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The Fundamental Difference Between Auto Parts and Auto Accessories
In the eyes of auto repair shops and modification shops, the dividing line is "whether the car can be driven without them" and "whether the traffic police will check." Here are the distinguishing criteria:
I. Different Functional Positions (Life or Death vs. Style)
Auto Parts (Essential Needs):
* Engine Piston Rings: If not replaced, they will burn oil and cause cylinder scoring, leading to the car breaking down.
Brake Pads: Once worn out, they won't stop the car; driving on the road is tantamount to murder.
CV Joints: Make a clattering sound on rough roads; if broken, the wheel will fly off. Essence: Must be replaced when broken, otherwise, the car will be destroyed and people will die.
Auto Accessories (Flexible Style):
* Chassis Ambient Lights: Looks like an auto parts store at night; short circuits and spontaneous combustion in rainy weather.
Fake Rear Wings: Increase wind resistance above 120 km/h; the rear bumper will be blown off.
Phone Holders: Fly out and shatter the windshield during emergency braking. Essence: You can drive normally without them; installing them might lead to death.
II. Different Distribution Channels (Street Shops vs. Influencer Sales)
Parts Distribution Chain:
OEM → 4S Store (Original Parts)
→ Auto Parts Market (Genuine Parts/Used Parts) → Repair Shop
→ Roadside Stalls (Refurbished Parts/Aftermarket Parts)
Shady Practices: 4S store original parts have 3 times the price tag, while genuine parts from the same production line are 50% cheaper after removing the tag.
Accessory Distribution Chain:
Small Factories in Yiwu → Influencer Sales on Douyin ("Carbon Fiber Stickers")
→ Car Wash Strongly Promotes ("Ceramic Coating Packages")
→ Modification Shops Deceive Customers ("Electronic Turbochargers")
Exorbitant Profits: A steering wheel cover costing 20 yuan is sold for 880 yuan after being labeled "Alcantara".
III. Different Regulatory Risks (Annual Inspection and Accident Liability Determination)
Parts Replacement Red Lines: Using aftermarket airbags: They won't deploy in an accident, leading to manufacturer refusal to compensate and criminal liability.
Refurbished brake pads: Full liability in a rear-end collision, insurance company refuses to pay. Regulations: Must comply with GB 12676 braking standards.
Accessory Addition Pitfalls: Modifying to xenon headlights without lenses: Instantly fails annual inspection, 500 yuan fine.
Roof-mounted toys: Falling toys causing accidents, full liability, bankruptcy due to financial losses. Traffic police motto: Modifications that alter the original vehicle's technical parameters are all illegal.
IV. Different Impacts on Lifespan (Mechanic Hierarchy)
Inferior Parts Damage Cars: Aftermarket timing belt: Broken chain damages valves, engine overhaul starting at 20,000 yuan.
Generic oil filter: Bypass valve jams, oil doesn't circulate, causing bearing damage.
Idiot Accessory Death Scenes: Diamond-studded steering wheel: Turns into a bullet when airbag deploys.
Accelerator pedal cover: Jams the accelerator, even a Tesla can't stop it.
