How to distinguish an original Gates timing belt from a fake

Hello, dear readers! Does everyone know that Gates products are installed on many cars at the assembly line stage? According to reports, the company cooperates with more than 40 automakers. Covers over 50% of the market. This timing belt with the Gates marking can be seen on Volvo, Ford, Mercedes, Toyota cars, as well as Nissan, Audi, Volkswagen, etc. Plus, these components are also installed on new Lada cars.

High demand and popularity have led to the emergence of counterfeit products. That’s why today we’re talking about the Gates timing belt – how to spot a fake.

The manufacturer knows that counterfeits are actively filling the markets. And they try to constantly monitor high quality, as well as inform consumers about the features of copies.

Now there are several options for how to distinguish a Gates timing belt from a fake. We will talk about them.

Gates. How to distinguish an original from a fake?

PowerGrip® Kit Packaging

Both packages are so similar that just by looking at them it is difficult to determine which is the real Gates and which is the fake. Only upon careful examination can you notice that the Gates packaging box is made of thicker cardboard, and the quality of printing on it is higher than on a fake. There is even a hologram pasted on the box with the fake, and both holograms are very similar in appearance. However, the fake one is shorter than the real one by about 1 cm and flew off easily like an autumn leaf...

Package Contents

Open the box. Now you can clearly see how the original differs from a fake! Inside the original box there is a special plastic form for storing products. Fake rollers and belt are simply packed in plastic bags.

Belt

Let's compare the markings on the belts. On the original belt, the markings, as expected, are slightly cut off. And the belts themselves differ noticeably in appearance.

The back of the box has been completely changed - color, font size, layout.

Sides: Same changes as the top side of the box. The inscription is more compact, the Gates logo does not have an ellipse. The logo in the new version is placed on the left side.

Completely redesigned side

Now the boxes are glued, which ensures higher packaging reliability. In the old version, the box was sealed with the original sticker to prevent it from opening accidentally. In the new version this sticker is no longer needed.

Label: The final label layout has not yet been finalized, so there may be some differences in: • font size • logo size and clarity • improved depiction of the belt drive diagram, etc. • an installation instruction designation that will no longer be printed on the label if the kit is installed using the general instructions (the instructions are only printed if the kit is installed using the special instructions). These items will be approved soon. The label is clearer and contains new symbols. The production date code is now printed on the label - in our case the date code is 2524531B ​​for kit K015521. This code consists of the order number (252453), the last digit indicates the year (1), and the letter B stands for the month (“B” stands for the second month of the year = February).

New mileage sticker: • improved quality • modern design • silver backing

Gates, a leading manufacturer of belt drive systems, takes all possible measures to prevent or stop the sale of counterfeit timing belts under its name. In compliance with MAPP (Manufacturers Against Pirated Products) standards, Gates has decided to triple its efforts to help installers and retailers verify the authenticity of the Gates timing belts they purchase.

Since July 2015, Gates has assigned each package of PowerGrip® timing belts a unique code. The new labels allow you to verify this unique code in three (3) ways with a triple security marking that will help distinguish genuine Gates belts from counterfeits.

The belt packaging is printed with a unique 14-digit alphanumeric code that can be entered at gates.com/original to verify the authenticity of the product.

Alternatively, you can scan the QR code, which will help you understand whether the product you are looking at is fake or genuine. To do this, you need to install special applications on your smartphone or barcode scanner.

Last but not least, the PrioSpot® holographic sticker has been added to the range of anti-counterfeiting measures. This sticker is difficult to counterfeit because it includes several security features. Its appearance makes it easy to determine the authenticity of the product.

Counterfeit products harm the brand image and endanger the life of the end consumer. The physical risks associated with the use or installation of counterfeit parts can cause damage of the highest value.

The use of counterfeit auto parts threatens the safety of consumers because it can lead to injury to drivers, their passengers, and auto mechanics.

Source

Product Variations

The company provides almost all variety of automobile brands and models with reliable products. To make it easier for customers to select belts, Gates offers the use of detailed catalogs developed by the company. Here it is easy and simple to select the necessary part. If the consumer wishes, you can find a worthy analogue of the product or purchase a set of special tools for performing installation work.

