October 20th 2024.
Fake car parts are a serious issue that we all need to be aware of, experts have warned. Every year, millions of dangerous counterfeit car parts make their way onto UK roads, including black market airbags and batteries. These fake parts are made to look like the real deal, making it difficult for even the most experienced car owners to spot them. However, unlike genuine parts, counterfeits are not safety tested and could be made from inferior materials, putting lives at risk. The most commonly purchased counterfeit items are tyres, wheels, airbags, and brakes, all of which are crucial for the safety of drivers and passengers.
It is not uncommon for motorists to unknowingly purchase fake car parts and only find out when their car is being serviced. This is a widespread problem, with figures showing that nearly £1 billion worth of fake car parts were imported into the UK in just one year. These counterfeit parts can be extremely dangerous, as they may fail to function properly in a crash, putting lives at risk. In fact, a recent survey revealed that one in six car owners admitted to buying a fake part in the past year.
DCI Emma Warbey from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit at City of London Police has seen the consequences of using fake car parts firsthand. She shared, "Counterfeiting safety-critical car components such as tyres, wheels, airbags, and brakes shows the lengths that criminals will go to in order to make money, with no regard for the safety of those who will end up using these products." In a recent operation, her team seized 500 counterfeit car airbags that could have put motorists at risk.
In response to this growing problem, the government has launched a campaign to educate drivers on how to spot and avoid counterfeit car parts. The "Fake Always Breaks" campaign, launched by the Intellectual Property Office, aims to warn motorists about the life-threatening dangers of fake parts. They have also provided five helpful tips to help drivers avoid ending up with fake parts in their cars.
Firstly, it's important to be cautious of low prices when purchasing car parts. If a price seems too good to be true, it could be a red flag. It's also essential to research the seller and read customer reviews before making a purchase. Checking the specifications of the part is also crucial, as fake parts are often "one size fits all" and may not be suitable for your car. Genuine parts will also come with a certificate of Original Equipment, which fakes will not have. Lastly, it's important to report any suspected counterfeit parts to the independent charity Crimestoppers.
While it may be tempting to buy a cheaper fake product, especially during a cost of living crisis, it's not worth the risk. The IPO conducted research on UK motorists and found that three-fifths who purchased cheap parts knew they were fake. Cost-saving was a significant factor, with three in ten saying they bought the counterfeit parts to save money. Additionally, a third of those who knowingly bought fake parts believed there was no significant difference in appearance.
Unfortunately, even those who unknowingly purchase counterfeit parts often find out the hard way. More than two in five drivers who unknowingly bought fake parts only discovered the truth when their car faulted, sometimes during routine service checks. As winter driving conditions approach, the deputy director of enforcement at IPO, Miles Rees, stresses the importance of educating motorists about the dangers of fake car parts. He shared, "Fake car parts are illegal and extremely dangerous for drivers and other road users. While they may appear to be the same as genuine parts, they are often made from inferior materials and have not been safety tested. This significantly increases the risk of failure and can have life-changing or even life-ending consequences, which is not a risk worth taking."
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