Service Expert Warns Against Counterfeit and ‘High Copy’ Auto Parts, Explains Causes of CVT Transmission Issues

Diab Fathy, a vehicle service center manager, has warned about the growing spread of so-called “high copy” spare parts in the market, describing the term as misleading and stressing that such products are among the most dangerous threats to vehicle safety because their origins are often unknown.

He explained that counterfeit and non-genuine automotive parts have become widely available, creating significant risks for vehicle performance and overall driving safety.

According to Fathy, the price difference between genuine spare parts and those sold outside authorized dealerships ranges between 30% and 35%. He noted that this gap often pushes some consumers toward lower-cost alternatives without fully understanding the potential technical risks.

He also revealed that certain brake pad products are sold at dramatically different prices in the market, with one version priced at EGP 5,000 and another at only EGP 700, despite appearing identical in shape and specifications.

Fathy added that some products are marketed as imported items or labeled with claims such as “Made in Japan,” while they are actually manufactured in China or sourced from non-approved suppliers.

He further cautioned against purchasing imported used spare parts from random sources, emphasizing the need for extreme care when buying critical components such as shock absorbers, control arms, and other safety-related parts.

Why CVT Transmissions Face Problems

The service center manager stated that CVT transmission issues remain one of the major challenges facing Egypt’s automotive market. He explained that high operating temperatures and improper use are the primary causes of these failures, making CVT gearboxes among the components most susceptible to problems in some modern vehicles.