Car repairs already cost a bomb, but if you go to a cheap mechanic thinking you might save a few bucks, you could end up paying for much more in the long run!
A recent report by Harian Metro revealed that a number of car workshops in the Klang Valley have been reusing engine oil and selling them under famous brand names at nearly half the original price.
The report uncovered that most of this oil is acquired from workshops that sell drums filled with disposed oil and is typically priced between RM40 and RM80 per drum.
For illustration purposes | Source: Economic Transformation Programme
The used oil in the drums is then extracted and chemically filtered multiple times until it becomes clear and has a faint yellow colour.
Once it has been successfully filtered, the oil is then repackaged and labelled using well-known international brand names to be sold to customers at huge discounts. So, since the oil is already so discounted, customers naturally don’t have a problem paying for it but are unaware that the oil they are buying is recycled.
As for the workshop employees, many of them know that they are selling fake oil, but they continue doing so without letting customers know so that they can continue profiting from their sales.
What’s even more alarming is that this reused engine oil can badly damage car engines.
An automobile expert told the daily that fake engine oil doesn’t help reduce the engine’s temperature and that using proper oil is important to ensure the longevity of a car’s engine.
For illustration purposes | Source: The Straits Times
The expert added that there are a variety of ways fake oil is made, saying,
“The easiest and most popular technique many syndicates use is mixing original lubricant oil with vegetable oil before repackaging it into its original branded bottle.”
According to the automobile expert, the oil helps lubricate metal parts in the engine, reducing the friction happening inside. It also absorbs heat that arises from all the friction. Fake oil is unable to properly absorb this heat and can cause the engine to overheat more easily.
Recently, this unscrupulous trade was uncovered by authorities when three premises selling spare parts in Kuala Lumpur were raided by the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism (KPDNKK) last night (21st March). This raid comes after months of investigations.
A total of 517 4-litre engine oil containers were reportedly confiscated during the raid.
Source: Harian Metro
Deputy Chief State Enforcement Officer Mohd Shahran told the daily that they had also confiscated 34 units of fake gear oil along with 22 units of fake brake oil. A shocking RM41,430 worth of goods was reportedly confiscated altogether during last night’s raid.
According to the officer, the operation was carried out after a tip-off was made by a well-known engine oil company whose brand was being unlawfully used by these fake engine oil sellers.
“Acting on the tip-off, KPDNKK Kuala Lumpur sent three teams and a Malaysian representative of the engine oil brand to inspect three premises in Taman Segar, Taman Daya, and Taman Melati.”
The fake oil was confiscated under Section 8(2) of the Trade Descriptions Act 2011.
Well, we’re glad this shady business is being properly investigated by the authorities. Let’s hope that this helps put a stop to workshops selling fake oil to unsuspecting motorists!
Also read: Woman Needs RM580k to Repair RM450k Car After Driving Through Flood
