How to Check if the Headlights Are Genuine OEM Parts?
3 Answers
Methods to check if the headlights are genuine OEM parts are as follows: 1. The quality of aftermarket headlights varies widely, and the edge transitions of the headlights cannot match the perfection of OEM headlights, often exhibiting many burrs. Additionally, the engraved characters and logos on the headlights tend to be blurry. 2. Due to insufficient manufacturing standards, aftermarket headlights often have significant tolerances, resulting in uneven gaps between the headlights and the car body after installation, with noticeable left-right deviations. 3. The lighting performance of aftermarket headlights is generally inferior, with slower response times and even uneven brightness between the left and right sides. Headlights come in two forms: high beam and low beam. Use low beam on urban roads with streetlights, and switch to high beam when driving on unlit roads or highways. When meeting another vehicle, switch from high beam to low beam.
The most straightforward method is to inspect the headlight assembly. Genuine OEM headlights will have clear part number stamps on the back or side, which can be photographed and sent to the 4S dealership for verification. Paying attention to the sealant at the seams of the headlight housing is also crucial—OEM parts will have even and smooth application, while aftermarket ones often show rough edges or air bubbles. Last time I helped a friend inspect a used car, we found that the plastic clips on aftermarket headlights were particularly brittle and would make a cracking sound when squeezed lightly. Also, check the light transmittance of the lens—when viewed against strong light, the internal reflector bowl of OEM headlights will appear very uniform, whereas aftermarket ones may show slight deformations. If you're still unsure, it's advisable to check the maintenance records. If the headlights were replaced after an accident and the repair wasn't done at a 4S dealership, there's a high chance they're aftermarket parts.
Having run an auto repair shop for over a decade, I've handled tens of thousands of headlights. Genuine OEM parts feel noticeably heavier in hand, with three-dimensional engravings of mold numbers, production dates, etc. on the back of the housing – the font edges are sharp. Aftermarket parts usually have flat printed markings that fade when scraped with a fingernail. OEM lights feature the automaker's logo embossed on the corners, like the recessed "TOYOTA" engraving on Toyota lights. Electrical testing reveals more: even with LED headlights, OEM units illuminate evenly while aftermarket ones often show dark spots or color variations. The most definitive verification is dismantling the bracket – OEM brackets come with manufacturer-authenticated QR codes that link directly to official websites when scanned. But honestly, today's high-quality counterfeit aftermarket lights are nearly indistinguishable visually. For average car owners, checking the VIN at a dealership is the most hassle-free approach.