The company offers owners of passenger cars belts that are completely equivalent in quality to the original ones, equipped with rollers, as well as elements for sealing and other components related to the timing belt.

Complete set of timing belts

The drive system largely ensures the safety of the vehicle. The failure of one element of the system may well lead to the failure of other parts. Therefore, timely replacement of belts and all tensioning devices ensures the safety and flawless functioning of the entire propulsion system of the car. PowerGrip® Kit Plus are ideal for solving such problems. You can purchase special PowerGrip® Kit Plus with additional rings that serve to seal and drain oil or a water pump, making it possible to replace all critical timing drive mechanisms. The company produces and supplies original equipment with a high quality guarantee.

How to distinguish a fake from the original

When the market becomes saturated with various counterfeits, the manufacturer makes changes to the appearance of the packaging. The photo shows different types of packaging for real Gates products. If there is no black stripe on them, then it is obviously a fake. The numbers are 111x19, 111 is the number of teeth, 19 is the width.

Logo and lettering

Consider the Gates logo. On counterfeit packaging it is smaller, on the original it is larger. Also with the inscription. The font of the description text on the box: on the fake it is bold, the original is normal. On the side of the packaging of the original belt, the logo and the inscription are in one line, but on the fake the logo is at the top, the inscription is at the bottom. The designation is printed on the original numbers with spaces, the counterfeit ones are purely black.

Packaging, hologram and tag

The packaging with the original product is sealed, and a lot of glue is applied. On a counterfeit, the box opens easily, as it is weakly glued. Sometimes they even seal it with tape. The most important thing is the presence of a protective hologram. Each belt has its own pattern and is not repeated. The original packaging still has the paper tag. It is glued in the engine compartment so that when you change the belt, you record the mileage. You'll know when to change the belt next time.

Belts are always packed in red and black boxes made of thin cardboard, which in turn are placed 10 pieces per cardboard box. Dayco sells its empty packaging separately. This makes it possible to sell counterfeit low-quality spare parts under their brand.

External view of the Gates timing belt

Now let's look at the products themselves. The font on the original belt is bold. All products must indicate the place of origin. The inscription can be cut off, as on the top strap. There are no differences in the teeth.

On fake belts, the rubber on the outside quickly crumbles, and the inscription is never cut off. If you order and buy a product online, it happens that the site selects the wrong analogues. They only pay attention to the number of teeth and width; no one looks at the shape of the tooth. On Priora and Grant, the teeth are rounded, unlike the VAZ-2109. It is advisable not to confuse this, as the service life will be shorter.

Unique code for authentication

Since July 2015, Gates has included a unique code with each timing belt package. The new labels make it possible to verify a unique code in three ways, thanks to triple security markings. It will help distinguish original Gates belts from counterfeits.

Characteristics and Features

The Gates company was founded in 1911. In 1917, the V-belt was first produced. Since then, the company has been producing drive belts and hoses for cars. It is one of the largest suppliers of products for conveyors of auto manufacturers around the world, including AvtoVAZ. The quality of the products fully complies with the manufacturer's requirements for the original. The use of the latest technologies makes it possible to create new products with improved characteristics.

Gates Supplies

The following types of belts are produced under the Gates brand:

Wedges. The products have a cross section and transmit force through the side surface. Made from oil and petrol resistant rubber. Non-reinforced belts with molded ribs have a V-shaped profile and have high lateral strength. High-strength polyester cord provides increased flexibility, which makes it possible to use products on small diameter pulleys. Used on passenger cars and small minibuses. For V-belts, reverse bends, which cause tension on the inner surface, are unacceptable. In some cases, multiple belts may need to be installed to provide the required tension and flexibility.

Polycline. Made from several low profile V-belts. Thus, these products have good flexibility and are resistant to both forward and reverse bending. They can withstand heavy loads, so they are used to transmit serious forces. The flexibility and strength of poly V-belts makes it possible to use them on all mounted units, ensuring their rotation. Advantages of these products:

Other differences and features

There is a black stripe on the box, but the fake does not have it, just like the holograms. Previously there was this black bar, but a second link to authenticity was added. Regarding the Gates timing belt itself, nothing has changed. The interior remains the same, there are no changes in the markings, there is an insert.

