The details to gather
| Detail | Where to find it | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| VIN | Dashboard by the windshield on the driver's side, driver's door jamb, registration and insurance papers | Identifies the exact vehicle and many of its specifications |
| Year, make, model | Registration, owner's manual | The starting point for any parts lookup |
| Engine size and type | Owner's manual, emissions label under the hood, the VIN | Filters, belts, spark plugs and many sensors differ by engine |
| Trim level | Badges on the car, purchase papers | Trims can have different brakes, lights or wheels |
| Drivetrain | Owner's manual, badges | Front, rear or all-wheel drive can change many parts |
| Build date | Label on the driver's door jamb | Makers sometimes change parts partway through a model year |
Your VIN
Cars built for the North American market since 1981 have a 17-character vehicle identification number. It encodes the maker, the vehicle type, the model year, the factory and a serial number. Dealer parts departments and many parts sellers can look up parts by VIN, which is the most reliable way to match parts that changed mid-year or vary by option.
The letters I, O and Q are not used in a VIN, to avoid confusion with 1 and 0. If you read one of those, check again.
Part numbers
The surest match is the part number. It is often printed or stamped on the old part, on its label, or on a sticker. Vehicle makers also publish part numbers through their dealer networks. Other manufacturers often list which original part numbers their product replaces, sometimes called an interchange or cross-reference.
Use the owner's manual
The manual lists bulb codes, fluid types and capacities, battery requirements, tire sizes, wiper lengths and the maintenance schedule. It is the most direct source for many common parts. Many vehicle makers offer manuals free on their websites if yours is missing.
A step-by-step approach
- Write down the VIN, year, make, model, engine, trim and drivetrain.
- Photograph the door jamb label and, if you can, the old part and any numbers on it.
- Look the part up by VIN where possible, or by full vehicle details.
- Read the fitment notes. Lines such as "with sport package" or "built after a certain month" matter.
- Compare the new part with the old one before fitting it: size, connectors, mounting holes and shape.
- Keep the packaging and receipt until you know the part fits and works.
A note on tires
Tire size is printed on the sidewall in a code such as 225/60R17, and the recommended size and pressure are on the label in the driver's door jamb. The sidewall also carries load and speed ratings. Fit tires that meet the vehicle maker's specification, and have a tire shop mount and balance them.
Check for recalls
While you have the VIN handy, check it for open safety recalls. In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers a free lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are done by dealers at no cost to the owner.
Not sure who should fit the part once you have it? See DIY or shop.