From Stuttgart To Your Auto Repair Shop Follow The Journey Of European Auto Parts
There will come a point in your car’s life when it will require replacement parts. Choosing to prioritize European auto parts will offer major benefits for you and your car. This is because European auto parts embark on a fascinating journey from their origin all the way to your local auto repair and performance facility. It’s this process that ensures that every part fitted to your car comes with a quality-assured stamp of approval.
In this article, we take a look at the amazing journey your European auto parts make to ensure your car only gets the best.
The Origin Story
Long before your parts are fitted to your car, they are engineered at European factories, largely within Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Auto component factories such as Robert Bosch GmbH in Stuttgart and Brembo in Bergamo hold to the highest performance standards. It’s within these world-class facilities that auto components are developed and designed. From transmissions, brake systems, alternators, and batteries, it’s all conceptualized by leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Many of these factories specialize in designs specifically for top European automotive brands such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Ferrari, Maserati, and others.
Auto components are developed through a 3-tier system. Tier 3 consists of suppliers who source the raw materials required for production. Tier 2 companies provide complex components such as wiring harnesses, which are then used by tier 1. Tier 1 companies are the most technical and provide systems directly to the OEM manufacturing line. All this to say, you can rest assured that your European performance car relies on parts that are sourced from high-quality materials.
Manufacturing & Testing
European auto manufacturers are committed to producing components of the highest quality. Stringent manufacturing processes are utilized, including:
Precision Machining
Components are crafted with computer-controlled technology to ensure absolute precision. Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining allows for an automated process whereby components are manufactured to precise measurements with the highest accuracy.
Rigorous Quality Checks
Even with a stratospheric level of precision, parts don’t leave the factory until they have been comprehensively tested. Endurance testing simulates repetitive usage to ensure a part is functioning correctly. These simulators can subject components to years of usage within a relatively short period. Simulation testing helps engineers to identify any weak points that may need to be addressed. Other tests include function testing, environmental simulation, and NDT or Non-Destructive Testing. NDT testing uses radiology technology to examine the structure of the component to ensure there are no defects present.
The Supply Chain
The “Just-in-Time” (JIT) philosophy is widely practiced by many European manufacturers and helps to minimize waste by ensuring that the various components and materials are only delivered when needed for production. This helps to create a robust and highly effective supply chain.
Once a part is safely packaged, it will be sent to a distribution center, from which it will be carefully transported via ocean freight. You can rest assured that components are robustly packaged with adequate cushioning to ensure a safe transit. In situations where a component is needed urgently, air freight can also be considered. Once the components arrive in the U.S. and pass customs, they are sent to a distribution warehouse where they are sorted and shipped to the respective repair shops.
OEM Vs. Aftermarket
OEM parts are either supplied directly from the manufacturer or a trusted company that’s been contracted by the manufacturer. OEM components are built to your manufacturer’s exact specifications and are often branded. They are manufactured to the exact specifications and are available from your trusted auto repair shop.
Aftermarket parts are produced by manufacturers that aren’t necessarily associated with your manufacturer. Although they may fit your vehicle, they’re often manufactured to different specifications and quality standards. Aftermarket parts can alter the look and performance of your car, but carry the advantage of being more affordable. It’s best to chat with your trusted repair shop to get advice on the right parts for all European cars.
Counterfeit Concerns
Counterfeit parts are a growing reality in the automotive world. These parts are not produced with the manufacturer’s permission, making them illegal. They are made to look like OEM parts, but they don’t carry the same quality assurance, nor have they undergone a rigorous and controlled testing protocol. Counterfeit parts pose a risk to businesses and a considerable safety risk to consumers.
Lured by their low prices, customers often don’t realize that counterfeit parts are manufactured from inferior materials and don’t carry the same warranty that trusted auto parts do. Using counterfeit parts can put your car at risk of malfunctioning, while also voiding other component warranties if a counterfeit part is found to be present. A trusted auto repair shop protects its customers by only sourcing genuine European auto parts, so be sure to chat to your trusted repair shop about any auto parts you need.
Why It Matters For Customers
Choosing genuine European auto parts is an investment in your car’s safety, longevity, and performance. Components such as brakes are designed to protect whoever is in the vehicle. Going with unknown auto parts is a compromise to your family’s safety. Authentic European auto parts are engineered for precision and designed to maintain the performance you’ve come to enjoy from your car. Quality parts also last longer, preventing premature wear and tear to your vehicle.
European Auto Parts & Service In Pompano Beach
At Foreign Affairs Motorsports, we pride ourselves on high-quality European auto parts. We understand all top European automotive names and why they absolutely need quality components. We are South Florida’s premier European auto repair, performance, and race facility, and we specialize in all aspects of automotive repair and performance. Call us at 954-746-0488 to ensure your import gets quality European auto parts every time.