Tips for Avoiding Fraudulent Truck Performance Accessories!
Since the 1980’s, criminals have been selling fraudulent high performance car accessories at a cheaper price. The dangers go beyond loss of revenue to the automotive industry. The lower price may save a few bucks in your pocketbook in an automotive world where gas prices are ballooning out of control. It’s understandable but dwell on this: most of these discount car accessories and parts sacrifice quality and safety with more inexpensive and less strong materials.
Sometimes what you see is not what you get. On the surface, an article might look like the real deal, but it turns out to be nothing but smoke and mirrors. Several years ago, CBS Evening News featured a report about counterfeit aftermarket automotive accessories. Brake pads that contained compressed grass or wood chips instead of the usual material were sold to consumers. Brakes are one part that you don’t want to mess with, and having faulty brake pad material could be costly in more ways than one. To be on the safe side with performance car accessories, you might do better to pay the extra money and go with a brand name you can trust.
How can the average consumer protect against aftermarket automotive accessories fraud? Here are some tips:
If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Seeing a popular brand of an auto body kit you’ve been eyeing for half price may not be for real. Many counterfeiters have started to counter this tact by lowering the price just enough to avoid suspicion. Do your research. Don’t settle with finding the item in one place. Shop around to see what the average price is for the accessory and make an educated decision based on what you’ve observed..
Take a look at the package. At first glance, the package may look legitimate but closer inspection may reveal some flaws that could be signs of the part being fraudulent.
Visit trusted stores or well-recommended shops. Stick to places you or someone you know trusts. This doesn’t insinuate that every small shop is deliberately being crooked by selling you discount car accessories; sometimes they are fooled just as much as you can be. Going to distributors you’ve had good service with reduces risk as distributors often buy from the same manufacturer that has never steered them wrong.
Contact the manufacturer directly. If you’re still unsure, the manufacturer can often verify if the performance car accessory is real. Most major companies have anti-fraudulent protocols to prove the authenticity of an accessory. Sometimes this is as simple as a code engraved on the part.
Cutting corners by purchasing cheap aftermarket automotive accessories to save a few dollars isn’t worth risking your life. If you feel that you have been a victim of a fraud, report the crime immediately. Many manufacturers have toll-free numbers or websites you can visit to file a report. Protect yourself and those around you, shop smart, and learn how to recognize counterfeit performance car accessories.
About the Author
Trevor Kassulke owns and operates http://www.autoperformanceaccessories.com Truck Performance Car Parts And Accessories
Looking for performance parts for trucks, try Performance Products – Free Shipping on select Truck/SUV Accessories!
Worlds Greatest Truck Accessory
|
|
PetSTEP II – Multi-Purpose Ramp $116.12 PetSTEP II MPR #222 Specifications: Easy open easy close Lightweight weighs 18.5 pounds 70 inches long (35 inches folded) 18 inches wide with raised edges Holds up to 500 lbs 28 inches high with table legs attached Ribbed non-slip surface with unique rubberized coating safe for all pets Simply swing open and close in one second (no hardware or setup required) Safe for all pets a… |
|
|
Safco Refreshment Stand Black $176.57 Tidy up the employee lounge by placing all your breakroom supplies in this compact SAFCO Deluxe Refreshment Center. Double doors feature three built-in steel shelves, while the cabinet includes one adjustable shelf. Laminate unit has aluminum trim and easy-to-clean melamine top. Rolls on four swivel casters (two locking). Ships unassembled…. |
|
|
AFIAS Iowa State 44×28 Applique Banner $29.34 2-Sided Applique and Embroidered Flag Made of heavyweight weather-resistant 420 denier nylon Oversize 44″ x 28″ Hang Tabs allow flags to be hung as a door or wall decoration … |
|
|
