The expert warned about the consequences of using counterfeit engine oil

After the departure of leading foreign brands and the disruption of logistics chains, the Russian market was flooded with counterfeits. The proportion of fake oil, according to expert estimates, now exceeds 50%. Alexey Pavlovich, Director of production at Forsage Group, told Izvestia about this on May 27. At the same time, even large consumers, from distributors to holding companies, are increasingly finding it difficult to distinguish an original product from a copy.

"The consequences of using fakes are rarely immediate. For a private driver, this may result in an unplanned repair. And for owners of fleets, agricultural enterprises and logistics companies — significant maintenance costs, equipment downtime and reduced equipment life. At the same time, reputation also suffers: if a problem arises, the customer usually blames the manufacturer," he warned.

Service thief: scammers began to massively deceive service station customers

How does the crime scheme work and why is it extremely effective?

The main channels of counterfeit distribution are small retail, service stations and marketplaces. The latter are particularly vulnerable: in the middle price segment, either over-labeled or outright fake oils are often sold. An overflow scheme is common: a cheaper product is poured into a canister of a well-known brand. Artisanal bottling lines still exist, with a full range of labels, lids, and packaging. It is almost impossible to distinguish such products "by eye".

"The main advice is to buy products in trusted locations. Focus on reviews, recommendations from experts, and professional forums. Be wary of offers where imported oil is cheaper than domestic oil. Evaluate the appearance of packaging, lids, and labeling," the expert recommended.

According to him, chemical analysis is available only in the laboratory, and it is impossible to open the canister at the point of sale. Starting in 2025, engine oils are subject to mandatory labeling in the Honest Mark system. In the first months, the system is likely to work effectively, but over time there will be attempts to circumvent it, the expert believes. QR code forgery technologies are already known, and it is difficult to predict the rate of adaptation of unscrupulous players.

According to Pavlovich, the volume of counterfeiting will decrease in the first year: those who engage in counterfeiting will need time to study the new system. For bona fide manufacturers, this is an opportunity to confirm authenticity, enhance traceability, and build confidence in the product.

Earlier, on May 21, car expert Yulia Trushkova said that it should take no more than a minute to warm up the engine in the warmer months. The engine and the lubrication system reach operating mode much faster than in winter, and driving under light load is much more useful for the engine than standing still, she noted.