I want to commend Tire Business and contributing writer Dan Marinucci for the Jan. 29 column titled, "Monitoring parts origins makes dollars and sense."
Every member of the auto service industry, from manufacturer to service provider, plays a vital role in delivering the quality, reliability and value expected by today's vehicle owners. The parts and other products we design, manufacture, specify and install are central to our industry's value proposition. They can also affect the consumer's safety.
Given these facts, it is imperative that tire dealers and, yes, consumers know the origins of the parts they choose.
Where were they produced and by whom? Are they from established brands? Do the manufacturers stand behind their products?
The differences between one part and a lookalike unit from a low-cost provider can be staggering. In the case of a strut assembly, for example, several "invisible" characteristics — grade of steel, type of spring technology, internal valving design, and more — can determine how satisfied, and perhaps even how safe, your customers might be.
Ask yourself, would you install the part on your own vehicle?
In an age when many technicians and consumers might assume most replacement parts are manufactured in China and other low-cost countries, I am proud to report that Monroe shock absorbers, struts and Quick-Strut assemblies are designed by our engineering team in Monroe, Mich., and originate in our manufacturing, product assembly and distribution facilities in Paragould, Ark.
We're committed to U.S. manufacturing and proud of it.