If you know other ways to distinguish original products from fakes, share them in the comments.

Comments 1

Good afternoon, the video is quite informative, I would also like to add the differences in the packaging of the original and the imitation:

1. You need to pay attention to the information sticker itself, where the barcode and barcode are located. The corners of this sticker must (!) have spherical edges.

2. Also, when scanning a barcode, information about the serial number should be displayed.

3. As for the packaging, an insert that is placed in the engine compartment and carries information about the T.O. now has a more technologically advanced paper medium. It is denser and has a silver color. (I have a personal observation: on originals it is always glued to the instructions, on imitations it lies either under plastic or somewhere else.

4. Pay a lot of attention to the rollers and the belt itself. As for the rollers: in addition to marking the bolt with the Gates logo, it is worth looking for numerical marks on the plastic on the side facing the engine. They are located in the cellular structure of the roller, between the reinforcement ribs, on the tension roller, also on the side facing the engine. There should also be numerical markings on the edge of the plastic, on the metal bushing of the bearing. As for the belt, I don’t know why reviewers pay so little attention to this. But I think the important aspect is that the way the protector is made on the working surface, Gates has a unique structure. And we can also add that in the information located on the belt there are numbers indicating the serial number of the belt during manufacture; on average, when printed, two full numbers and one cropped number are visible. But they are always different and increase in a strict order. (For example, 178-179-180, they are located respectively on top of each other).

Always remember that a Gates original cannot be cheap. Don't forget, the miser pays twice. Take care of yourself brothers.

Source

Package

Just recently we went to a wholesale warehouse, and I noticed that they were selling a lot of different fakes. In particular, there are many fakes of Gates timing belts. For review, I purchased two “Gates” kits: one for a Lada Priora, the other for an 8-valve nine.

Kits can be sold in new or old packaging. If the packaging is old, this does not necessarily mean that you have encountered a fake. The original can also be sold in old packaging.

Now they have begun to put authentication on the packaging. You can peel off the protective surface, send a code and check the authenticity of the product via SMS. Of course, it also happens that this sticker is missing, but the product is also original.

I recently found out that new packaging is also being counterfeited. In stores there are such boxes without authentication stickers, with a factory sticker with square edges and a wide barcode.

Analogs

The most popular company whose products are in high demand among customers is Gates. Similar products are supplied to retail chains from manufacturers Contitech and Dayco. A domestic manufacturer in Balakovo supplies car owners with belts at an average price. Bosch and Lemforder also produce similar products at an affordable price. You can learn more about analogues in this article.

High quality products that can be purchased at an affordable price are in demand and popular among drivers. This is consistent with Gates products.

What to pay attention to

First of all, you should see if there is an adhesive layer on the box flap. The fake I purchased did not have an adhesive layer; it was sealed with regular tape. The original must have an adhesive layer .

Special attention should be paid to. The edges of the sticker should be rounded , since square ones are much cheaper, and manufacturers of fakes take advantage of this.

pixel code on the fake , and the barcode is much wider than on the original.

Pay attention to the print itself. If it is crooked or poorly printed, then it is definitely a fake.

Box Contents

Having unpacked the box, we see that the belts and rollers are in a special plastic frame. The rollers for the Priora are in the packaging base, and the rollers for the VAZ-2112 are packed in cellophane.

People often say that the cord in the belt should not be visible on the original, but in fact this is not the case.

You need to understand how drive belts are made: the belt blank is installed on a round drum, and a special machine cuts the required width and the required number of these belts.

On this drum, the inscriptions are printed at full length, so when cutting the belt, the inscriptions may be cut off. But on a fake, the inscriptions are applied directly to the finished belt in two rows, and the inscription will not continue either up or down.

Pay attention to the quality of the inscriptions. On a fake, the print is uneven, as if drawn with a brush using a stencil. On the original it is clear, the edges are even.

Also, on the fake that I purchased, the word “do not crease” was written with gross spelling errors.

On the original belt there are numbers arranged in ascending order . If all the numbers are the same, then the belt is a fake.

In the videos, I did not notice any obvious differences between the original and the fake. But, as we have already understood, nothing good should be expected from a fake.

