GEORGE TOWN: Many famous brands of engine oils are available at quarter the price on online platforms and dodgy workshops.
But there is a catch. They are fake and are of poor quality, which could lead to engine problems or failure.
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These counterfeit motor vehicle engine oils are gaining popularity because of their low price, but concerned car mechanics are asking the authorities to curb their sale.
Azman, 48, a veteran mechanic said many car owners think they are getting a good deal when they buy a cheaper engine oil from online platforms or dodgy workshops.
“A standard original four litre bottle of synthetic engine oil retails at about RM250 each, but online platforms offer similar looking products for as low as RM60. They are often sold by unverified vendors without a physical shop.
“Regardless if the oil is a German, British, Japanese or American brand, the more famous they are, the more counterfeits there are.
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“Some workshops now stock up on lesser known brands to convince customers that they are at least authentic,” he said.
Azman said counterfeit engine oils are cheaper because they are actually just repackaged low grade oils that lack the additives required to reduce engine friction and heat.
“Authentic engine oil is designed to meet the high demands of modern engines that run faster and smoother for longer mileage intervals.
“Counterfeit versions will not protect engine parts effectively,” Azman said.
He said he had seen customers whose engines seized due to overheating after they used low grade oil.
“When we drain the oil, it is obvious that it has either been watered down or burnt after just a few days of use,” he said.
Azman advised vehicle owners to buy only engine oil from authorised dealers.
“But there have been cases where even workshops themselves were cheated by unscrupulous suppliers.
“The counterfeiters are so good that their packaging looks just like the genuine product, with holographic stickers and fake authentication stamps.
“Some have also reused the original containers and repacked them with counterfeit oil,” he claimed.
Another mechanic Lim Seng Hock, 36, said he would refuse an oil change job if he suspects a customer has brought along counterfeit engine oil.
“Many customers bring their own engine oil, hoping to pay only for my labour. These oils are usually bought online at big discounts.
“I don’t mind charging just for labour if the oil they bring is genuine, since the profit margin from selling engine oil is quite small.
“But I prefer to avoid any potential issues that might come up later from using counterfeit oil,” he said.
The Consumers’ Association of Penang has welcomed the government’s recent move to curb the sale of counterfeit motor vehicle engine oil .
Its president Mohideen Abdul Kader said it would ensure that consumers are protected when they buy the genuine product.
“While the certification may increase the price of genuine engine oil, maintaining an engine well is ultimately more cost-effective.”
