The expert listed the signs of fake auto parts

Counterfeit auto parts pose a serious threat to the safety of drivers and passengers, and can also lead to the failure of warranty repairs and legal consequences. Alexey Tikhomirov, General Director of Lada-Image JSC, told Izvestia about this on August 5.

"Counterfeit products always have poor print quality — blurred logos, indistinct text, and even spelling errors. There will almost always be no protective elements on the packaging," he explained.

According to the expert, original products are usually equipped with holograms, QR codes and serial numbers. The difference from the corporate identity, distortion of fonts and colors may also indicate forgery. The expert noted that this applies not only to the packaging, but also to the products themselves: the original parts are marked clearly, by laser or stamping, with a unique serial number that can be checked in the manufacturer's database. If the number is missing or does not match, the part is almost certainly counterfeit.

Tikhomirov stressed that an important signal can be the material: fake parts are often lighter, contain backlashes, burrs and traces of careless processing. There is also a mismatch in the weight of technical fluids, and in general, such parts fail faster and cause difficulties during installation. Additional signs include suspiciously low prices and questionable points of sale: marketplaces, retail stores without documents and guarantees. Original spare parts are accompanied by ISO certificates, and the manufacturer is responsible for the warranty.

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In addition, if the part costs significantly less than the average market price, this is a reason to be wary, the CEO noted. According to him, to verify the authenticity of the part, it is necessary to compare it with a photo on the manufacturer's website and enter the serial number in the company database. However, it is most reliable to buy products from authorized dealers or trusted suppliers.

The expert separately pointed out the risks: the use of counterfeit parts can lead to rapid breakdown, damage to other components, failure of the braking system, steering, suspension, and even an accident. For example, fake brake pads can wear out in 5-10 thousand km instead of 30-50 thousand km for the original ones.

A fake timing belt can cause engine damage, and low—quality airbags can fail to work at the time of an accident or trigger spontaneously. The driver who installed such a part may lose the warranty and become the culprit of the accident if the examination confirms the use of a fake. Some insurance companies also refuse payments when using non-original components, Tikhomirov added.

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To protect themselves, a motorist should buy parts from official representatives, for example, in a network of LADA dealerships, or on authorized online platforms such as LECAR Online, LECAR Store and LECAR Service. It is recommended to check the packaging, serial numbers and certificates, as well as consult with the craftsmen.

"It is better to overpay for reliability than to risk safety and spend money on repeated repairs. If a spare part is in the slightest doubt, look for an alternative from trusted sellers, especially if it concerns critical components of the car," Tikhomirov concluded.

Alexey Pavlovich, Director of production at Forsage Group, said on May 27 that the proportion of counterfeit oil, according to expert estimates, now exceeds 50%. At the same time, according to the expert, even large consumers are increasingly finding it difficult to distinguish the original product from a copy.

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