The Indian automotive market is flooded with cheaper duplicate parts instead of genuine ones. While the lower prices of non-genuine parts may seem like a cost-saving option, they often deliver a subpar performance, which can also seriously threaten safety. In this article, let’s explore the critical role of genuine parts, like those from Maruti Suzuki, and understand why investing in quality components is important to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely.
Let’s understand this with some examples: –
1. Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are a very crucial component for your petrol and CNG cars. Genuine spark plugs are specifically designed for each vehicle model, considering factors like compression ratio, ignition timing, and thermal efficiency. For instance, a Maruti Suzuki genuine spark plug is engineered to withstand the unique demand of its engine, helping optimal combustion and hence fuel efficiency. On the other hand, a non-genuine spark plug often doesn’t deliver the same performance. They might be poorly made, with a lack of quality control checks, leading to issues like engine misfires, high emissions and poor mileage. In the long run, using substandard parts may also lead to engine failure, costing you much more than the initial savings.
2. Brake Pads
Brake pads are critical for stopping your car safely and at the right spot. The genuine brake pads are designed considering several factors: –
- Vehicle Weight: A vehicle’s weight is one of the most crucial factors in designing a brake pad. Heavier vehicles require stronger pads to handle increased stopping force.
- Brake Force Distribution: Genuine brake pads ensure even pressure across wheels, which enhances safety and minimises wear of the brake pads themselves and the brake rotors (discs).
- Thickness: Genuine brake pads are manufactured to meet specific thickness requirements, which ensure they last longer and provide consistent braking performance.
- Weather Conditions: Genuine brake pads are designed to cope with dust, moisture, and varying temperatures.
Fake brake pads often use cheap materials that can wear out quickly, reducing stopping power. They may also create more brake noise and dust, further damaging other parts of the braking system and compromising safety.
3. Clutch Plates
Clutch plates play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient performance of your car. Genuine clutch plates are meticulously designed to provide the right amount of friction, heat resistance and durability. They are built to bear the unique torque characteristics of the vehicle, ensuring smooth gear changes. In contrast, the non-genuine clutch plates are often made from low-quality materials. This can cause them to wear out quickly, and generate slippage issues, which ultimately leads to poor performance.
Similarly, all the genuine spare parts are designed specifically for each make and model of a vehicle, ensuring they meet the exact specifications and standards set by the manufacturer.
The Market of Non-Genuine Parts
The high availability of duplicate spare parts in the market can be attributed to the strong demand for affordable car maintenance. As vehicles get old, wear & tear mandate part replacements, and non-genuine parts flood the market to meet this demand. However, many of these parts are made without adequate research & testing. This means they lack the quality and reliability that genuine parts provide. In fact, these non-genuine products solely focus on cost-cutting, compromising quality to grab the market. While these parts may save a little at first, they can result in poor vehicle performance and pose safety hazards.
Why Genuine Parts Matters?
- Safety: As mentioned above, genuine parts are made after thorough research & testing, thus meeting quality & safety standards.
- Performance: Genuine parts are specifically designed to fit your vehicle perfectly, ensuring optimal performance and enhancing its longevity.
- Durability: Meeting high-quality standards, the tailor-made genuine parts improve the overall lifespan of your vehicle.
- Cost-effectiveness: While genuine parts may look more expensive than non-genuine parts, they save you money in the long run by preventing breakdowns and costly repairs.
- Warranty Protection: A car’s warranty requires you to use only genuine parts, ensuring you maintain your vehicle’s value. Additionally, genuine parts come with a warranty, which non-genuine part dealers typically cannot provide.
Opting for genuine spare parts is not only about ensuring your vehicle runs well, but it also ensures safety, reliability and long-term value. While the lure to save money with cheaper alternatives is strong, the risks associated with non-genuine parts are significant. To promote awareness about the importance of using genuine parts, Maruti Suzuki is also running the “Asli Nakli Maha Abhiyaan” campaign. Customers can now download the Scan & Assure app from the Playstore/Appstore and scan the QR code on the MRP label to check the authenticity of the product.
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