With Summer finally here, the Eurorepar Car Service network is calling for drivers to have heightened vigilance, especially around an alarming rise in counterfeit parts, and a social media DIY culture.
The network is urging garages across the UK to strengthen awareness against counterfeit automotive parts as families prepare for peak holiday travel.
Recent IPO research reveals that one in six UK motorists bought counterfeit parts in the past 12 months alone, while summer’s increased vehicle usage creates perfect conditions for counterfeiters to exploit busy workshops and cost-conscious consumers.
Summer represents the automotive industry’s busiest period, with three-quarters of Britons planning domestic holidays and nearly a quarter embarking on road trips. This surge in demand creates opportunities for counterfeit parts to infiltrate supply chains as garages face pressure to source components quickly and customers seek cheaper alternatives for holiday budgets.
The threat of social media DIY
The threat is amplified by a growing social media influence on automotive repairs. Recent analysis revealed that 59% of car-related TikTok content is not recommended for drivers, with 90% of car repair videos potentially dangerous for inexperienced mechanics to attempt.
Those who are using social media DIY content to instruct them on vehicle repairs are increasingly turning to online marketplaces for parts. However, the OECD estimates the UK automotive spare parts counterfeiting market has a trade value of £2.2 billion, indicating that it is a serious threat, especially to road safety.
“Summer is perfect storm of increased vehicle usage, rushed repairs, and social media DIY culture creates ideal conditions for counterfeit parts to enter our workshops,” said Neil Gibbs, Head of Network at Eurorepar Car Service. “A counterfeit brake pad bought online for a pre-holiday service could turn a family vacation into a tragedy.”
Counterfeit parts on the rise
IPO findings show the most purchased counterfeit parts include car batteries, at 25% of those purchasing getting a fake unit. This is followed by tyres and wheels at 23%, and windscreen wipers at 19%. Alarmingly, 14% bought counterfeit airbags and 12% purchased fake brake pads or discs.
The IPO’s “Fake Always Breaks” campaign warns that 58% of motorists knowingly bought counterfeits, primarily for cost savings.
The message from Eurorepar Car Service is for garages to implement strict verification protocols this summer. Garages should source parts exclusively from authorised distributors, verify packaging quality, logos, and documentation, and check for poor finishing or incorrect specifications. Additionally, they must educate customers about counterfeit risks and social media misinformation while reporting suspicious suppliers to authorities immediately.
“While TikTok videos promise quick fixes, there is no substitute for professional expertise and genuine parts from recognised and trusted suppliers such as Distrigo,” continued Gibbs.
“As families hit the roads this summer, we must ensure every component meets safety standards. A 60-second social media DIY video cannot replace years of training and quality-assured parts from verified distributors.”
