Just because a part looks like it’s genuine – it doesn’t mean it is and the use of fake parts can cause major problems to the vehicle and become a safety risk for its passengers. A fake part doesn’t have to be big or expensive for it to cause a great deal of damage and that’s because a system within a vehicle is a finely tuned machine and inside that machine, every single part of it does a vital job.
With regards to maintenance or repair, there’s no room for compromise and using genuine spare parts is essential for preserving the reliability, performance, and longevity of the vehicle. This is because genuine parts are designed, tested and manufactured with precision to meet the manufacturer’s exact specifications and to synchronize perfectly with the system.
Conversely, copied or fake parts – are not.
If you’re running a business which involves moving something from A to B, you know that any vehicle downtime is dead time. When a critical component fails either because all or part of that component is a cheap and inferior copy, it can result in a halt in production, missed deadlines and project delays for your customers. Which in turn can affect a company’s reputation for reliability and timeliness. And in the most serious of cases, it can cost you dearly in terms of human health or that all important, valuable contract.
Gearing up for Authenticity
To understand the bigger picture, let’s look at some parts within the transmission system. The transmission control system is responsible for managing the gears, allowing them to shift smoothly and efficiently ensuring the right amount of power is distributed to the wheels. It’s a complex and sophisticated network of components that often goes unnoticed by the driver until a problem arises.
Transmissions for Off-Highway vehicles are often tailor-made for that individual machine, and genuine Aftermarket parts, such as bearings, are designed to work in harmony within these specific systems. Bearings are used in literally every machine we humans come into contact with – from the most complex pieces of industrial equipment, to the most common of household appliances. Because of this, demand is high, and the humble bearing is one of the most copied parts.
Developed using advanced technologies which pay particular attention to lubrication, genuine bearings can withstand radial, axial and moment loads. If substandard or counterfeit bearings are used to repair the planetary drive and the bearings fail, major damage can be caused. Firstly, to the gears, and eventually to the whole drive which in turn leads to total vehicle failure.
Long-Term Savings
While some might argue that genuine spare parts come with a higher initial cost, it's vital to look beyond this. Authentic components are built to last, reducing the frequency of replacements. This can lead to significant cost savings over the life of your vehicle. Moreover, these parts help prevent expensive repairs and potential accidents that could result from using lower-quality components.
With its ‘Keep it Real’ campaign, ZF Aftermarket is taking a global stand to educate on the importance of buying, using and fitting genuine parts. ZF Aftermarket uses only the strongest, highest-grade materials to offer a longer lifetime, employs the cleanest and most efficient manufacturing processes and guarantees that every part is rigorously tested before leaving its dedicated facilities. With an unparalleled range of fully warranted OE quality genuine products supported by excellent services, ZF Aftermarket provides a unique, premium offer.
The campaign also looks at the real cost of the rising scourge of counterfeit vehicle components entering the market by addressing the damage these parts inflict not only on driver, passenger, and pedestrian safety, but also on brand reputation, job security and the wider economy.
The bottom line is that you can only rely on the authenticity of a part if you buy from approved suppliers. And when it comes to your business, it pays to fit parts you can trust.