Visual inspection

See also
How to distinguish a real Parker from a fake

The strap can be faked, as can the codes for sending SMS messages. This identification method should not be trusted 100%.

You need to go through other methods to finally verify the authenticity of the product. Or you can make sure that it is a fake, and you cannot install such a spare part on your car.

The contents of the box may vary depending on which Gates plant the packaging takes place at, as well as which machine the kit is intended for.

Most often this is a set of belt and rollers. Sometimes rollers are sold separately.

• Basically the belt is in a plastic box. The rollers are not packaged, but neatly placed in a box. Without bags and cellophane;
• On original timing belt drives, the cord is not visible inside;
• Genuine products have rubber elements that are always smooth, and there are no burrs or other signs of poor quality manufacturing;
• The original belt is matte. Copies have a glossy surface;
• Along the entire length, usually on the side, an inscription in the form of a logo is applied. If only part of the name is printed, this is not a problem. During production, the belt is cut to length. Therefore, they can cut off in the middle of the text;
• The fakes use a different font. Plus the marking is applied in 2 rows;
• The print itself is uneven. Curvatures are visible along the entire length of the timing belt;
• No spelling errors can be present on real timing belts. But illiterate scammers often sin with this;
• Look at the numbers printed along the entire length of the product. For genuine spare parts, the numbers are increasing. If you see that the numbers are the same everywhere, it is 100% fake;
• The inscription always indicates the place of production of the spare part;
• To make copies, soft and low-quality rubber is used. The originals are always tougher and better quality.

Additionally, counterfeits usually have a strong, chemical, and pungent rubbery odor. The original was never like this.

Plus there must be a document in the package. Copies usually only have the parts themselves in the box. That's all.

Is it worth buying a fake?

In conclusion, I would like to say that you should not expect anything good from non-original rollers and belts. If you install a low-quality belt, you may soon have to repair the valves or even replace the pistons.

Be very careful when choosing drive belts. Follow our advice and don't be fooled.

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How to distinguish a fake from the original

When the market becomes saturated with various counterfeits, the manufacturer makes changes to the appearance of the packaging. The photo shows different types of packaging for real Gates products. If there is no black stripe on them, then it is obviously a fake. The numbers are 111x19, 111 is the number of teeth, 19 is the width.

Logo and lettering

Consider the Gates logo. On counterfeit packaging it is smaller, on the original it is larger. Also with the inscription. The font of the description text on the box: on the fake it is bold, the original is normal. On the side of the packaging of the original belt, the logo and the inscription are in one line, but on the fake the logo is at the top, the inscription is at the bottom. The designation is printed on the original numbers with spaces, the counterfeit ones are purely black.

Packaging, hologram and tag

The packaging with the original product is sealed, and a lot of glue is applied. On a counterfeit, the box opens easily, as it is weakly glued. Sometimes they even seal it with tape. The most important thing is the presence of a protective hologram. Each belt has its own pattern and is not repeated. The original packaging still has the paper tag. It is glued in the engine compartment so that when you change the belt, you record the mileage. You'll know when to change the belt next time.

Belts are always packed in red and black boxes made of thin cardboard, which in turn are placed 10 pieces per cardboard box. Dayco sells its empty packaging separately. This makes it possible to sell counterfeit low-quality spare parts under their brand.

External view of the Gates timing belt

Now let's look at the products themselves. The font on the original belt is bold. All products must indicate the place of origin. The inscription can be cut off, as on the top strap. There are no differences in the teeth.

On fake belts, the rubber on the outside quickly crumbles, and the inscription is never cut off. If you order and buy a product online, it happens that the site selects the wrong analogues. They only pay attention to the number of teeth and width; no one looks at the shape of the tooth. On Priora and Grant, the teeth are rounded, unlike the VAZ-2109. It is advisable not to confuse this, as the service life will be shorter.

Unique code for authentication

Since July 2022, Gates has included a unique code with each timing belt package. The new labels make it possible to verify a unique code in three ways, thanks to triple security markings. It will help distinguish original Gates belts from counterfeits.

