The simple but significant thing that can change the value of your car, instantly.

Most of us know the feeling – we’ve bought a new car, and it’s exciting – even though you’ve said goodbye to a large chunk of money!

Which is why it’s natural to want to save money on repairs and servicing in the future, especially considering cars depreciate in value, right?

Well, not exactly.

Contrary to popular thinking, a car isn’t a liability but one of the biggest investments you can make. Even if you didn’t buy it new. Which is why you have to invest in it.

And one of the easiest ways to do that is by only taking it to repairers and service centres who only use what’s known as ‘genuine parts’ – parts that are designed and warranted by the manufacturer for your car regardless of who fits it.

Often, using genuine parts seems like the more expensive option, because using non-genuine parts (that aren’t approved by the manufacturer) are cheaper – but this is a false economy. It’s a short-term gain (saving money initially) for a long-term pain.

It’s just not worth it.

Think of it this way: is that part designed for your car specifically? If not, how long will it last? How do you know if it will actually do the job, or cause more problems? And what does that mean in terms of your car’s value… and its safety?

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries has a campaign to protect consumers and promote road safety called Genuine is Best. It’s an excellent resource that explains everything you need to know about how genuine parts affect your car’s value.

So what exactly is a ‘genuine part‘?

Genuine parts are made or selected by the vehicle’s manufacturer. They’re repeatedly tested as an integral component of the vehicle to meet high quality, safety and performance standards. This ensures your vehicle will drive, function and protect you the way it was intended.

Non-genuine parts can’t necessarily promise the same quality and safety attributes that come with a genuine part.

These are the sorts of non-genuine parts that you need to be aware of, if you want to retain your car’s integrity, and its value:

Parallel parts: are made by the vehicle manufacturer, or by its official supplier, but are not supplied through the Australian dealer network, or suited to Australian driving conditions.

Counterfeit parts: are illegal imitations sold as genuine parts.

Salvaged/recycled parts: have been removed from a damaged car, and ‘cleaned up’ for use in the repair of other vehicles. There is no guarantee that the part was originally genuine, or if the part’s integrity was stressed before it was removed.

Aftermarket parts: are not produced by the manufacturer, and have been made to be an alternative to a genuine part.

How does a genuine part affect your car’s value?

There are four main ways using genuine parts can make sure you get the best out of your car. Here’s the, ahem, breakdown (that’s a bit of car humour, there):

Log books.

Future buyers of your car will look at its log book – the record of all servicing and repairs – which you’ll usually find in the glove box.

They will want to know that you have maintained the car, so that mechanically, it’s in excellent condition, including anything from your tyres to the rivet holding your steering wheel.

If they can see that you’ve consistently used an authorised service centre, and genuine parts, they will feel more confident about purchasing the car from you – and be more willing to pay the price you’re seeking.

 Warranty.

Non-genuine parts can the integrity of your car. Your car is a symbiotic system, designed and proven to work together for performance and protection.

The warranty given by a manufacturer over its car may be effected if parts that aren’t specifically designed for the car are used. This could mean you’re out-of-pocket for repairs your warranty may otherwise have covered.

And if you want to sell the car, it will be relevant to potential buyers that there may be warranty issues.

Part Quality.

Non-genuine parts are often cheaper because they’re band-aid solutions – with no guarantee as to their suitability for your car, or their longevity.

Because of their unknown quality, they can simply stop working, or affect the mechanics of the car in other ways. This is one of the main ways non-genuine parts can cost you more money in the long run.

Safety.

Most car designs are carefully considered with safety in mind, and every part of a car serves a purpose in its overall safety – especially in response to a collision.

It sounds alarming, but the fact of the matter is that any minor deviation can potentially dramatically change what happens in a crash. Which is one of the most serious reasons why using genuine parts is not only good for your car – but good for you and your passengers, too.

And, apart from helping you retain the value of your car, you’ll also be doing your bit for road safety in general. Now that’s an idea that will not only warm your pocket, but your heart, too.

For more information, check out www.genuineisbest.com.au, or find them on Facebook.