Interesting video on counterfeit parts

I can't speak for others, but FOR ME, being just DIY on my own vehicles, I use a mix of OEM and aftermarket parts. I'm careful about where I get any OEM parts, and the vast majority of aftermarket I get from Rock Auto. I always get AT LEAST stuff in the "standard replacement" category and never in their "economy" category. If possible, I usually get the part I know is the OEM supplier - Denso, Aisin, etc. I always research any brand I'm not familiar with before committing to purchase.

FOR ME, the "value calculation" is vastly different from a pro. My income/livelihood doesn't depend on not having to redo a fix. FOR ME, my calculation is "the more of a PIA it is to redo it, the better brand part I will get."

Some things I ALWAYS get OEM/OEM supplier, such as most electric/electronic items - plugs, sensors, etc. because there are too many variables, and it becomes a BIG PIA to troubleshoot to only find out an aftermarket sensor (for example) isn't responding the way it should, not giving the expected waveform, etc.

 

According to this vid, NGK will tell you if it's genuine. Note that there is the caveat in the vid about some fakes stamping production numbers from real batches.