Let's consider each method of protection against counterfeiting. A unique 14-digit alphanumeric code is printed on the belt packaging. It can be entered on the official website to confirm the authenticity of the product. Try this. Authentication works, a message should be displayed that everything is fine, the product is genuine. If the code contains capital letters, then you need to enter them that way.

Check by QR code

You can also scan the QR code, which will help distinguish a genuine product from a fake. This method is questionable because there are many programs on the Internet that can generate any QR code.

Holographic sticker

Another measure against counterfeit timing drives is the addition of the PrioSpot® holographic sticker. It is difficult to counterfeit, as it includes several security elements. By appearance it is easy to understand the authenticity of the product. What security features are in this sticker? Gates is silent about this, but the sticker is unique.

Read: When to change the timing belt.

If you take 10 packages from the Gates company, then all of them will have different numbers and letters. If you look closely, the numbers and letters with the Gates logo will be visible under the light. Below them there will also be signs printed in small print.

Reviews

Reviews of Gates belts will help you make a more competent selection. Thus, by purchasing a high-quality repair kit, you will ensure reliable engine operation for a long time.

Features of Gates timing belts

Gates has a century-long history of development. In 2022, it will be 100 years since the first V-belt rolled off the production line. The company survived such a long period of time for a reason. Just having our own research center speaks volumes. Today it is the largest supplier of belts for cars and agricultural machinery, not only for conveyors, but also for spare parts.

When it comes to timing belts specifically, Gates offers products with strict requirements for quality and reliability. After all, timing belts operate at high speeds over a wide temperature range, while being exposed to oil. So, the features of Gates timing belts include:

Gates Achievements

Among the most popular achievements is the story of the almost century-long production of the first belt, as well as the presence of its own scientific center. The company constantly accumulates information, as well as searches for and resolves issues with the quality and reliability of materials. Thus, developments in the field of rubber products brought Gates to the rubber goods market in the areas of refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

The company successfully patents all its developments and inventions. A consistent approach to the development and implementation of technical solutions has led to the expansion of production to 70 factories around the world. Thousands of jobs and global recognition are what Gates deserves. Almost every 2nd timing belt replacement occurs with Gates products.

Other differences and features

There is a black stripe on the box, but the fake does not have it, just like the holograms. Previously there was this black bar, but a second link to authenticity was added. Regarding the Gates timing belt itself, nothing has changed. The interior remains the same, there are no changes in the markings, there is an insert.

How to adjust the carburetor choke with your own hands?

If you know other ways to distinguish original products from fakes, share them in the comments.

Reviews

Online, car owners exchange opinions, share experiences, and warn each other against all sorts of failures and mistakes. Gates belts have excellent reviews. Here are examples:

For Skoda Octavia Octavia tour 1.4 16 valves. I chose a Gates belt and also changed the Pump just in case. I have no regrets, I drove 20 thousand km after the replacement, the flight is normal.

I put Gates on myself and my friends, there were no problems. (Made in Belgium)

There is a high chance of running into a fake, so you should be responsible about where you buy it. I ordered from the online store. I took it - it turned out to be a fake (can be seen from the markings and hologram), the seller does not get in touch.

For proper and long-term operation of the car, it is important that all its components are of high quality, including the timing belt. The leaders in the consumables market are Gates. The article discusses Gates belts: reviews about them, selection rules. This information will help you buy a quality belt and teach you how to distinguish a fake from an original.

What is a timing belt

The main function of the timing belt, or timing belt, is to synchronize the operation of the engine's crankshaft and camshaft. In diesel units it is also connected to the high pressure fuel pump (HPF). Previously, in engines this role was performed by a chain. Today there is also a significant proportion of cars with chain synchronization. Why did the belt begin to be used in such a critical place in the engine?

To make it clearer, let’s look at the main differences between a belt and a chain in an engine timing belt:

The timing belt is an important component of the engine in terms of repairability in the event of a break. The consequences of failure of such a belt will, at best, lead to the replacement of part of the valves. In the worst case, all valves, pistons, camshaft and crankshaft will need to be replaced. The responsibility on a rubber product lies simply enormous. Therefore, it is best to replace it regularly and choose among the products of the most responsible manufacturers. And Gates (timing belts and other products) constantly deserves the best reviews.

