As you hand over your car to a service centre, you place a lot of trust in their hands. Everything hinges on the quality of parts used, from oil changes to brake replacements. But here’s the big question—how do you know if the service centre uses genuine spare parts or just cheap, lookalike alternatives?
For most car owners, especially those who aren’t mechanically inclined, it’s not easy to tell. Yet, the parts that go into your car can significantly impact its performance, safety, and lifespan. So, let’s break down some simple ways to check whether your service centre uses genuine components.
1. Ask for the Part Before and After the Job
This might sound basic, but it works wonders. Ask the service advisor to show you the new part before installation, and return the old one after replacement. For example, if you’re replacing brake pads, ask to see the new ones’ packaging and compare it with your car’s original part. This allows you to inspect the parts and discourages using fake or reused components.
2. Check the Packaging and Branding
Genuine parts almost always come in high-quality packaging. Look for:
- Brand logo
- Proper labelling (part number, description)
- Holograms or QR codes for authenticity
- Quality printing (fake ones usually have blurry or smudged prints)
Counterfeit parts often come in plain or poorly designed packaging and lack the sophistication of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) branding.
3. Cross-verify with Your Car’s Manual or OEM Website
Every car manufacturer has a specific part number for each component. Before your service appointment, you can do a little homework and look up part numbers in your car’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website. Match this number when the new part is installed to ensure it aligns.
4. Look for the Price Gap
If a part being replaced is offered at a suspiciously low price, that’s a red flag. Genuine spare parts come with a standard price range across the country. So, if your bill seems too good to be true, it probably is. It’s worth calling an authorised dealer to know the actual cost.
5. Watch the Work—If Possible
If your service centre allows it, try to observe the work being done on your car. This way, you can see firsthand what’s being installed. Some modern centres even offer live video feeds or service bays with glass walls so you can watch while sipping coffee. If a centre is unwilling to let you observe, it’s worth questioning their transparency.
6. Check for Warranty on Parts
Reputable service centres usually offer a warranty on spare parts and labour. It shows that they trust the quality of what they’re installing. Ask about the warranty before any replacement is done. You might be dealing with counterfeit parts if they’re cagey or vague.
7. Digital Service Records and Transparency
This is where newer, tech-forward services have the upper hand. When a centre maintains digital service records, complete with real-time updates, pictures of the replaced parts, and invoices with breakdowns, it leaves little room for ambiguity. You know exactly what was changed, how much it cost, and what parts were used.
8. Choose a Trusted Service Partner
This brings us to an essential aspect in the car servicing world: choosing the right service centre. ACKO Drive Service Centre offers quality car service, transparency and uses OEM parts. If you’ve ever been frustrated by unclear communication, delays, or worrying about fake parts, ACKO Drive is here to change the experience altogether.
With ACKO Drive Car Service, you get:
- 100% genuine spare parts, guaranteed.
- Free pick-up and drop-off so you don’t even need to leave home.
- Real-time updates about your car’s service status.
- Trained technicians and auto experts who genuinely care about your car.
- Digital transparency lets you see exactly what’s happening with your car at every stage.
When you book through ACKO Drive, you know your car gets the best care possible, without shortcuts or shady components.
9. Look at the Workshop’s Reputation
Before you decide on any service centre, check their reviews. Word of mouth is a powerful thing. Look at what people say on Google, social media, or car forums. A service centre that consistently gets good feedback for genuine parts and quality service is far more trustworthy than one flagged for cutting corners.
Conclusion
Your car isn’t just a machine; it’s a part of your everyday life. That’s why it deserves nothing less than genuine care. Spotting fake parts isn’t about being overly cautious; it’s just a smart way to protect your car and your wallet in the long run.
So, next time your car needs servicing, don’t hesitate to ask questions or double-check what’s going on under the hood. If you want to skip the stress altogether, ACKO Drive Car Service can take care of the entire process.
