Fake car parts flood South Africa’s market ahead of Black Friday sales

As Black Friday approaches, South African consumers are being warned about a surge in fake car parts flooding the market. Local automotive manufacturer PolyFlex Urethanes raised alarms over fake parts, specifically rocker, equaliser, and torque arm bushes, which are being sold to unsuspecting motorists at discounted prices. With many consumers eager for deals, these counterfeit parts pose serious risks, both to road safety and vehicle performance.

“These counterfeit bushings are made of substandard materials like plasticised PVC, not polyurethane,” said PolyFlex in a report. “While PVC might be fine for gum boots or plumbing, it is not designed to withstand the heavy stresses in truck suspensions. This makes these parts dangerous on the road.” The company warns that shady dealers are trying to offload large stocks of these fake parts during the busy shopping season, capitalizing on Black Friday bargains.

The growing presence of counterfeit auto parts extends beyond niche truck components. The Tyre Equipment and Parts Association of South Africa has also reported a spike in fake brake pads and oil filters, which could further compromise safety on the roads. As online and in-store sales intensify in the coming weeks, consumers must be extra cautious when shopping for vehicle parts.

Legal experts are also concerned about the country’s lenient stance on counterfeiting. Hashiem Logday and Jan-Harm Swanepoel, associate attorneys at Adams & Adams in an interview with TopAuto, explained that while the Counterfeit Goods Act (CGA) criminalizes the sale and distribution of counterfeit products, penalties are often insufficient. A first-time offender caught with counterfeit goods can face fines or imprisonment, but past cases suggest that the courts often impose lighter sentences.

“Counterfeiting is not a victimless crime,” said the attorneys. “It directly impacts consumer safety. When counterfeit parts like engine oil and sanitary pads are seized, the consequences go beyond corporate profits — it’s about protecting lives.” The legal system’s failure to adequately punish offenders sends a dangerous message to the market, making it harder for consumers to trust the authenticity of the products they buy.

For South African motorists, the stakes are high. As Black Friday deals beckon, the rush for bargains could lead to costly and dangerous decisions. Experts urge consumers to buy from trusted sources and remain vigilant in protecting their vehicles and their safety.

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