Drivers have been warned of the life-threatening dangers of buying fake parts for their vehicles. Items crucial for safety such as tyres, wheels, airbags and brakes are among the most commonly purchased “fake” items, the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) said.

Millions of ‘dangerous’ counterfeit car parts end up on UK roads every year, including black market airbags and batteries. Despite being a core part of the car, spotting fake ones is not always easy as they have been made to look like the real deal.

Items crucial for safety such as tyres, wheels, airbags and brakes are among the most commonly purchased ‘fake’ items, the Government said.