You really do not want to learn the hard way just how important it is to always install genuine Toyota parts in your new vehicle. Of course, you would only do this if you had purchased a Toyota, so I’ll assume that if you are reading this that you have

Now on my third brand new Toyota in the past 25 years, you can be assured I’ve learned a lesson or 2 along the way. In my mid 20’s I thought I knew everything. And while I still pretty much think that, some of my friends are quick to point out the mistakes of my youth that might slightly disagree with that stated opinion.

Wanting to be a hipster in my youth, I purchased and installed a number of Toyota accessories for my first car. Some of them were genuine, some of them were simply after market knockoffs of original equipment.

It wasn’t until there was a recall for something relatively minor that I learned my lesson. After dropping off my car for the warranty repair work, I was shocked with a call from the dealer.

He asked about a recent installation I had made. Not thinking it a big deal I told him what I’d done. It was only then he informed me to bring my check book to pay for the work they had done that day as I had voided my warranty by installing unauthorized parts.

Never again!

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