Be aware of fake car parts as you prepare your vehicles for winter

The Fake Always Breaks campaign has been launched this month by The Intellectual Property Office, following a survey that shows that one in six motorists have bought a counterfeit vehicle part in the past 12 months.

The IPO is the official UK government body responsible for intellectual property (IP) rights, including patents, designs, trademarks and copyright.

The campaign warns people about the dangers of buying fake parts, including car batteries, headlights, tyres or wheels, windscreen wipers, airbags and brake pads or discs – which are usually made from inferior materials and are not safety-tested, increasing the risk of failure and putting lives at risk.

Fake vehicle parts can also invalidate motor insurance, void vehicle warranties and cause liabilities for garages. They are a global issue, with many people seeking cheaper parts online. Researchers estimate that counterfeit parts imported to the UK were worth almost £1billion in a single year.

The IPO survey reveals that the most commonly-purchased fake car parts in the UK include car batteries (bought by 25% of motorists who admit to buying counterfeit parts), tyres/wheels (23%) and windscreen wipers (19%). Worryingly, 14% of motorists who have purchased fake car parts bought counterfeit airbags, while over a tenth (12%) bought fake brake pads or discs.

31% of people said that saving money is the single biggest reason for choosing cheaper parts. Meanwhile, a third (34%) of motorists who bought fake parts said they did so because they felt there was no discernible difference in appearance (34%).

However, many purchases are also made unknowingly and these are often uncovered at a later stage. More than two in five motorists (45%) who bought a fake part that they thought was genuine only found out through their local garage after the part failed, and 30% became aware during routine service checks.

Be careful if a branded part is being sold for a cheaper price by a seller you don’t recognise, or even if it’s only marginally cheaper. If in doubt, research the seller regardless of shopping online or from the high street. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is.

Be wary of price, check the spec, research the seller and look for proof. These are all ways that can help you spot a fake car part. Consumers can find out more about the dangers of fake vehicle parts by visiting https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/counterfeit-vehicle-parts/consumer-guidance-fake-parts

You should report any fake car parts that you see advertised  to Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.

Cllr Ron Shepherd, NELC Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “Avoiding fake car parts is an issue that involves all motorists as we all look to save money. Fake car parts are not easy to spot and unfortunately problems like this are usually only reported when it is too late and the parts have failed, causing damage or potential injury.

“I urge people to be aware of what they are buying, particularly online, and to use a trusted local garage to source and fit your vehicle parts. Using these garages ensures the parts installed are genuine and safe, providing peace of mind for both you and the professionals working on your vehicle.

“Trading Standards services in North East Lincolnshire are also part of the national Buy With Confidence scheme, which shows residents that they are buying from businesses that work in a legal, honest and fair way.

“As a customer you can avoid rogue traders and be assured a business has been thoroughly checked.”

Check out the Buy With Confidence scheme here: https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/business-and-investment/trading-standards/buy-with-confidence/