Collapsible Aluminum Hand Truck $107.00 Safco collapsible hand truck is made with a lightweight aluminum frame, steel toe plate (14”W x 9”D), and rubber tires on a steel hub.Hand truck features a collapsible handle and foldup toe plate for compact storage that allows you to keep the truck close at hand for immediate use. The 250 lb capacity makes it suitable for most office use.Ships fully assembled…. |
|
|
Safco 4050 Hide-Away Convertible Hand Truck $104.85 Folding capability allows you to keep these trucks close at hand for immediate use. 4050 Convertible Hand Truck is a collapsible hand truck and platform truck all in one. Steel handles extend for use and retract for storage. The aluminum platform can extend over 50% for use and retract for storage. 14″ x 9″ toe plate. Two 6″ solid rubber wheels and two 3″ solid rubber casters. 250 lbs. capacity as… |
|
|
Stow and Go Hand Truck $107.00 Safco Stow and Go hand truck is constructed with a lightweight aluminum frame. Collapsible design fits into small spaces for compact storage.Hand truck features a telescoping handle, 5” diameter solid rubber retractable wheels, a 151/2”W x 11”D foldup toe plate, and 110 lb carrying capacity.Ships fully assembled…. |
|
|
Bretford A2642 Adjustable Cart $153.79 A2642 Electrical: None, Finish: Black Imagine, one cart that adjusts to meet all of your needs! Features: -Adjustable Cart adjusts to heights of 26”, 30”, 34”, 38” and 42” -Choose from Black or four designer colors without an upcharge (Other premium colors will incur upcharge) -Three shelves. Shelf Size: 24”W x 18”D; Middle to Bottom Shelf: 15-1/2” -Adjusting to multiple heights is as simp… |
|
|
Guardian Deluxe Emergency Survival Kit – 1 person [Misc.] $59.95 (All items are packed securely in ourDeluxe Hikers Backpackwhich contains extra space available for your personal items)The kit includes the following:Food and Water:6 Boxes of Aqua Blox Water Boxes -twice the amount of water as leading suppliers and has a 5 year shelf-life12 – 200 Calorie Food Bars -5 year shelf-life10 Water Purification Tablets -each tablet purifies 1 liter of waterLight and Com… |
|
|
2-in-1 Tube Deluxe Sprague Rappaport Stethoscope (MDF 767X) $50.75 MDF 2-in-1 Tube Deluxe Sprague Rappaport Stethoscope with X-configuration Acoustic Tubing grants this model as the most advanced Sprague Rappaport. Similar to the MDF 767 Sprague, it is designed to detect the entire range of heart and chest auscultation. It is five stethoscopes in one for full range and flexible diagnostic capability that is clinically proven to deliver more faint heart sounds a… |
|
|
Raider Motorcycle Carrier $99.99 This motorcycle carrier from Raider is a secure way to transport your motorcycle. Featuring a 500 pound weight capacity and easy secure design, this carrier is an ideal choice for convenient hauling. |
|
|
TD Industrial Heavy Duty Truck Winch (8500-lb. Rating) $464.99 You’ll never have to worry about getting stuck again with this heavy duty truck winch. Boasting a 8500-lb. rating, it’s the only way to go when recovering your vehicle. |
|
|
Lifeline First Aid Red Labeled Aluminum Sport Utility Shovels (Pack of 2) $33.49 Sport Utility Shovel is an essential item for the outdoor enthusiastCamping gear is an ideal accessory for your car, truck, SUV, recreational vehicle or snowmobileShovel constructed from lightweight, high-quality aluminum |
|
|
San Diego Chargers Steering Wheel Cover $19.09 Show your support for your favorite NFL team with this steering wheel coverSteering wheel cover provides a secure comfortable grip for cars, trucks or SUVsCar accessory features San Diego Chargers logo and colors |
|
|
Hello Kitty Sanrio 10-piece Auto Accessory Set $101.99 Customize your car, truck or SUV instantly with this 10-piece car accessory setCar interior set includes floor mats, seat covers, steering wheel cover, sunshade, CD visor and keychainCar seat cover combo kit is officially licensed |
|
|
TD Industrial H/D Power 12-volt Winch (2,000-lb. Rating) $77.99 You’ll never have to worry about getting stuck again with this heavy duty truck winch. Boasting a 2000-lb. |
|
|
Disney’s Tinkerbell 9-piece Auto Accessory Set $94.99 Customize your car, truck or SUV instantly with this 9-piece car accessory setCar interior set includes floor mats, seat covers, steering wheel cover, CD visor and litter bagCar seat cover set is officially licensed |
|
|
