File pic of imitation car parts seized in Malacca.
PETALING JAYA: Fake auto parts are a scourge worldwide. Not only do such illicit trade cause genuine auto parts makers to lose money, the use of such parts is a danger to public safety.
To minimise the danger from unwittingly bnying and using such fake parts, car owners should either service their cars with authorised dealerships or trusted third-party workshops.
A new graphic illustrates five of the tell-tale signs of a counterfeit auto part.
Since counterfeit auto parts continue to be a problem, the team at GMB North America created this infographic to help protect both customers and retailers from potential safety and financial risks.
This chart offers a quick visual aid to help keep inferior aftermarket parts out of a retailer’s inventory, which prevents counterfeit part installation on customer’s vehicles.
The graphic features these at-a-glance tips for spotting a counterfeit part:
> Parts that arrive in cheap, flimsy packaging. Check the printing on the box and inside materials. Actual auto parts are usually shipped with care and in high quality boxes.
> Real brand parts often have the part number printed on the box. If the number is absent or slapped on with a sticker, it may be a fake part.
> Look closely at the printing on both the package and the instructions. If there are typos or misspellings, inspect the part carefully. It may be a counterfeit.
> Instructions are incomplete or incorrect. Fake auto parts may come with instructions that are missing a step or a diagram.
> Compare it to the part you’re replacing. Do the fasteners match? Does the material feel like the same weight? An authentic part should match almost exactly, if not perfectly.
> A counterfeit part is designed to replicate a legitimate auto part, so the infringement of intellectual property is another negative effect of this trend. If you suspect you've received counterfeit parts, file a report with the relevant authorities in your respective country.
“In addition to causing financial issues, counterfeit parts can be unsafe,” said GMB marketing manager Sarah Porter. “Buying and selling counterfeit parts and stealing intellectual property are crimes and do have victims. We hope this graphic reminds everyone what to look out for.”
