Northern Ireland's traders and motorists have been urged to be vigilant when buying car parts, following a recent seizure of unsafe counterfeit brake pads.
The brake pads, branded as Volkswagen, Seat, Skoda and Audi were seized at properties in Belfast and Armagh following a tip-off from the Volkswagen group, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment said.
An examination of the brake pads revealed that they were highly dangerous, failing to meet the required breaking friction levels and only held together by glue.
Tests concluded that they would not pass the European legal standard for brake pads.
"In the past, counterfeit car parts were mainly non-safety items such as window wipers, mud flaps and car interior accessories. Now, counterfeit items such as brake pads, brake shoes, suspension components and steering linkages are readily available on the market", Damien Doherty, from the Trading Standards Service, said.
"Car repairers and car part suppliers may not be aware that they are in possession of fake parts, as they can be made to look quite convincing. However, it is unbelievable to think that there may be some businesses out there that are knowingly selling counterfeit brake pads.
"If brake pads fail there are serious safety implications and lives could be lost. Risking the lives of drivers, passengers, other motorists and pedestrians for a few extra pounds is madness."
If a retailer, car-repairer or consumer has purchased Volkswagen branded brake pads that they are concerned about, they can check for the following tell-tale signs:
- The fake box label indicates that the product is a "Wasserpumpe" and not brake pads. Wasserpumpe is German for water pump;
- Printing error on fake box reads 'Fonnel Q' but should read 'Formel Q';
- The backing plate of the fake pads is engraved with 'TAXTE' or 'TEXTA', whereas the genuine product are engraved with 'TEXTAR';
- No fitting instructions included in the box;
- Tamper proof box seal missing;
- The fake parts do not have a batch code and production date;
- The performance of the fake product is significantly lower than the genuine brake pads.
Anyone who suspects they have purchased counterfeit brake pads should report the matter to Consumerline on 0300 123 62 62 / 028 9025 3900.
© UTV News