A few words about replacing the drive belt

Correction of odometer readings on cars

It was already noted above that the timing belt should be changed every 60,000 kilometers. However, this is far from the only case in which such repairs are required. In addition to the expiration of its service life, belt replacement may be required:

• Or when it breaks. Diagnosing this breakdown is very simple - the car stalled with a short, strong bang from the engine compartment and will no longer start;
• Or when it wears out early. This will require systematic checks, which should preferably be carried out every 15,000 kilometers.

Let's say the need for replacement is confirmed. What should I do next? In a typical case, the procedure is as follows:

1. We remove the belt or its remains from the car structure. If the repair is caused by a broken drive belt, then we also check:
   • valve;

   pistons;

2. all timing elements.

If everything is fine with the listed nodes, consider that you are very lucky and will be able to get off with “easy blood.” Otherwise, eliminate all existing faults;

3. After completing the first step, using the markings on the removed belt or special technical documentation for your car, we determine the brand and dimensions of the drive element. In addition, directly in the store, do not forget to make sure that the teeth of the new timing belt and their frequency correspond to the same parameters of the damaged part.
4. Then, of course, we purchase a belt and replace it.

Installation nuances

Replacing the timing belt on most cars requires different timing. If, for example, Renault Logan recommends changing the belt at 60 thousand km, then for many Volkswagens this period is 120 thousand km. Sometimes the manufacturer limits the service life to a time frame, which also makes sense. Therefore, Gates’ recommendations in this regard do not contradict car manufacturers. Even if a Gates reinforced timing belt with a large margin of safety is used, its maximum service life should not be checked.

Advantages and disadvantages

Thanks to the high quality of its products, Gates has ensured its steady popularity among buyers and users of timing belts. The list of advantages is huge:

• high wear resistance;
• The products fulfill the entire required warranty period with a reserve, and it is necessary to take into account special extreme operating conditions (aggressive environmental conditions, temperature intervals);
• the precise fit of the teeth and the properties of the material used provide conditions for quiet operation;
• The presence of glass fiber in the materials creates extreme tensile strength.

The biggest disadvantage is the strong desire of many manufacturers to counterfeit products and produce counterfeit products . But a hundred years of experience allows manufacturers to protect their goods from good quality, but still fake. Therefore, consumers receive not only Gates timing kits, but also other products of the required quality. Methods for protecting commercial products have been developed here.

Box Contents

Having unpacked the box, we see that the belts and rollers are in a special plastic frame. The rollers for the Priora are in the packaging base, and the rollers for the VAZ-2112 are packed in cellophane.

Read more: First driving in the city with an instructor

People often say that the cord in the belt should not be visible on the original, but in fact this is not the case.

You need to understand how drive belts are made: the belt blank is installed on a round drum, and a special machine cuts the required width and the required number of these belts.

On this drum, the inscriptions are printed at full length, so when cutting the belt, the inscriptions may be cut off. But on a fake, the inscriptions are applied directly to the finished belt in two rows, and the inscription will not continue either up or down.

Pay attention to the quality of the inscriptions. On a fake, the print is uneven, as if drawn with a brush using a stencil. On the original it is clear, the edges are even.

Also, on the fake that I purchased, the word “do not crease” was written with gross spelling errors.

On the original belt there are numbers arranged in ascending order . If all the numbers are the same, then the belt is a fake.

In the videos, I did not notice any obvious differences between the original and the fake. But, as we have already understood, nothing good should be expected from a fake.

Electronic verification methods

There are three methods for electronically checking GATES POWERGRIP timing belts. Briefly they can be described as follows:

Original packaging with a black stripe indicating the official website of the manufacturer.

Now we will describe each of the listed methods in more detail. So, checking the 14-digit code is possible on the official Gates website. To do this, you need to go to the mentioned resource, select “Russian” (or another convenient one) from the list of languages ​​and go to the verification section. After this, enter the 14-digit alphanumeric code indicated on the package in the field and click the corresponding “Check Code” button. After this, information about the authenticity of the product that has the entered code on the packaging will appear directly on the page in the browser. Note! If the letters in the code on the packaging are in capitals, then they must also be entered in capitals in the verification line. Otherwise, the system will perceive this as an error and will not accept the information.

