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Buying a Car

COUNTERFEIT PARTS

Spotting a fake part

Experts test the goods
This can be very difficult, counterfeiters copy the design of genuine parts very closely, it is usually the materials used that differ.


Low quality plastics and metals are used in place of the sophisticated shock resistant plastics and alloys used by manufactures. However this is not easy to detect.

If you have the opportunity to examine a part before it is fitted, check for:
  • Inconsistencies in the moulding of plastic and cast metal items.
  • Plastic that feels very light and brittle.
  • Holes in the surface of metal and plastic parts caused by casting defects.
  • Properly printed packaging with relevant documentation. Many manufacturers seal boxes with a hologram sticker, counterfeiters are able to reproduce these but fakes will often have printing errors or will not peel off cleanly.
  • Check to see if the logo of the manufacturer on either the product or the packaging differs in any way to the standard design.
If you spot any of these tell tale signs walk away and notify the police or trading standards immediately.



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