Vehicle repairers, retailers and consumers are being warned to be extremely vigilant when purchasing car parts following a recent seizure of a quantity of unsafe counterfeit brake pads by An Garda Síochana and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment's Trading Standards Service.
The counterfeit brake pads, that are branded as Volkswagen Genuine Parts, were seized at properties in Dublin, Galway, Mayo, Donegal, Belfast and Armagh.
An examination of the brake pads revealed that the potentially dangerous counterfeit parts failed to meet the required braking friction levels. The test concluded that the counterfeit parts would not obtain 'R90 approval' - the European legal standard for brake pads. In elements of the testing, the counterfeit parts were found to have 30% lower braking efficiency than the Volkswagen Genuine Part. Under extreme or emergency braking conditions, the body of the counterfeit brake pad was found to disintegrate. The implication of this could result in the loss of the vehicles braking system.
Volkswagen Group Ireland, said, "In the past, counterfeit car parts were mainly non-safety related items such as window wipers and car interior accessories. More recently, counterfeit items such as brake pads, brake shoes and steering linkages are available on the market. Genuine parts guarantee performance, quality and peace of mind. Consumers should use reputable dealers and repairers, and if they are concerned should ask that only Genuine Parts are fitted."
If a retailer, car-repairer or consumer has purchased Volkswagen Group Branded brake pads and they are concerned, they can look out for the following tell-tale signs:
• The counterfeit parts box label indicates that the product is a 'Wasserpumpe' and not brake pads. Wasserpumpe is German for water pump.
• Printing error on counterfeit parts box reads 'Fonnel Q', but should read 'Formel Q'.
• The backing plate of the counterfeit brake pads are engraved with 'TAXTE' or 'TEXTA', whereas the genuine product are engraved with 'TEXTAR'.
• No fitting instructions were included in the box.
• The tamper proof seal on the box is missing.
• The counterfeit parts do not have a batch code or production date.
• The performance of the counterfeit product is significantly lower than the genuine brake pads.
Anyone who suspects they may have purchased counterfeit brake pads, should contact their local Volkswagen Authorised dealer and arrange to have their vehicles brake pads visually checked. In line with Volkswagen's continued commitment to our customers, this visual check is being offered free of charge.
For a full list of Volkswagen authorised dealers please click here.
