dealer. If that isn’t an option for you, tell your mechanic or repairer that you want genuine parts. If you aren’t sure you’re getting genuine, ask to see the parts invoice from the mechanic or repairer.
If they can’t show you, they just aren’t being genuine.
More on how to stay genuine here.