Buffalo Bills Steering Wheel Cover $19.89 Show your support for your favorite NFL team with this steering wheel coverSteering wheel cover provides a secure comfortable grip for cars, trucks or SUVsCar accessory features Buffalo Bills logo and colors |
|
|
‘Fire Truck’ Cotton Toss Pillow $18.79 Cute firetruck-themed throw pillow is perfect for any childHand-quilted bedding accessory is made of 100-percent cottonPillow measures 16 inches square |
|
|
Black Bull Steel Wheel Step $28.99 Wheel step fits on most passenger, SUV and light truck tiresStep can hold up to 300 poundsShop gear features 3-position height and 3-position width adjustments |
|
|
Dallas Cowboys Steering Wheel Cover $18.99 Show your support for your favorite NFL team with this steering wheel coverSteering wheel cover provides a secure comfortable grip for cars, trucks or SUVsCar accessory features Dallas Cowboys logo and colors |
|
|
New York Giants Steering Wheel Cover $17.39 Show your support for your favorite NFL team with this steering wheel coverSteering wheel cover provides a secure comfortable grip for cars, trucks or SUVsCar accessory features New York Giants logo and colors |
|
|
Oakland Raiders Steering Wheel Cover $19.49 Show your support for your favorite NFL team with this steering wheel coverSteering wheel cover provides a secure comfortable grip for cars, trucks or SUVsCar accessory features Oakland Raiders logo and colors |
|
|
Philadelphia Eagles Steering Wheel Cover $17.49 Show your support for your favorite NFL team with this steering wheel coverSteering wheel cover provides a secure comfortable grip for cars, trucks or SUVsCar accessory features Philadelphia Eagles logo and colors |
|
|
Noco Battery Truck Mount Kit $94.99 Battery truck mount kit has everything you need to move your batteries for better weight distributionNoco truck mount kit meets NHRA 8:1 and IHRA specificationsCar battery accessory is made with 100-percent copper components |
|
|
Seattle Seahawks Steering Wheel Cover $18.89 Show your team spirit with this steering wheel cover for cars, trucks or an SUVSteering wheel cover provides a secure comfortable gripCar accessory displays Seattle Seahawks logo and colors |
|
|
Minnesota Vikings Steering Wheel Cover $21.11 Show your support for your favorite NFL team with this steering wheel coverSteering wheel cover provides a secure comfortable grip for cars, trucks or SUVsCar accessory features Minnesota Vikings logo and colors |
|
|
Carolina Panthers Steering Wheel Cover $18.69 Show your support for your favorite NFL team with this steering wheel coverSteering wheel cover provides a secure comfortable grip for cars, trucks or SUVsCar accessory features Carolina Panthers logo and colors |
|
|
Arizona Cardinals Steering Wheel Cover $21.84 Show your support for your favorite NFL team with this steering wheel coverSteering wheel cover provides a secure comfortable grip for cars, trucks or SUVsCar accessory features Arizona Cardinals logo and colors |
|
|
Die-cast Metal 7-up Bottle Trucks (Set of 15) $27.49 Enhance your child’s play set with a die-cast metal 7-Up bottle trucksToy vehicle set includes five replica trucks from the years 1937, 1938, 1945, 1947, and 1963 Sports accessory measures 3.5 inches long |
|
|
Custom Classic Trucks, 12 issues for 1 year(s) $15 Custom Classic Trucks is the only true classic truck publication dedicated to pre-1980 custom and restoration truck builders. Each issue covers a variety of subjects including engine upgrades, bolt-on accessories, suspensions, brakes, air-condi… |
|
|
Mini Utility Trailer $206.99 Versatile automotive accessoryPerfect fit for cars, trucks or vansHeavy duty steel trailer is durable and high grade |
|
|
Hello Kitty Floor Mat and Steering Wheel Cover Set $51.99 Customize your car, truck or SUV instantly with a 5-piece car accessory setUniversal floor mat kit features ‘Hello Kitty’ design with pink accentsCar interior set offers anti-fading colors |
|
|
Peak 2/10/55 Amp Battery Charger $75.99 Battery charger jumpstarts your car or truck with 12 volts at 55 ampsBuilt-in protection guards your car electrical system against a short circuitCar battery accessory automatically tapers charges; stops when battery is full |
|
|
Silver Skull Floor Mat and Steering Wheel Cover Set $27.99 Customize your car, truck or SUV instantly with this 5-piece car accessory setUniversal floor mat kit features a silver skull-and-crossbones design against a black backgroundCar interior set offers anti-fading colors |