How to Buy Auto Parts

Buying auto or truck parts can be an intimidating experience if the parts counter person bombards you with questions. It is helpful to already have with you a list of the information they will need to sell you the correct parts.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pen and Paper
• Eyeglasses
• Vehicle
• Telephone

1. 
   VIN Number

   For most domestic cars and trucks built later than 1980, the engine size can be determined from the eighth digit of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) . The VIN is located on the corner of the dashboard on the driver's side, and can be viewed through the windshield. The model year can be derived from the tenth digit of the VIN, and may be a letter or a number. The VIN number also appears on your vehicle state registration card.

2. For import cars, the engine size will often be found at the top of a small metal identification plate, and will list the engine size in liters or cc' s, plus a code for the engine family. This plate is often found in the front of the engine compartment near the radiator. Examples are 2972cc 6G72 (Mitsubishi), 1.3L KC (Toyota), and 1.8L DOHC CA18DE (Nissan).

3. 
   Production Date

   The actual production date for the vehicle may be needed for anything from engine parts to brake parts. This is generally found for both domestic and import vehicles on the driver's door edge or door post, and will most often list a month and year, eg., December 2001 or 10/01. The new model year for a domestic car begins in September production of the prior year, and in July of the prior year for imports.

4. If purchasing brake parts, it will often be helpful to know your tire size, which can be read on the side of the tire. You will probably need to know if your vehicle has antilock brakes. This can be found out by turning your ignition key to the "on" position without starting the vehicle's motor. An ABS symbol will light up on your dashboard.

5. Your owners manual has a wealth of information on such things as what kind of fuses you have and where they are located, the type and quantity of oil you need for an oil change, the correct gap for new spark plugs, etc. Most items can also be looked up by an auto parts counter person for you.

6. If you are buying parts for your vehicle to carry in to a repair shop, be aware that they generally offer no warrantees on parts or labor for customer-supplied parts. If the shop supplies the parts, they charge you more for them, but offer a full warrantee.

7. Call ahead to your auto parts store to find out if they have the parts you need in stock. Most of them deal with local warehouses and can get all your parts for you within a few hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Obtain and keep receipts for all parts purchased, as many of them have one year or limited lifetime warrantees.
• Auto and truck parts are very competitive today, so shopping on the phone first would be wise for more expensive items.

[mlt34]

on 6/29/2009 Good advice. As a self proclaimed 'car nut' I'd agree with these tips. Keep up the good work. 5 stars and a recommend!

[jbechtold]

on 1/28/2009 Good advice I always have my husband do the car stuff.5*.

[ScarlettOHairy]

on 1/28/2009 Good info on buying auto parts. Maybe I won't sound so DUMB next time I need to get some new wiper blades! 5*

[Elizabethknows]

on 1/28/2009 great article Jim I thought about starting a business selling car parts! Thanks 5*

[Elander]

on 12/25/2008 Good advice for someone like me who knows next to nothing about cars.