The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has renewed its warning about counterfeit parts and urged consumers not supply their own parts.
The IGA has shared an official IPO video which warns motorists against the practice of supplying their own parts to a garage as part of its collaboration with the IPO to raise awareness on the risks of consumer-supplied and counterfeit parts.
An IGA spokesperson said: “A significant element of maintaining a vehicle is the cost of parts and it is tempting for consumers to reduce the impact of parts costs by looking for a bargain.
“As the internet is now a part of most people’s lives it tends to be the first port of call when looking to save money on a purchase, however, the internet is a global market place and as such it is difficult to regulate, so can attract some less scrupulous sellers.”
Buyer beware
The IGA has issued a “buyer beware” warning to consumers, advising that “your life, the life of your passengers and those of other road users could depend on the parts fitted to your vehicle”.
The supply and use of counterfeit parts is an ever-growing issue, the prevalence of which is fuelled by the motorist themselves seeking to reduce their cost and wanting to supply their own parts – carrying risks for both the customer and the garage owner.
The IGA said: “For the customer, the use of counterfeit parts could not only compromise their safety but could increase their vehicle maintenance costs, as the durability of these parts may be far below what would be obtained from a part of matching quality to the original and they could ultimately reduce the value of the vehicle, thus devaluing their asset.
Garage risks
“For the garage, the risks are far greater.
“It may be tempting to provide good customer service by fitting customer supplied parts, even to reduce your own outlay on parts purchasing, however as a professional business providing a service to the general public, the garage, its owner and its staff have a duty of care.
“By agreeing to fit customer supplied parts, as a business you are also removing the opportunity to make a margin on the sale of the parts you would otherwise supply to the customer, a margin that is vital to maintaining a profitable business.”
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