By GB News (World News) | Created at 2024-10-30 08:54:40 | Updated at 2024-10-30 19:23:25
10 hours ago
Drivers have been warned about the rise in fake car parts being bought across the North East of England which could lead to costly repairs, insurance issues and MOT test failures.
Trading Standards officers in North East Lincolnshire launched the warning after a survey revealed that one in six motorists has purchased counterfeit vehicle parts in the past year.
The Intellectual Property Office, the official UK Government body responsible for intellectual property rights, has urged drivers to be cautious when buying replacement parts for their vehicles.
The Fake Always Breaks campaign launched by the council warns drivers about specifically targeted components which have counterfeits such as car batteries, headlights, tyres, wheels, windscreen wipers, airbags, and brake pads or discs.
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The Fake Always Breaks campaign highlighted the rise in faulty parts
NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL
Councillor Ron Shepherd, from North East Lincolnshire Council, 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."
These faulty parts, often made from inferior materials and lack proper safety testing, posing significant risks to motorists and their passengers, the officers detailed.
It comes after a survey conducted by the IPO revealed alarming statistics about counterfeit car parts in the UK which can come with significant safety risks.
Notably, 25 per cent of drivers admitted to purchasing fake car batteries, 23 per cent bought cheaper tyres or wheels, while 19 per cent acquired counterfeit windscreen wipers.
But more shockingly, 14 per cent of drivers bought fake airbags which has sparked huge safety concerns with a further 12 per cent getting counterfeit brake pads or discs from non-official stores.
The rise in fake parts comes as drivers continue to face higher costs associated with owning a car with 31 per cent of motorists saying they would rather buy cheaper parts.
But a third of motorists who did buy fake components said they did so because they “perceived no visible difference from genuine parts”.
Counterfeit parts can lead to failed MOT and car insurance being invalidated
THE MOTOR OMBUDSMAN
As winter approaches, the dangers of using fake parts become even more dire with experts warning that harsh weather conditions can put additional strain on vehicles.
To protect themselves from counterfeit parts, consumers are advised to be cautious of suspiciously low prices. Experts recommend researching sellers thoroughly, whether shopping online or on the high street.
