| Buying a part for your automobile
today has become a much more difficult process than in years past. Dozens of options can
be available for one model of vehicle, problems are harder to diagnose, and almost every
"model" comes in a number of different names (Oldsmobile Cutlass is a good
example - in certain years, a Calais, Supreme, and Ciera are all part of the
"Cutlass" line). As a customer, there are a few easy steps you can take to make
sure you are going to get the right part the first time. |
Be ready to supply the Year, Make, and Model (for example, a
1995 Ford Taurus or a 1986 Nissan Maxima). The Vehicle Identification Number ("VIN" number)
along with the Production Date can help to
positively identify your vehicle, and should be on hand during your quest for parts:
Vehicle Identification Number ("VIN" number)
- This number can usually be found in two places. First, from outside the vehicle, look
through the windshield for a metal tag attached to the top of the dash pad. A second
choice, although sometimes harder to read, is the vehicle information sticker located on
the driver's door by the latch assembly OR on the door post (the part of the body the door
closes against). You can also get the VIN from the title or registration card as long as
you are sure the vehicle information was never changed (reconstructed or out-of-state
titles, specialty vehicles such as cab & chassis trucks,
ambulances, etc.).
Production Date - This can be found on the sticker (mentioned above)
located on the driver's door or post. It is the month and year the vehicle was built, i.e.
"04/96". This is sometimes the most important piece
of information you can provide, as many manufacturers make design changes in
mid-production, which could result in different parts being used for the same model year.
Click here for a sample.
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It is also important to be sure of what
parts you need. Trying to save
a few dollars by troubleshooting your vehicle yourself can cost more if you are buying
a part that you do not need. This is especially true in newer cars with complicated
electronic controls. If you are not sure, have a competent mechanic diagnose your vehicle
before you call for parts. Also, have any "specifics" ready for the part you
need. Some common examples are:
Engine Size - This can be found on the vehicle emissions sticker located
under the hood. If you can not find it, the Vehicle Identification Number
can provide this.
Wheel Size - 13" - 14" - 15" , etc. Also check to see if
the wheel is steel or aluminum.
Automatic Overdrive Transmission - This is easily identified in most
vehicles by an "O" surrounding the "D" (drive) position on the shift
indicator.
Axle Assemblies - Ratio is important, especially in 4-wheel drive
vehicles or in any state where your vehicle is emission tested on a dynamometer
"Left" or "Right" - A major source of confusion
sometimes. Industry standards are: Left = Driver's side, Right = Passenger's side.
Radiators - Core size - this is a measurement of the width and/or height
of the cooling tube area of a radiator, NOT INCLUDING the tanks on the ends or top &
bottom. Also, some models have one of the heater core hoses going directly into the
radiator, and/or an electrical switch in one of the tanks.
These are just a few examples. Whenever possible, gather as much
information as you can about the part you need.
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