How Trump’s tariffs will effect everyday prices
With new tariffs on imports, several everyday goods are likely to become more expensive for American consumers. Cars and auto parts, many of which are produced through an integrated North American supply chain, will see price increases as manufacturers adjust to higher costs.
unbranded – Newsworthy
Counterfeit auto parts are big business, with such parts entering the U.S. having an estimated value of more than $3 billion a year, federal and international officials have said.
Any part of a vehicle can be counterfeited from air bags to spark plugs to fuel injectors, key fobs, sensors and more, according to the Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council in Michigan, which includes nearly a dozen North American vehicle manufacturers.
Here are some ways that it said consumers can try to avoid cheaply made counterfeit parts, which can cause performance issues and even injuries or death:
- Buy from a reputable place, such as dealers, distributors or large chain auto parts retailers.
- Look into the seller and where they are located, especially if buying online. Confirm the reliability of the source of the parts or the repair shop providing them.
- Request receipts for parts used in repairs.
- Consult with the manufacturer’s dealer or a trusted mechanic. The council advises repair shops to make sure they are using reputable supply chains so they don’t get counterfeit parts.
- Get a vehicle history report before buying a used vehicle or if you bought a used vehicle and don’t know its history. If it was in a crash where the air bag deployed, go to a reputable independent mechanic or dealership for an air bag inspection to make sure the replacement parts are genuine and meet original equipment manufacturer specifications.
- If buying from a private seller, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends getting a vehicle history report and having the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic.
- Contact law enforcement if you think you have a counterfeit auto part. You also can turn to the auto manufacturer, the original equipment manufacturer, the anti-counterfeiting council, NHTSA or the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center.
Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @challreporter.
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