To “pimp your ride” could cost you dearly, says Ford. Not only could it bring your warranty into question, but the premature failure of components could pose a major safety risk.
“We are seeing a significant increase in the number of aftermarket accessories being fitted to Ford Rangers and Ford Everests recently, from grille replacements to body kits, which are a major concern for us,” says Neale Hill, MD of Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA). “While we appreciate the desire of enthusiastic owners to make their vehicles unique, it has major implications for the performance, reliability and safety of the vehicles.
Ford says that aftermarket accessories that have not been tested and are thus not approved as original equipment (OE) items, haven’t been exposed to the same rigorous evaluations and proven under the most extreme conditions, ranging from sub-zero tests in the coldest climates to searing desert heat. Additionally, if the fitment is not done by fully trained and accredited Ford technicians, there’s no guarantee of the quality of the workmanship.
These parts are also not tested to support and work with the vehicle itself, including important factors such as wind flow, cooling and vehicle stability. And in the case of mods to the engine, suspension and lights, these changes could in fact negatively affect the vehicle’s durability.
Fitting these non-approved accessories, says Ford, could therefore result in the premature failure of certain components. This could end up being a costly exercise as it may affect the vehicle’s warranty, leaving the owner to cover the repair bills. Even more concerning is the risk it potentially poses to the driver and passengers, as well as other road users.
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Sarah Redshaw
Mitsubishi Motors has revived the Pajero name with the launch of the fifth generation Pajero Cross Country. The new model does not simply replace the previous Pajero that disappeared from the market in 2021. Its relationship with the Pajero Sport is equally important, particularly for markets such as South Africa.
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