The Danger of Replica Wheels for Your Honda
In simpler times, if you needed new wheels for your Mesa, Arizona Honda you would most likely just go to a certified Honda body shop in Mesa. The Internet changed all that. Now you can look at a dizzying array of wheels ranging from OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer’s) to aftermarkets and counterfeits. How do you choose between so many options?
Dealerships still recommend OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) wheels. In in fact automobile manufacturers along with the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries have produced a video demonstrating an aftermarket wheel that has been styled to look like it’s OEM counterpart, breaking when it hits a pothole, while the OEM wheel is shown easily going over the pothole with no damage.
When performing Honda body repair, certified Honda body shops will prefer using genuine Honda wheels for several reasons. Both because they achieve better results, since the offset is always the same, and because many consumers want the peace of mind that comes with Honda’s rigorous testing and five star safety rating.
There are no consistent quality standards enforced on the production of aftermarket wheels. Consequently, wheels can differ greatly from one manufacturer to another. The performance of an alloy wheel is the direct result of the manufacturing technique employed. OEM wheel manufacturers are required to follow certain procedures during the manufacturing process in order to maintain the quality and integrity of their OEM product.
In the United States there are laws in place to prevent monopolies, so manufacturers are allowed to make wheels that look similar to the OEM wheels.
In Mesa, a certified Honda body shop may offer both OEM wheels and replica wheels, leaving the customer to choose.
There are many misunderstandings concerning non-OEM wheels.
- Consumers don’t understand the difference between OEM wheels, replica wheels and fake or counterfeit wheels.
Counterfeit wheels are not manufactured under the same specifications and requirements and are not put through the same safety testing as OEM wheels. In addition, like any type of knockoff product they often don’t look quite right and may show flaws or contain exaggerated stamps in an attempt to appear genuine. Counterfeit wheels may not be a safe choice. - It is rumored that replica wheels are not safe.
All replica wheels are not created equal. While some are better than others, neither ‘certified’ or ‘non-certified’ parts are required to undergo the rigorous testing and quality standards of Honda OEM wheels.Before choosing between replica wheels and OEM wheels you should do your homework and only purchase wheels from a trusted manufacturer.
- Replica wheels may lessen the resale value of your vehicle.
The book value of your vehicle will be lower if you have non-OEM wheels. Original wheels and body parts are important to many consumers and if you look up the book value of your Honda it will show you how much to deduct from the value for non-OEM wheels.Additionally, aftermarket wheels may give the impression that the vehicle was owned by a teenager or young person who was less likely to drive carefully and take proper care of the vehicle. It can also give the impression that the vehicle has been involved in a collision and undergone auto body repair in Mesa.
- Many consumers believe that replica wheels are not as durable as OEM wheels.
Some of the better quality aftermarket wheels may be “certified”, hoping to reduce the client’s uneasiness, but often the definition of “certified” is vague. It is unlikely that any aftermarket wheel is able to compare with Honda’s quality and safety standards. - Many people will always believe replica wheels lack quality.
What is more important than the name stamped on the wheel is how it is manufactured. Both OEM wheels and replica wheels are manufactured in various ways.
One manufacturing process used to produce cast aluminum wheels involves pouring molten aluminum into a mold in order to create a cast aluminum wheel. These are among the bestselling wheels today due to the fact that they are light weight and less expensive to manufacture.
Another type of wheel is forged aluminum. They are made by stretching solid aluminum under extreme pressure in order to create a wheel that is stronger and lighter than cast aluminum, but also more costly.
The attributes and value of a wheel depend upon how it was made and safety tested, and no one beats Honda’s quality and safety standards.
Excel Collision Centers is a certified Honda body shop
If you believe your wheel has been damaged, stop by Excel Collision Centers for Honda body repair. We are among the 15% of Arizona’s body shops that are manufacturer certified. In order to be certified by vehicle manufacturers we must be inspected and show that we have the most up to date equipment and that our technicians have been educated according to vehicle manufacturers standards.
At Excel Collision Centers we take pride in our honesty and high quality work. Much of our business comes through word of mouth as satisfied clients recommend us to their friends and family. Contact us today for more information!
Published By:
Excel Collision and Glass Centers – Tim Stone
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Mesa, AZ 85206
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