Effective filtration is crucial for reliable and smooth-running engine operation. However, this ideal can be compromised significantly by using counterfeit aftermarket filters. Parker Racor explains…
Workshops need to know where they’re sourcing their parts from. Insisting on a filter from a reputable source, such as Parker Racor, should guarantee the same quality as that of OE filters. Put simply, both Parker Racor’s aftermarket and OE filters are identical; they are built on the same production lines using the same materials and the same media.
While counterfeiters can face huge legal consequences, this is of little consolation to vehicle fleet managers and maintainers who may have fallen foul of copycat filters. The tip here is to only buy from official sources, and with good reason. For example, Racor’s filtration technology is subject to rigorous development and testing routines, which are applied to every product to ensure it meets the required standards.
It may be tempting to buy from an unofficial source. Perhaps the price is a little more attractive? However, saving a few pounds on a filter is a false economy that could cost thousands in damaged injection systems, for example.
Unfortunately, counterfeiters try extremely hard to make filters look genuine. After all, if the consumer believes the product comes from a certain company, they trust it will be as good as the OE. Instead, they are in for an unpleasant surprise.
OE quality for aftermarket filters is one of Racor’s principal differentiators. The company develops its filter in close liaison with OE manufacturers. Key here is that OEs do not freely share specifications as this is confidential information between the vehicle manufacturer and their chosen filtration supplier. So, when another company claims to have a Racor OE filter equivalent, it cannot be certain as it has never had access to the original specification to begin with.
Clearly, there are serious consequences for the vehicle if a counterfeit filter is installed. Not using a product that removes water, dirt and particulates in an effective manner can prove disastrous. If contamination passes through the fuel filtration system, the next destination is the high-pressure pump and injectors. The repair bill is likely to be significant.
There are many aspects of buying a genuine Racor filter that counterfeiters simply cannot match. For instance, the company’s filters are subjected to intensive pressure pulsation testing to avoid the potential for leakage. What’s more, Racor filters are designed to deal with the latest diesel types. Today, there are many fuel variants, from bio-diesels to synthetic diesels. With this shift, the filter media has also changed as the ability to separate water from these fuels becomes more difficult. Ultimately, in comparison with the cost of a vehicle’s high-pressure pump and injector system, the price of using genuine filters pales into insignificance. Make the wise choice. Opt for aftermarket filters with OE quality.
