Opinion: Lumag boss reacts to counterfeit parts threat

Internet bargains that are too good to be true probably are, expert advises motorists

Opinion: Lumag boss reacts to counterfeit parts threat
Colin Smit, managing director of LUMAG.

Lumag managing director, Colin Smit reveals the dangers associated with purchasing imitation or counterfeit products in this market?

While forged car parts may be cheaper, the potential long-term cost could be a lot more, which goes beyond just being financial.

If ‘bargains’ on the internet seem too good to be true, then they probably are, providing extremely poor performance and even worse – a dangerous game of Russian roulette.

For a supplier, imitation parts can damage its reputation as a provider of high-quality replacement parts, which could negatively impact on sales as well as jobs.

Counterfeit parts typically have a shorter lifespan than original parts, meaning more frequent replacement.

If they don’t match a vehicle’s specification, mechanical issues and system failures can also occur.

Garage reputation

This can undermine a garage’s reputation as well as result in major inconveniences and costs for the motorist.

However, all this pales into insignificance when compared to the potential safety risks involved with fake car parts, with drivers’ lives being placed in danger.

LUMAG’s own tried-and-tested formulas and a repeatable manufacturing process underlines its commitment to quality, delivering OE quality parts, whilst our vigorous research and development activities enable us to offer safe, modern and high-quality products to our customers.

As a result, the recent increase in fake brake products and car parts in general is of grave concern not just to LUMAG but the industry as a whole.

Counterfeits are often produced using inferior production techniques and inferior materials, and as a result are extremely dangerous.

Trading Standards

We urge anyone who has any suspicions regarding counterfeit brake products they may know about or have unknowingly purchased to get in touch with us or Trading Standards immediately.

The number of examples that we could share is terrifying.

We regularly see counterfeit parts with the friction material crumbling and coming away from the back plate due to poor adhesion of the underlayer/mechanical anchoring mechanism.

We’ve even seen substandard brake pads exploding into flames in the brake caliper whilst under fully loaded conditions.

These scenarios have played out both on the test bench and in service – making the reality of what can happen when counterfeit parts used a scary prospect.

For further information about Lumag, select ‘more details’ below.

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