The dangers associated with using counterfeit auto parts are varied – from losing precious gas money with fake fuel filters to fatal accidents with faulty brake pads.

Unfortunately, there is no foolproof way to distinguish between fake and genuine auto parts, except making sure that you get them directly from authorized dealers, said Rey Arabit of the Mitsubishi Service Operations Department.

At the 3rd Philippine International Motor Show, Mr. Arabit shared some of these tips on how to spot fake auto parts:

1. Look closely.

The structure alone of the materials used should already give you a clue. "Visuals alone should give you a clue. For instance, when you look at air filters, genuine ones use thick elements while counterfeit ones have thin elements," Mr. Arabit said.

2. Don't penny-pinch.

While you may save a few hundred pesos on a counterfeit auto part, the damage to your wallet might be more severe down the line, Mr. Arabit warned. "Not only will you need to replace the counterfeit part soon, using it might damage other parts of your car, resulting to even more expenses."

3. Go to an authorized dealer.

To be absolutely sure, consult an authorized dealer. Mr. Arabit said there are fake parts that really look like the real thing, and their disastrous effects to your engines might not be readily obvious until it's too late.