The second verification method is to use a smartphone or laser barcode scanner. From July 2022, all GATES belt packaging has a unique QR code. To read them, download and install one of two applications on your smartphone - TecIdentify or Neoreader. Their versions are available on both Android and iOS operating systems. Next, using your smartphone camera and appropriate software, read the QR code from the packaging. As a result of these actions, the application will display one of three messages to you - about the authenticity of the product, its outright counterfeit, or the third case - when there is no such code in the database, so additional identification is needed. But most likely, this will mean that the packaging and product are fake.

The third method of identifying counterfeit products is to check the PRIOSPOT holographic sticker. It has a complex security system, so it is quite difficult to fake it. To check you need to use three methods:

As you can see, the GATES company takes the protection of its own products quite seriously, so at present there are counterfeits, but not many of them. Another interesting fact... Usually the background colors of the packaging of the products of the mentioned brand are red, white or black. Any other color will most likely be a fake.

Checking timing belts for VAZs

For owners of VAZ cars, it is very important to buy original GATES products, because, based on some reviews and stories on the Internet, it can be argued that non-original belts, when they break, lead to a situation where the valve bends and other very unpleasant and expensive things to repair happen. Therefore, be sure to buy only originals!

Read more: BMW E60 headlight washer fuse

For drivers of domestic VAZ cars who want to use timing belts with rollers from the GATES brand in their cars, there is a test similar to that described above, but with its own nuances. Thus, from September 2022, the manufacturer began to protect original packaging using double-layer stickers of the ORIGINAL anti-counterfeit system. In particular, with the help of such a system, spare parts of the Gates PowerGrip series, suitable for Zhiguli, are protected. Below are their catalog and article numbers.

The ORIGINAL system has the following features and works as follows:

Before checking, you must check the packaging for integrity. In particular, the box must not be damaged and the sticker must not have been replaced and also show no signs of damage. Next, you need to remove the top layer of the sticker, and under it, on the bottom layer, you will see the above-mentioned 12-digit alphanumeric code. Next, you can verify the authenticity of the information in one of three ways:

Hologram series ORIGINAL

Please note that the return SMS message contains a hotline number that you can call back if a fake is detected. The call center operators will tell you what to do next.

Even in modern packages of Gates timing belts, both with and without rollers, there is a special protective black cardboard tape on the side that needs to be opened directly, which is glued very tightly, and it is quite difficult to tear it off. If, when checking, you feel that it is secured with glue in only 2…3 places, then this is a fake. There is also a sticker on the front of the box in the lower left corner that says it needs to be torn off. Below it is a hotline number and a short number to which you can send an SMS message with a code.

Conclusion

Finally, I would like to note that due to the large number of counterfeits of Gates timing belts on the auto parts market, it is necessary to check each product intended for purchase. Moreover, it is not difficult to do. The simplest and most accessible method is via SMS messages or QR code. If you come across old packaging that does not contain the relevant information, visually inspect both the packaging and the belt with rollers itself. Although nowadays almost all packages have a hologram by which you can check the authenticity, and a hotline number is also indicated on the box, by calling which you can quickly and accurately determine how original a particular product is. Try to make purchases in reliable and trusted stores. This way you will minimize the likelihood of purchasing counterfeit products.

Source

SMS authentication

We continue the conversation about the Gates belt - how to distinguish a fake. This time via SMS.

The Gates Company strives to protect its consumers from purchasing inferior parts that imitate a popular brand. After all, numerous copies cause severe financial damage and also damage the image of a well-established manufacturer.

Therefore, counterfeit Gates belts should not exist. Or at least sell. If everyone learns to quickly recognize deception, then it will simply be unprofitable for fraudsters to continue to engage in underground production.

SMS messages are still a popular method. You can check whether it is a copy or an original using your phone and text message.

There is a protective sticker on the box with the Gates strap. Once you remove it, you will see the code. Consists of letters and numbers. Plus a short telephone number.

You need to open your phone, create a new SMS message, enter this code in the field, and send it to the specified number. The cost of SMS usually corresponds to the tariff of your operator.

In response to the sent message, the buyer will receive information about the authenticity of the product.