Nemith Volvo

It takes hundreds of thousands of man-hours and several years of design, engineering and testing work to bring a new car, truck, SUV or crossover to the market. With so much work going into developing and integrating every component of a new vehicle, and as one of the most expensive pieces of equipment most people own, it really doesn't make sense to install replacement parts of dubious origin.

While there are many aftermarket parts from reputable companies that are meant for performance enhancement, many of the generic replacement parts found at auto parts chain stores are little more than cheap replicas of the original parts. Manufacturers of these parts make copies that are the same size as the original, but they are not engineered in the same way and are frequently made of inferior materials.

Sub-standard replacement parts cover the gamut from basic air filters to full body panels. Even though an air filter seems fairly trivial, it's actually very important. If the filter material is too fine, it can clog up with dirt prematurely, limiting the engine's ability to breathe and make power and leading to more frequent replacement.

On the other hand, if a filter doesn't capture fine dirt and dust, those materials can get drawn into the engine where they can scratch and gouge the metal surfaces that have to slide against each other. Dust particles can also get past piston rings to contaminate the oil. When that happens, the oil pump can be damaged and the oil filter can be prematurely plugged. If the oil filter gets clogged, oil pressure can build up and cause a bypass valve to open, allowing completely unfiltered oil to circulate.

By skipping the carmaker's genuine replacements for generic parts, an owner could end up with damage that can cost thousands of dollars to repair.

One set of parts that eventually wears out on every car and needs to be replaced every few years are the brake pads and rotors. While everyone is probably aware that pressing on the braking pedal will slow down the car, most drivers may not be aware of the other ways that the brakes are used on modern vehicles. Cars and trucks equipped with Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control can automatically apply the brakes at individual wheels to help keep the car going where the driver is pointing the steering wheel. These control systems are calibrated by the engineers based on knowledge of how the brakes work. If the pads are replaced with aftermarket units that have more or less friction than the originals, it causes extended stopping distances and degraded handling.

Insurance companies often try to force body shops to use the least expensive generic replacement parts possible, but depending on your state's regulations, you may have the right to request original parts. Replacement panels that don't meet manufacturer specifications can lead to multiple problems. The body panels on modern unibody vehicles form part of the vehicle structure. If a replacement body panel is made from a different grade or thickness of steel than the factory part, it may not hold up as well if the vehicle is in a subsequent accident, putting the driver and passengers at risk.

Since these aftermarket parts are stamped from different dies that "replicate" the original, they might not be dimensionally correct. This can lead to degraded fit and finish after a repair and panel alignment issues. Modern vehicles with steel body panels are galvanized to help prevent rust. The coatings on replacement parts may not be as complete or as effective, allowing premature rust to develop. A bad coating can also cause problems with paint adhesion.

A car or truck is a major financial investment, so it's worth using the best materials possible to maintain it in proper working order or repair damage. If you want your vehicle to last, then you should take advantage of all the engineering and testing that went into its development by using genuine replacement parts from the original manufacturer. Your vehicle's manufacturer-trained service and parts advisors can help you make sure you always have the right parts for the job.

Volvo's first rule of personalization is there are no rules. Let your imagination take over and add a personal touch to your car with a wide range of accessories, devices and services.

Several offerings are available for the exterior, interior and cargo areas of your Volvo. Start with exterior features such as skid plates, front bumper bars, side scuff plates, running boards and rear spoilers. On the all-new S60, customers can take advantage of the Sport Appearance Package consisting of a sport rear bumper accent with dual tailpipes, a sport front bumper accent, sport sill moldings and sport décor frame.

Outfit the inside of your ride with a combination of technology and style. Add a portable navigation device that conveniently fits into a dashboard docking unit and integrates with the overall interior design of the vehicle. Provide hours of enjoyment for your passengers with rear-seat entertainment ? seven-inch screens installed in the backs of the headrests, each with its own individual DVD player. The screens can also display the same movie or game and can connect to wireless headphones and iPods.

Traveling with lots of cargo? No problem. Volvo aluminum T-Track load carriers are a safe and practical option for transporting anything you need. Roof boxes can easily be mounted onto load carriers, offering you additional cargo space. A hitch-mounted bicycle holder can be installed on some models, and if your needs call for towing a bigger load, simply add a trailer hitch. You can also protect your luggage compartment from dirt and water with specially designed floor mats.

Whatever your specific needs are, Volvo's extensive line of accessories has you covered. A car is an extension of self and deserves its own personal identity. Outfit your Volvo with your choice of available accessories and create the ultimate personalized experience. Just remember ? there are no rules when it comes to personalization.