Auto Part Compatibility: It Is More than Just the Year and Model of the Vehicle
When it comes to repairing your vehicle, buying the right car parts is crucial. But one of the most common mistakes car owners make is purchasing wrong auto parts. Using the wrong part can cause frustration and delays in your vehicle repair, and also it may risk damaging your vehicle, leading to greater financial loss.
how do you ensure compatibility when buying car parts? In this guide, we will show you some useful tips to get it right for the first time.
· Know Your Vehicle Details
Before you start shopping, the first step is to gather accurate information about your vehicle. This includes:
· Make, model and series
· Year of manufacture
· Engine Code
· Registration number
· VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
The VIN is especially useful, it is a 17-character code that uniquely identifies your vehicle. You can usually find it on your registration, engine bay, or driver's side door frame (See image 1 and 2).
Image 1: VIN location in engine bay
Image 2: VIN location on door frame
If your vehicle is registered in Victoria or Queensland, you can search the VIN of your vehicle at transportation authority website:
https://www.service.transport.qld.gov.au/checkrego/application/TermAndConditions.xhtml?dswid=-4907
· Check Compatibility Tools Online
When purchasing auto parts online, many online retailer websites e.g. eBay, Repco, Supercheap etc, allow you to enter your vehicle details and their websites will automatically show you the parts that fit your vehicles (see image 3 and image 4). The process is simple and straightforward, even if you have little knowledge or experience buying auto parts.
Image 3: eBay vehicle part compatibility check tool
Image 4: Repco vehicle part compatibility check tool
However, based on our experiences and customer feedback, online compatibility tools can easily lead to buying the wrong parts, even though they confirm the part can fit the vehicle. The reasons why this happens are the followings:
· Many online retailers rely on third-party part databases instead of genuine OEM catalogues. These third-party databases can contain errors.
· Online compatibility tools often rely solely on the year and model of the vehicle. However, vehicles with the same model and year can be manufactured in different countries, resulting in variations in parts. Online tools typically cannot identify the variations (see image 5).
Image 5: The Repco part compatibility tool shows two different alternators as suitable for the same vehicle model, but in reality, only one of them is correct.
· Some parts sold online are labelled as “universal fit”. Online compatibility tools may show these parts as fitting a wide range of vehicles, often ignoring specific vehicle dimensions, mounting points, or electrical connections.
· Use the OEM numbers
Using OEM numbers are one of the most accurate ways to ensure auto part compatibility. Each auto spare part, regardless whether it is small or large, has its own unique specific OEM number. Matching this number ensures you're getting the exact fit.
Examples Of How to Obtain OEM Numbers:
· Alternator: The OEM part number is usually stamped or labelled directly on the alternator body (see image 6)
Image 6: Part number on alternator
· Starter motor: The OEM part number is usually stamped or labelled directly on the starter motor body (see image 7)
Image 7: Part number on starter motor
· Air Flow Sensor (MAF): Look for a printed part number on the plastic casing.
However, aftermarket parts usually have different part numbers compared to OEM numbers. Quoting the OEM numbers may not be able to locate the matching aftermarket parts. In addition, not all the OEM part numbers are readily visible on the original part. Obtaining an accurate OEM number can be a challenging task for our customers.
· Compare the New Part with the Old Part
Old OEM part from the vehicle is a guaranteed fit, therefore, comparing the new part with the original part will give us an exact idea whether the new part will fit. For comparison, we recommend look carefully at the followings:
· Mounting Points (see image 7)
· Physical Dimensions
· Outer Appearance
· Connectors & Plugs
· Pulleys Or Gear Teeth (If Applicable)
Image 7: A matching new aftermarket part usually looks identical to the original genuine part.
In some cases, the outer appearance of a part may closely resemble the original, but the internal structure or specifications can be different. We recommend measuring the actual length, width or height of the original part. For certain components, exact measurements are essential to confirm compatibility. Examples include:
- Drive shafts or axles: measure overall length and count the splines or teeth (see image 8)
- Gears or pulleys: confirm teeth count, diameter, and groove spacing
- Radiators or condensers: check core size, overall height/width, and mounting tab locations
- Brake rotors or drums: verify diameter, thickness, and bolt pattern
Image 8: Most drive shafts have similiar appearnces. Knowning specific parameters, such as overall compressed length, spline counts, is essential for ensuring part compatibility.
· Consult with the online retailers or mechanic before purchasing
If you know little about auto parts, it is highly recommended to check with your mechanics what part you need to buy. It is always a good practice to consult with the online retailers by providing the 17-digits VIN or registration before placing an order. We have a dedicated part specialist team, who can access a wide range of aftermarket catalogues and OEM part databases. Our part specialists will use their knowledge and expertise to ensure you purchase the correct part for your vehicle.
Although shopping for auto spare parts can seem overwhelming, it becomes much easier when you have the right information about your vehicle and the part. Don’t be afraid to speak with your mechanic or consult with auto spare part retailers, we are the expertise here to guide you through the process and provide you a stress-free shopping experience.
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