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Replacing parts can be a costly issue and since the implementation of the South African Competition Commission’s new Guidelines in July last year, the consumer is finally allowed to shop around and use non-original spare parts which generally come with a more competitive price tag.
The Chief Executive Officer, Right to Repair, Kate Elliott, however warns: “That means consumers now need to pay more attention to what parts are being fitted on their vehicle to avoid any problems with their warranty.”
Currently there are three different classifications of parts. Original OEM branded parts, equal matching quality parts and “grey, counterfeit or illegally sourced” parts.
Elliott says the Guidelines refer to Original Parts being made by, or for, the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) who are interpreted as being motor vehicle manufacturers. In reality the definition of “OEM” parts could be extended to include the aftermarket component parts manufacturers as well, as they are the originators of the parts which are manufactured, branded and sold in the market by the OEMs. These parts are either branded for the particular OEM and sold by the OEM’s dealer network or are rebranded as aftermarket house brands. “It is the latter which is often referred to as an equal matching quality part or non-original part,” she says.
She confirms that the Guidelines state that a warranty on a vehicle cannot be voided as a result of the use of equal matching quality parts. It is only if such a part were to cause a fault, that a portion of the warranty may be voided.
“However,” she warns consumers, “this is not true of parts that are classified as grey, counterfeit or illegally gained. These parts are specifically excluded by the Guidelines and a OEM would be within their rights to void a portion of a warranty should such parts be fitted. As long as the seller can provide traceability and integrity of the parts, the consumer is not at risk.”
So in summary best advice from Right to Repair is:
- With cost an issue and your car is in for a service, always shop around and compare prices of non-original spare parts (for example oil filters) during your vehicle’s in-warranty period. “It is no different to selecting a generic antibiotic – the same just more cost effective,” she says. To be safe, always use an accredited workshop.
- Never allow anyone to use parts that are classified as grey, counterfeit or illegally gained.
