How to Recognize a Counterfeit Steering Wheel
At MOMO Motorsport, we're committed to ensuring that you get the authentic products you deserve. Counterfeit steering wheels not only compromise your driving experience but also pose serious safety risks.
As of March 2023, all MOMO steering wheels manufactured will include an NFC chip in one of it’s spokes and a RFID code in the sticker. We keep a record of the pairs (RFID and NFC) so that we can recognize the origin of the steering wheel. This also will help determine authentic MOMO steering wheels from knockoffs.
If you have a steering wheel manufactured before March 2023, here’s how you can identify counterfeit steering wheels and ensure that you're purchasing genuine Momo products:
- Inspect the Branding:
- Authentic MOMO steering wheels feature clear and crisp branding. Look for the Momo logo, which should be neatly engraved or embossed on the steering wheel. Pay close attention to the font, spacing, and alignment of the logo.
- Counterfeit steering wheels often have blurry or poorly executed branding. If the logo appears faded, smudged, or irregular, it could indicate a fake product.
- Check the Quality of Materials:
- Genuine Momo steering wheels are crafted from high-quality materials such as genuine leather, carbon fiber, or aluminum. The stitching on leather steering wheels should be even and tight, with no loose threads.
- Counterfeit steering wheels may use inferior materials or shortcuts in manufacturing. Look for signs of poor craftsmanship, such as uneven stitching, rough edges, or cheap plastic components.
- Verify the Packaging:
- Authentic Momo steering wheels come in packaging that reflects the brand's commitment to quality. The packaging should be sturdy, well-designed, and include detailed product information.
- Counterfeit steering wheels may come in flimsy or generic packaging with misspelled words or incorrect logos. Be wary of packaging that looks cheap or hastily assembled.
- Examine the Documentation:
- Genuine Momo steering wheels come with installation card/instruction manual, and a pamphlet on the RFID chip and how it check it. Check the spelling, grammar, and overall quality of the documentation.
- Counterfeit steering wheels may lack proper documentation or include poorly translated materials. If the documentation appears suspicious or incomplete, it could indicate a counterfeit product.
- Purchase from Authorized Retailers:
- To minimize the risk of buying a counterfeit steering wheel, always purchase from authorized retailers, either in-store or online. Authorized retailers are verified by Momo and adhere to strict quality standards. You can check this on the dealer locator page.
- Be cautious when buying from third-party sellers or unofficial websites, as they may unknowingly or intentionally sell counterfeit products.
- Do NOT purchase from TEMU, Alibaba, Aliexpress or questionable Marketplaces
- If you are still unsure of your MOMO steering wheel being authentic, you can always reach out to us at: info@momousa.com, and one of our reps will be able to assist you in determining if your steering wheel is an authentic one or not.
- Trust Your Instincts:
- If something seems off about the steering wheel or the purchasing process, trust your instincts. If the price seems too good to be true or if the seller lacks credibility, it's better to err on the side of caution.
- Remember that safety should always be your top priority when purchasing automotive products. Investing in a genuine Momo steering wheel ensures not only superior performance but also peace of mind on the road.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently identify counterfeit steering wheels and make informed decisions when purchasing automotive products. At Momo, we're dedicated to providing you with authentic, high-quality steering wheels that enhance your driving experience and safety.