Drivers warned of surge in fake car parts around North East England that could cause insurance chaos

The Intellectual Property Office, the official UK Government body responsible for intellectual property rights, has urged drivers to be cautious when buying replacement parts for their vehicles.

The Fake Always Breaks campaign launched by the council warns drivers about specifically targeted components which have counterfeits such as car batteries, headlights, tyres, wheels, windscreen wipers, airbags, and brake pads or discs.

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Councillor Ron Shepherd, from North East Lincolnshire Council, said: "Avoiding fake car parts is an issue that involves all motorists as we all look to save money.

“Fake car parts are not easy to spot and, unfortunately, problems like this are usually only reported when it is too late and the parts have failed, causing damage or potential injury."

These faulty parts, often made from inferior materials and lack proper safety testing, posing significant risks to motorists and their passengers, the officers detailed.

It comes after a survey conducted by the IPO revealed alarming statistics about counterfeit car parts in the UK which can come with significant safety risks.

Notably, 25 per cent of drivers admitted to purchasing fake car batteries, 23 per cent bought cheaper tyres or wheels, while 19 per cent acquired counterfeit windscreen wipers.

But more shockingly, 14 per cent of drivers bought fake airbags which has sparked huge safety concerns with a further 12 per cent getting counterfeit brake pads or discs from non-official stores.

The rise in fake parts comes as drivers continue to face higher costs associated with owning a car with 31 per cent of motorists saying they would rather buy cheaper parts.

But a third of motorists who did buy fake components said they did so because they “perceived no visible difference from genuine parts”.

However, many purchases are made unknowingly. The survey found that 45 per cent of motorists who were unaware they bought fake parts only discovered it when the component failed during a garage inspection. Another 30 per cent became aware during routine service checks.

The use of counterfeit car parts can have serious consequences. These fake components are not only made from inferior materials but also lack proper safety testing, increasing the risk of failure and potentially endangering lives.

Using counterfeit parts can also invalidate motor insurance and void vehicle warranties which could leave drivers financially vulnerable in case of accidents or breakdowns. Garages may also face liabilities if they unknowingly install fake parts.

The campaign highlighted how the issue is global, with many consumers seeking cheaper alternatives online. Researchers estimated that counterfeit parts imported to the UK were worth almost £1billion a year.

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As winter approaches, the dangers of using fake parts become even more dire with experts warning that harsh weather conditions can put additional strain on vehicles.

To protect themselves from counterfeit parts, consumers are advised to be cautious of suspiciously low prices. Experts recommend researching sellers thoroughly, whether shopping online or on the high street.