The automobile replacements parts industry is a multi billion dollar per year industry. Everything from brake pads to exhaust parts, from air filters to gaskets, and anything else you can imagine are produced by companies around the globe for your vehicle. Unfortunately, the counterfeiting of replacement parts is also a multi billion dollar industry. The window motor you are purchasing for your car could be a fake, made in China, the Middle East, or some other country. We'll examine some ways you can determine whether the parts you purchased are suitable for your car.

When shopping for replacement parts there are a few things you must determine:

1. Does the part meet or exceed original equipment manufacturer specifications [OEM]? Just because the company claims that the part meets requirements does not mean that it actually does. Reputable parts stores, including online wholesalers such as Car Parts Stuff, will list everything by brand name.

2. Is the part made from a recognized manufacturer? For example, are those Bosch spark plugs you are purchasing or are they spark plugs from a no name brand? Be careful, the spark plugs could say Bosck or some other name very close to Bosch, but they aren't Bosch. No reputable parts company would name their product close to the name of another company. One more warning: some counterfeiters have even copied company logos and packaging to make their product look like the real thing.

3. Examine the part closely. Is it the same size as the part that it replaces? Is the texture the same? Is the shape proper? For example, the window motor you ordered could look similar to the one that was in your car, but if it is made completely out of cheap plastic you can pretty much count on it that you have purchased a fake.

4. Be careful where you purchase your parts. Your dealer will stock genuine OEM replacement parts and so will most leading auto supply chains. Many online wholesalers also stock OEM parts and these parts are sold at discounted prices. If the online prices are ridiculously low across the board [70-90% off] then the parts being sold could be fake. Buy only from dealers who accept credit cards [so you can get your money refunded to you in the event that there is a problem], a toll free number where you can make a call to speak with a live person, and make sure that their base of operation is in the US or Canada. Recommendation: Never buy your parts from China. The prices are too good to be true for a reason.

If you suspect that the parts you purchased are fake, contact your local police department for assistance.