While car construction and design are making them safer, greener and more comfortable, we could be undermining all of this.

New investigations reveal the rise of fake spare parts and their potentially dangerous side effects.

While we all want to save money, the costs can be extremely high.

Designing safety

Authorities are intensifying efforts to combat the sale of dangerous counterfeit vehicle parts in response to a surge in fake products.

A recent Intellectual Property Office (IPO) study revealed that one in six motorists admitted to purchasing counterfeit car parts in the past year.

The IPO identified that many of the most common fakes are safety-related items, including tyres, wheels, airbags, and brakes.

These counterfeit parts are likely made from inferior materials without any adequate safety testing.

Economic madness

In a survey of 1,394 motorists conducted by the IPO, approximately 15% reported buying a counterfeit part in the year leading up to October 2024.

Alarmingly, nearly half (45%) of these individuals believed the parts were genuine until they malfunctioned.

The survey highlighted that frequently counterfeited items in the UK include car batteries, tyres, wheels, and windscreen wipers.

Additionally, 14% of motorists purchased fake airbags, while 12% bought counterfeit brake pads or discs. Among those who knowingly bought fake parts, 31% cited cost savings as their motivation.

Recently, the City of London Police seized 500 counterfeit car airbags during an operation in east London, underscoring the potential danger posed to motorists.

Reliably unreliable

In response to this issue, the IPO has launched a national campaign called “Fake Always Breaks,” aimed at educating consumers on how to avoid counterfeit products.

Key advice includes being cautious of prices that seem too good to be true, researching sellers, checking customer reviews, and ensuring parts are designed for specific vehicles rather than “one size fits all.”

Miles Rees, deputy director of enforcement at the IPO, emphasized the dangers of fake car parts, stating: “They may look similar to genuine parts but are often made from inferior materials and lack safety testing. This significantly increases the risk of failure, leading to potentially life-altering consequences.”

Stuart James, CEO of the Independent Garage Association, urged garages to refrain from using customer-supplied parts and to source components only from trusted suppliers to ensure vehicle safety and compliance with specifications.

Guaranteeing sense

The IPO noted that genuine parts will always come with a certificate of Original Equipment; parts lacking this certification are likely counterfeit. Selling counterfeit parts is illegal and can result in up to 10 years in prison.

Anyone suspecting a part might be fake is encouraged to report the seller to Crimestoppers.

Detective Chief Inspector Emma Warbey from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit highlighted the serious implications of counterfeit components, stating: “The sale of safety-critical car parts like tyres and airbags shows the lengths criminals will go to for profit, disregarding public safety. Our recent seizure of 500 fake airbags is a stark reminder of the risks involved. These parts may not meet industry standards, leading to severe consequences in the event of an accident.” She urged consumers to be vigilant and purchase from reputable sellers.

Spotting the fakes

1. Price

If the price looks too good to be true, it probably is; fake car parts typically use substandard materials and are thus a lot cheaper.

You get what you pay for; genuine OEM parts are designed for the car.

2. Guarantee

Manufacturers will typically provide their parts with a certificate of quality and authenticity.

These parts can also be traced if there is a manufacturing defect or recall to ensure ongoing safety and confidence.

3. Seller

Buy your parts through your trusted local or Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)-approved garage.

A good garage or mechanic will know exactly what your car needs.

Fake parts are unlikely to be covered under any warranty scheme by the manufacturer or garage services they might offer.

If you must buy online, do so through a reputable and well-known company.

4. Specifications

Genuine parts are specific to your exact vehicle.

Fake parts are often one-size-fits-all, unlikely to fit your car properly, and could damage other components.

Onboard car computer systems will usually fail to recognise fake parts, compromising your cars warning and safety systems.

5. Report suspected fakes

Help report dangerous fake parts.

Minimising the number of fake parts available on the market reduces temptation, and most reputable sites – such as eBay Motors – will allow you to report suspected ones.

The IPO advises buyers to also report such findings to Crimestoppers and/or Trading Standards.