1 week Ago By Luke Chillingsworth
Used car owners across the UK could "pay the price” by accidentally purchasing fake parts for their vehicles, the DVSA said. Officials warned that fake parts could “cost lives” with components likely made from “inferior materials”. These are usually cheap-looking imitations of major car components which do not meet the same safety specifications as the real thing.
Motorists working on second-hand vehicles may unknowingly purchase counterfeit parts by accident due to the lower price tag. Awareness of the issue is now being tackled with the DVSA keen to emphasise how road users could be affected. Posting on X, the DVSA said : “If the price looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Buy fake car parts and you’ll pay the price later. Remember, #FakeAlwaysBreaks and counterfeits can cost lives. “Find out how to spot and avoid fakes.
” In a statement, the DVSA added : “Fake or sub-standard vehicle parts are often cheap-looking imitations, but it can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between a fake and genuine product. “Such fake parts are usually made from inferior materials and are not safety-tested, increasing the risk of failure. This can have serious consequences to drivers, passengers, and other road users.
” The DVSA’s campaign explains real parts will give motorists “real protection” in a bid to encourage road users to look closer at where components are coming from. Experts have urged individuals to always consider the price and seller of parts before going ahead with a transaction. Value for money is usually a big indicator with fake components usually a lot cheaper than the real thing.
Motorists are also encouraged to check the website thoroughly and request a refund if a part that has already been ordered looks false. Specialists are keen to note that fake components could backfire with parts likely to break a lot sooner than real components. The DVSA added: “It can be difficult for consumers to identify fake car parts, including commonly counterfeited components like brake pads and discs, spark plugs and filters.
In this market where technology is constantly improving vehicles, particularly the safety aspects, criminals use advanced techniques to make the parts and packaging look genuine. “Just looking at the part might not be enough to identify a fake part but remember, fake always breaks so be vigilant when replacing automative components.”.
