Filtering the fakers

A fake filter might seem harmless at first sight but you could be responsible for the ensuing harm, as Rob Marshall discovers

While relatively inexpensive parts, filters are ideal parts to counterfeit, due to their relatively frequent replacement cycles. Indeed, several well-known brands have found counterfeit, low-quality filters being sold illegally under their logos. Unless you are an expert, it can be almost impossible to tell the difference. Again, trusting a well-established supplier will help to mitigate most of the risks, whereas a bulk order from an unknown shop on an online marketplace might not.

What is a fake filter?

Counterfeits aside, filters do not have to comply with standardised type-approval regulations. The exception is reserved for those used in LPG applications (ECE R67/01).

Mahle reports that filter specifications are set by the vehicle manufacturer, during the engine development process. These include filter flow rates, duty cycle, size, construction and capacity. Naturally, this does not limit you solely to main dealer parts counters (although their cost can be surprisingly competitive), but what can you do otherwise?

The first step is to prioritise not just OEM suppliers but also those that offer OE quality. UFI Filters, for instance, argues that its aftermarket range benefits from OEM-integrated processes, which cover R&D, quality and testing.

Comline's filtration products might not be used in car manufacturer factories and dealerships but they fulfil the quality requirements, by following block exemption regulations. Additionally, Comline reports that all of its filters are produced in certified factories that follow the relevant standards, such as ISO9001, ISO14001 and TS16949.

Filtration standards

Should you be unsure about filtration quality, you may wish to question the supplier and manufacturer. While there are no type-approval stipulations, you could also ask for evidence that the filters meet the established worldwide test methods which are:

Air filters: ISO 5011

Diesel fuel filters: ISO 4020, ISO 19438, ISO 16332.

Oil filters: ISO 4548

LKQ Euro Car Parts confirms that every filter it sells, including those under the in-house Crosland brand, is examined and compared against OE-quality. Any product that does not comply is removed from the company's listings.

The cost of living conundrum

With reports indicating that some motorists seek to reduce running costs, by skipping routine maintenance, the temptation is for independent garages to cut their servicing charges.

Mahle reports that it has witnessed motorists purchasing filters and requesting garages to install them. This situation presents several issues. Firstly, without knowing from whom it was supplied, the customer part could be fake. This introduces a risk to the garage because, if it installs the part, it is taking responsibility for its quality. Therefore, regardless of what is stated on the invoice, Mahle says that any future claim will fall on the garage.

UFI adds that buying and fitting a cheap aftermarket filter can seem like a good idea at the time and can save a motorist a few pounds initially, but it can cost more over the time it is installed. It elaborates that low-grade filters can cause wear and a power reduction, caused potentially by pressure drops in the oil and fuel supply circuits.

Comline agrees that low-grade filtration products are available, the quality of which might be jeopardized by low-quality materials, or produced in factories that may not have any quality accreditations. Even so, Comline emphasises that its remit focuses on offering OE-quality filters at affordable prices.

How do fakes differ?

UFI Filters reports that, although there is little to differentiate between fake and genuine filters on the outside, pressure control, filtration performance, leakage protection, sealing ability, et al, can deviate enormously. The cutaway comparisons of a genuine UFI-branded diesel filter (suited mainly for Stellantis/PSA/FCA vehicles) against a counterfeit alternative reveal clear differences. The top five variations include:

1. The filter media is produced from an unknown material and so the water separation abilities from the fuel could be compromised.

2. The non-composite filter material within the fake risks not just debris being released into the rest of the filter but it could also break apart, when exposed to diesel fuel.

3. The filter medium lacks a centre support, risking it collapsing under pressure.

4. The lack of a base spring reduces internal filter stability, increasing the risk of dirty, or unfiltered, diesel being released into the injection system.

5. The lack of a magnetised section on the base means that a water presence warning will not be activated, should the level of separated water reach a critical level – whatever quantity that might be on the fake filter.

UFI explains the challenges of developing a diesel filter for the latest Alfa Romeo Tonale. It has a filtering efficiency of more than 90% for particles up to 4 μm, according to ISO 19438 and must have a 95% water separation capacity from the diesel fuel according to ISO 16332. A fake filter is unlikely to be specified to the level required by the vehicle manufacturer.

Filtration: Fake News

We asked LKQ Euro Car Parts, Comline and UFI to counter the most popular misconceptions about filters. This is what they said:

1. "The same filtration media is used for both, cheap and more expensive filters, because, there is only a handful of filtration media manufacturers in the world"

This is untrue. There are multiple manufacturers globally. Yet, not all of them are accredited factories supplying quality media.

2. "The quality of air filters is almost the same and not as important as that of oil filters"

Again, this is fake news. Modern engines are becoming more and more efficient, increasing demands on the air filter for optimum fuel combustion across filter service life.

3. "Air and cabin filters can be cleaned using an air compressor to extend their lives”

Even the highest quality media suffer from fatigue in normal use. Cleaning with compressed air could damage the structure of the filter. It can also cause filters with cellulose media to absorb humidity, reducing efficiency further.

4. "Should the size and thread match on two oil filters, they are interchangeable"

Many internal specifications are dependent on the application. These include media type, anti-drain back valve designs and pressure bypass valve opening/closing pressures. Therefore, just because a filter fits, does not mean that it is correct.

5. “Cabin air filters are luxury products, meaning it is not necessary to change them”

Cabin filters are important for vehicle occupant health. They filter airborne particles, preventing them from entering the interior. Carbon-activated upgrades also absorb exhaust gases and strong odours. Anti-bacterial cabin air filters have even better performance, because they can inhibit microbial growth. This is especially relevant, should the vehicle carry vulnerable passengers.

Fakes:

The fightback

UFI Filters reports that it has tightened its surveillance measures, by extending its Internet Business Intelligence activity.

This has resulted in the successful removal of over 9,000 commercial advertisements, posted on 36 global e-commerce platforms, preventing a potential turnover of more than €5 million in counterfeit goods sales.

The work has also resulted in the interception of over 2.5 million illegal parts transactions on the major marketplaces.