OEM Ford Parts: How to Identify the Real Thing
Your Ford will run better if you conduct repairs using genuine Ford parts. That’s common wisdom, and it’s also true. Whether you’re replacing a radiator or repairing an exhaust system, OEM Ford parts are specifically manufactured for the make and model of your car. Because they meet the rigorous standards demanded by one of the top auto manufacturers in the world, you can depend on them to extend the life of your vehicle. But how do make certain that you’re getting the real deal? These tips can help ensure that you’re buying genuine items for your vehicle repair or restoration.
Read Carefully
When buying, you need to understand the difference between aftermarket parts and “original equipment manufacturer parts.” Many places manufacture aftermarket and third party Ford auto parts and sell them online or through local shops. If they claim that these are OEM or genuine, they’re in violation of advertising laws. Unless you read the words “genuine Ford auto parts” or “OEM Ford parts” on the packaging or on the website, they are NOT OEM parts. No one who is selling the real deal would leave that information out – it’s a major selling point for their products.
Certified Dealers
It’s important to consider where you’re getting your parts. Ford maintains a dealer network through which the company sells OEM Ford parts. If you want buy genuine Ford parts, check the dealer listing to see if the company you’re considering is on the list. Be aware, though, that many companies offer genuine Ford auto parts that they source through a dealer network, and others sell remanufactured or refurbished Ford OEM parts. All of those are legitimately genuine, and will deliver the high quality you expect from Ford.
Ask Your Mechanic
If you’re having repairs done by a certified Ford center, ask the manager or mechanic if they use only OEM Ford parts. Some service centers will try to save money – or save you money – by using third party products. You can always ask to see the paperwork and packaging from the part if you want to ensure that the parts used are genuine.
Buy the Parts Online
If you want to be certain that the parts used in your vehicle repair are the real deal, you can buy them yourself from an online supplier and bring them to your mechanic. There are a number of reputable online businesses that sell genuine Ford parts to the general public – and make it very easy to find the right ones for your vehicle. The best way to make sure you’re getting the right product for your car is to search the dealer inventory using the vehicle identification number (VIN) from your car or truck. The better sites have a VIN search that will pull up all the items they have in inventory for your Ford make and model.
Don’t settle for anything less than the best. Always make sure that your mechanic uses genuine Ford parts to repair your Ford vehicle.
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the world’s MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.
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