Car spare parts
To ensure you are buying a genuine car part, always choose authorised dealers, distributors and garages rather than private individuals or unverified online platforms.
Aggressive promotions on spare parts should serve as a warning that the part is not a genuine part
- Parts without packaging, or in damaged packaging without the manufacturer’s label and part number, as well as packaging with faded colours or pixelated text, may indicate that the parts are counterfeit.
- Checking holograms, variable inks, QR codes and the item’s serial number can help verify its authenticity or origin.
- Genuine parts bear logos, part numbers and, in some cases, unique serial numbers to ensure they can be traced.
A counterfeit car spare part may feel rough, have burrs or a poor finish to the touch, resulting in reduced strength, performance or durability. Some tests have revealed that counterfeit parts contain compressed straw, asbestos or hexavalent chromium.
Maintenance parts such as brake pads, filters, belts and spark plugs are generally more commonly targeted by counterfeiters. Airbags and ignition keys are also sold by counterfeiters and can jeopardise the user’s safety or increase the risk of the vehicle being stolen.
An accident caused by a counterfeit part may result in your insurer refusing to pay out and may compromise the user’s safety.
80,000 counterfeit coins seized
in Marseille since 2023.
Counterfeiting doesn’t just slow things down – it kills.
