How counterfeit car parts endanger drivers and how to avoid them

UK authorities have seized more than 3,600 counterfeit car parts worth over £100,000. The haul included spark plugs, filters and even airbags. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, fake components worth £2.2 billion were imported into the UK in 2021 alone.

Yet the problem isn’t confined to Britain. Similar incidents are recorded across Europe, Asia and the CIS. Counterfeit parts made from uncertified materials often fail safety checks and can lead to serious crashes. When safety systems are on the line, the illusion of a bargain tends to evaporate.

Experts say buyers often pick fakes because they’re cheaper and look much like the real thing. To stay on the safe side, specialists recommend purchasing components only from official dealers and trusted automotive websites, especially when servicing cars known for high safety levels. In practice, traceable parts from verified sellers remain the surest way to keep both performance and peace of mind intact.