Search for Matching Parts Using VIN Number, Paint Code and Part Number
Looking for a replacement part for your automobile may prove difficult considering that there are various models of the part which all look alike. Factors such as the age of your car, engine type, trim, drivetrain and other factory equipment may determine whether the part is compatible with your car. Here’s where the information found on your vehicle may come in handy.
There is lots of information regarding the car and the specific part contained in the part number and the VIN found in the car part. You may also use the VIN of your vehicle to identify matching parts. For exterior parts, information on paint code may be helpful in finding a closer colour match.
What Is the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of Auto Parts?
The VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number and is defined by a combination of 17 letters and digits that can be used to identify the vehicle manufacturer, model, and year of production, among others.
It is important to note that the VIN is not necessarily included in all auto parts. There could be other forms of identification, such as labels, barcodes, serial numbers, stock identification or partial VIN.
Just like the VIN, the part number is also very significant since it helps in identifying the particular auto part.
What does it do?
The VIN will help your supplier match up the parts that were intended to be used for that specific vehicle. Depending on the manufacturer and information in the database, this information will help you determine:
- Make & Model
- Model Year
- Engine type
- Drive Train
- Trim Level
- Factory Configuration
This can be important information if there are multiple configurations of the same component in one vehicle model. For instance, there may be a part that works well in one engine/trim level but not the other.
Components such as transmission, suspension, electrical and engines have different configurations in various models.
Common Symptoms of Failure
VIN will not usually fail on its own. What happens is that either the wrong part is found or the replacement does not fit the vehicle.
Symptoms of having the wrong part may include:
- Mounting holes do not align
- Different electrical connections
- Inconsistent part measurements
- Part number does not correspond
- The body panel does not fit the right way
- Colour difference is obvious
- Mismatch of trim or accessories
- The component acts differently than the old one
Researching the vehicle data before buying can avoid such issues.
Causes of Damage
Automotive components get damaged due to collisions, wear, corrosion, exposure to weather conditions, mechanical stress, electrical malfunctions, or high mileage.
The body panel gets dented, scratched, corroded, and collision-damaged, whereas mechanical components become worn due to constant usage. The electrical component also can fail due to the following factors: damaged wires, moisture, overheating, or malfunctioning within the vehicle itself.
While installing a new component, you should correctly identify the part that is required, as even the used component of another configuration looks the same.
Repair vs Replacement
Whether to repair or replace a component will depend on how badly it has been damaged and its role.
Small dents, scratches, and other surface damage may be repairable. But those which have been severely damaged structurally and mechanically may have no other option but to be replaced.
Used components in perfect condition can be an appropriate option when the cost of the replacement is very expensive. If they are already painted, body panels will save you refinishing.
Before replacing the part, make sure to compare the used part with repairing the existing one.
Used or New Auto Parts Section
Both types of parts have their pros.
Pros of used parts may include:
- Lower cost
- Parts that are original equipment
- Provision of parts for old cars
- Access to obsolete parts
- Discontinued car parts
Pros of new parts may include:
- Brand-new parts
- Sometimes come with manufacturer warranties
- Provision of parts for new cars
- No concerns about prior use
All depends on one’s budget and other factors mentioned above.
Average Cost
The cost for a VIN or paint code does not have a standard rate since these are identifiers and not parts to be replaced. There is a lot that goes into determining the cost of an automobile part, including type, condition, mileage, and demand.
Used small parts might cost little money, while engines, transmissions, doors, and hoods, among others, might end up costing much more. Price differentiation exists between painted parts, based on the quality of those parts and if they have been painted to match the color of the car.
It is wise to look at the cost of the part alone instead of just the car.
Purchasing Tips
VIN Verification
Give the entire 17-character VIN number to your supplier for their best chance at checking the vehicle application.
Check the Part Number.
Compare the number on your old part with the replacement part, if possible.
Verify Condition
Ask about the miles, any past damage or tests performed, wear and tear, and condition in general for a used part.
Paint Information Check
In case of painted body panels, get the factory paint code verified. You can search for the paint code by VIN number in certain manufacturer or dealer databases, but always check the paint sticker on the vehicle.
Return Policy Verification
Verify the return or exchange policy of your supplier before making your purchase.
What Is the Advantage of Using a Used Part Zone?
Used Part Zone assists car owners in searching for affordable used automobile parts and giving essential vehicle information that ensures compatibility. If a customer is asking for a specific part, he or she may give the following information: VIN, year, make, model, and part needed.
If a person is looking for any mechanical part, body part, electrical part, or something else, the vehicle information can simplify the search greatly.
“Used Parts Zone” will assist in locating parts based on VIN, considering their availability, condition, and cost. It will be useful to provide the original part number along with the VIN.
FAQs
Yes, you can use the vehicle’s VIN to identify parts which match the vehicle. The part number can further confirm that the parts match the vehicle.
No. Every part does not have the entire VIN. Some used parts might have a label number, barcode number, or another identifier. However, part number is the best way to identify the exact part.
A VIN paint code means the paint code associated with a certain vehicle. This is different from the VIN of the vehicle. It is 17 characters long.
It is recommended that both of the methods be used. VIN helps to determine the vehicle, and the part number helps to find the particular part that is required.
Conclusion
The correct identification of your vehicle and the spare parts is very necessary for selecting the right part. The VIN number of your vehicle is useful in helping suppliers find out whether the spare parts are suitable or not. In buying exterior parts, confirming the paint code by the VIN number or the paint code sticker of your vehicle will help in matching colours. When buying mechanical parts and body panels, you may want to use all three in order to make your buying process easier.
Request Your Auto Part
Do you want to buy some used auto parts? Please provide your vehicle’s VIN number, year, make, model, and the required part to the Used Part Zone through their Request Parts form. This will help in finding a suitable part for your vehicle.
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