VLS
Will the cost-of-living crisis spark a rise in counterfeit lubes?
Mike Bewsey, Chairman, VLS
Rising costs are putting immense pressure on workshops and motorists alike to save money where they can. As a result, there is growing concern about a spike in the counterfeit aftermarket as criminals look to cash in and sell cheaper alternatives to genuine products.
Counterfeiting affects many vehicle parts and accessories, and lubricants are no exception. Compared to standard formulations, counterfeit products might have fewer or even no additives at all. They may be made from virgin base oil or a lower spec base oil. Used oil could be repackaged and presented as new oil, or a lesser-spec oil could be presented as a premium specification.
Any of these counterfeiting methods could significantly affect the lubricant, risking accelerated wear in gears and bearings, the formation of lacquers on surfaces such as pistons and the development of sludge that could restrict oil flow. All of which could lead to increased maintenance costs and, if left unchecked, eventual engine failure.
Cash-strapped motorists may also try to buy oil themselves to save money. With limited knowledge in such a technical area, they risk buying counterfeit oil online or from other unscrupulous sources, which isn’t what it purports to be.
Although the vast majority of lubricants on the market are genuine, VLS is urging everyone in the supply chain, from blenders and distributors to motor factors, workshop owners, technicians and end users alike to take a series of common-sense steps to reduce the risk of buying and using a counterfeit product:
58 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.174 APRIL 2023
1. Purchase lubricants from reputable sources such as official distributors or well-regarded motor factors. Avoid purchasing finished lubricants from unofficial sources or less reputable internet sites where the source of the product is unclear.
2. Avoid products that appear to be heavily discounted or are being sold in a hurry, such as ‘fire sales’ or ‘stock must go’ end-of-line promotions.
3. Check for authentic marks on packaging, such as batch codes. Most reputable lubricant blenders use batch codes as part of their ISO quality assurance processes. If a product does not have a batch code or authentic serial number, there is a greater risk that it might not be genuine.
4. If a lubricant manufacturer is claiming ACEA specifications, check to ensure that they are a signatory to the European Engine Lubricants Quality Management System Letter of Conformance for lubricant marketers. (
https://www.sail-europe.eu/registrations/ lubricant-marketers)
5. Check any packaging and product labels carefully. Does the packaging look and feel of appropriate quality and as you would normally expect? Is the spelling and grammar correct? Are the colours slightly washed out? Are the text and images clearly printed or not as sharp and well-defined as they could be?
6. Is a tamper-evident seal in place? 7. Ask for Technical and Safety Data Sheets. Suppliers trying to pass off counterfeit lubricants may be evasive about providing this important information.
If you have any concerns about a lubricant product, you can report it to VLS by calling 01442 875922 or emailing
admin@ukla-vls.org.uk.
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