How to Identify Fake Engine Oil and Spare Parts in Local Markets
As traffic congestion increases in Bangladesh, the use of motorcycles and cars is rising. Along with this, the business of engine oil and spare parts for various motor vehicles has developed in the local market. Unfortunately, along with business expansion, the local market has become flooded with fake and adulterated engine oils and spare parts. Engine oil lubricates the engine, and various spare parts keep motor vehicles functioning properly and increase safety.
Various premium brands of engine oils and spare parts are available in Bangladesh, including Motul, Mobil, and Liqui Moly. The local market is flooded with counterfeits packaged to look like major brands. A consumer must have a clear idea of the different grades of engine oil and spare parts. This blog discusses in detail how to identify fake engine oil and spare parts in the local market.
Ways to identify fake engine oil and spare parts in the local market
Using adulterated or low-quality oil causes carbon to accumulate in the engine due to excessive friction, leading to piston jamming. This increases fuel consumption and reduces mileage. Fake spare parts, such as fake brake pads, filters, crankshafts, camshafts, gearboxes, clutch plates, batteries, sensors, lights, indicators, etc., increase the risk to life. You can identify adulterated products by looking at the packaging, holograms, QR codes, smell, and color.
Techniques to identify adulterated engine oil in the local market
Engine oil protects the engine from overheating. The engine performance of a motor vehicle depends on good-quality engine oil. Using adulterated engine oil damages the engine and other components. Using low-quality, regular oil can damage the engine in the long run and significantly reduce mileage.
1. Check the packaging, labeling, and printing
The packaging, labeling, and printing of genuine engine oil are of high quality. The logo and printing are very clear and correctly spelled. The bottle’s plastic quality is also high. If adulterated, the oil may appear dark.
2. Check the logo, hologram, and seal
Premium brand engine oil companies use unique hologram stickers, clear logos, and security seals. These logos, holograms, and seals change color and pattern when rotated at different angles. In addition, when you open the bottle, you can see a foil seal inside with the company logo and a specific color.
3. Check the QR code
Most premium brand engine oil bottles have a QR code. You can verify whether it's original or fake by scanning the QR code and matching it to the code on the cap.
4. Check the batch number and production date
Premium brands have the batch number and production date engraved on the bottom or side of the engine oil bottle. In addition, many bottles are laser-etched with precise manufacturing dates and batch numbers.
5. Check the oil's density, color, and odor
Genuine engine oil has a high density. The color is usually golden or light brown. No engine oil has a strong or pungent odor. If the oil is unusually thin, the layer is separated, or there is dirt at the bottom, it is suspicious.
Strategies for Identifying Counterfeit Spare Parts in the Local Market
The risk of accidents increases when various motor vehicle spare parts, such as fake brake pads, filters, spark plugs, clutch plates, batteries, lights, and indicators, are counterfeit. In addition to counterfeits, second-hand spare parts are widely available in Bangladesh's local market.
1. Check the part number
Almost all spare parts of a motor vehicle have a unique serial number. Check the part number with the number on the manufacturer's website.
2. Check the authenticity marking
Check the authenticity marking on the holographic label, packaging, and print of the spare parts. Counterfeit parts are usually lightweight.
3. Check the packaging and holograms
The packaging, holograms, etc., of almost all branded spare parts are of high quality. Genuine parts are made of stronger materials and have better finishing.
4. Check the warranty card
For parts that usually have a warranty (such as batteries or electronics), make sure to have the warranty card/invoice.
5. Be careful when buying online
When buying spare parts online, check the seller's reviews. If you buy spare parts from a third-party seller, check them carefully. Always try to buy from an authorized or trusted outlet.
Final Thought
Buy authentic engine oil and original-brand spare parts from the local market. Avoid buying low-quality fake engine oil and spare parts in the pursuit of cheapness. This reduces the vehicle's stability and makes travel risky. You may also face huge financial losses. Buy engine oil and spare parts from authorized distributors, pumps, and stores. Different brands of engine oil, each with a different grade, are available in Bangladesh. Dishonest traders adulterate engine oil by mixing diesel or octane with it. Awareness is the best way, with sufficient knowledge, it is possible to avoid these frauds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to check adulterated engine oil?
Look at the packaging, seal, logo, and printing. Verify the QR code. Check the batch number and production date. Check the oil density, color, and smell.
2. How to identify fake spare parts?
Check the part number, authenticity marking, warranty card, packaging, and hologram. Fake parts are usually lighter.
3. What does engine oil smell like?
Genuine new engine oil may have a mild odor, but if it has a strong odor like diesel/solvent, it is suspicious.
4. What damage can using adulterated engine oil cause to a motor vehicle?
Using adulterated or low-quality oil causes carbon to accumulate in the engine due to excessive friction, leading to jammed pistons and difficult gear shifting. This increases fuel consumption and reduces mileage.
5. Where can I get genuine engine oil and spare parts?
Buy engine oil and spare parts from authorized distributors, pumps, and stores. When buying from the local market, buy authentic engine oil and spare parts from the original brand.
