Why Use ACDelco Products?

Brand Protection

When it comes to auto parts, that old saying is definitely the case—fake auto parts have become a serious problem in recent years. So beware: if somebody tries to sell you what appear to be genuine ACDelco parts at deep discount prices, there’s a good chance the parts are imitations.

What are counterfeit parts?

Imitation parts manufactured, packaged and represented in a way intended to fool you. Counterfeiters often duplicate a trademark exactly, or alter it just enough that the average consumer won’t notice the difference. Counterfeit parts distributors use the trademarks and other recognizable characteristics, like similar packaging, to market their products and trick consumers into thinking they are buying the real thing.

Why should I care?

The real kicker is that, more often than not, counterfeit parts are of inferior quality and performance. Counterfeit parts may be cheaper up-front, but they could cost you a lot more in the long run. For starters, counterfeit parts typically don't last as long as genuine parts. Unlike genuine ACDelco parts, counterfeit parts typically aren't built according to your manufacturer's specifications, leading to possible mechanical problems and system breakdowns.

GM’s Role

We’re concerned about counterfeit parts for several reasons. First, fake parts cast a shadow on our reputation as a provider of high-quality replacement parts. They lead to sales and job losses, both for our company and the entire automotive industry.

We’ve worked hard to establish and maintain our reputation. So we’re working with law enforcement agencies, as well as with other automotive manufacturers, to battle counterfeit parts makers.

Commonly counterfeited parts

The most-common counterfeit parts are maintenance and high-volume items such as:

• wheel covers
• oil and air filters
• shock absorbers
• fan belts
• disc brake pads and shoes
• air conditioning compressors
• starters
• spark plugs
• oxygen sensors
• valves and valve lifters
• distributor caps
• gasoline filters and filter caps
• rocker arms and camshafts
• antifreeze/coolant and transmission fluids
• bearings
• alternators and generators

Spotting a counterfeit part isn’t always easy—that’s because counterfeit part makers make every effort to fool consumers. But there are some things you can do to protect yourself:

• If someone else is installing the part, ask to see both the part and its package.
• Inspect the packaging. If it’s flimsy or lacks a name brand or logo, it might be counterfeit. Pay close attention to the packaging graphics. Counterfeits often have graphics or a name similar to—but not quite the same as—those you're used to seeing. Counterfeiters often use colors, artwork and fonts on their packaging that are similar to the original.
• Extremely large price differences between products should cause you to be suspicious.

The best way to protect yourself? Buy genuine ACDelco parts from authorized and reputed dealers.