“Fake parts that endanger motorists”
September 16, 2007
What about the problem that most of us don’t have enuf money to buy the genuine ones?
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Imitation tyres, brakes and other safety-related equipment pose a threat to the effective handling and braking of vehicles. |
KUALA LUMPUR: An increasing number of motorists are buying cheap imitation vehicle spare parts, oblivious to the danger that these parts pose.
Experts warn that these imitation parts put the users in danger and also endanger the lives of other road users.
Road Safety Department director-general Datuk Suret Singh said imitation tyres, brakes and other safety-related equipment pose a threat to the effective handling and braking of a vehicle.
Suret listed out instances where the use of imitation parts posed a danger.
“Lighting which does not meet safety standards often has a blinding effect on other road users,” he said.
A good pair of windscreen wipers are also important for ensuring proper visibility.
Rear markings on heavy vehicles must be three metres, otherwise they do not benefit other road users in enhancing visibility, he said.
“One common imitation item is the safety helmet which must conform to Sirim or international safety standards.
“If all motorcyclists used Sirim-certified helmets and strapped them on properly, about 800 to 1,000 lives can be saved every year.
“From the 6,287 fatalities last year, 3,693 were motorcyclists and 68 per cent of them died of head injuries.”
A Proton Parts Centre spokesman said the common imitation parts were transmission oil, oil filters, clutch plates, shock absorbers, spark plugs, water pumps, suspension arms, timing belts, brake linings and shoes.
“The common brand names imitated are Proton, Perodua, Toyota and Honda. There are imitations for European car makes as well.”
The spokesman said: “When you use imitation brake linings, the braking capability of your car is compromised.
“We have seen cars which have had their entire braking systems and transmission units jammed after they used imitation parts.”
He said people used imitations because of their price, which can be up to 50 per cent less than the original.
“We have to think of the long term. By using originals, you not only have a safer car but also a longer lasting one. Using imitation oil also ruins your engine.” Malaysian consumers, he said, were often penny wise but pound foolish.
Malaysian politics