Discover Car Part Numbers

What is a Parts Number?

Now, if you’re not much of a fan of cars and don’t really think of your car as much more than what takes you from A to B, you probably have never even thought of the way that you know which part fits your car and how you would actually find it out. Chances are, if you’re reading this blog, you’re probably in the stage where the information you never thought you’d need to know, you now do - luckily, you’re in the best place for all your know-how on part numbers. 

A car part number is the unique number in which each specific component of your vehicle has, they are used to be able to give a unique component to each part and be able to correlate it with part providers and manufacturers. Knowing the number of the car part which you are in need of or are browsing through if you just want to upgrade your vehicle, helps to narrow-down and make your search more efficient and successful. Typically, the parts number is a combination of letters and numbers, similar to VIN’s, this information can be helpful with cross-referencing as your VIN is unique and individualised to your car. Many car parts do not have a part number including many aftermarket parts.

 

How to Find The Parts Number

Finding a replacement car part can be a tough task if you do not know the part number number. The part number is the way manufacturers, mechanics and everyday folk identify the part and know what vehicles it is compatible with. It is important that you are armed with this information when going on your search. If you have the part on hand, you should be able to see the number directly on this piece. The number could be located anywhere on the part. There are however a few ways in which the number may be printed on the part. In most cases, the number will be stamped, printed, engraved, or embossed directly on the part. If not, it may be on a separate plate or sticker or even directly moulded on. 

If the part is old, you may be having a harder time with this, you can try by giving it a clean up and polish to see if this reveals more information. If it is engraved / embossed in the part, you can place a piece of paper over the top of this and trace over the characters with a pencil -  keep in mind that certain characters may have been grinded off over time so, be cautious when using this method to cross-check to ensure that it has transferred properly and you aren’t going for a wrong part with this - if once you’ve searched the number it shows up as an engine and you are searching for a steering wheel, you may have a slight issue. If you cannot find the number on the part itself, or you don’t have the part on hand anymore, there are other methods of being able to find this number

The Owner's Manual

The owner's manual will hold specific information about various parts important to your car (yes all are important but some are more integral than others). There will be sections within the owners manual which correlate with the different areas of the car and then expand on their specific part numbers.

Online Resources

Credible online resources such as the car manufacturer may provide detailed diagrams and lists of your cars parts and specifications. Make sure that you know your cars make, model and year of manufacturing when searching for this information.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Your vehicle's VIN is unique for your car and you can use this in two ways to find the right part. You can use the VIN to look up your vehicle's details online and use those details to search the ifndautoparts website. Secondly you are able to enter this number into a search engine to find more specific details on your car so when you are searching through online resources it is easier to identify the part you are looking for.

Dealerships

You can contact the dealership where you purchased your vehicle from or who stock deals with your vehicle’s make. They may be able to access databases for you to gain information about the part you desire and identify the correct part number.

Online Forums and Car Communities 

Being able to talk to car enthusiasts and fellow car owners can provide you with some of the easiest and potentially quickest and more knowledgeable information than most sources. They will be able to provide you with knowledge and tips and information about the parts you desire and potentially even where you can source them from. You may find someone who owns the same vehicle and they may be able to provide you with photos of their own parts to correlate.

Aftermarket Catalogues 

If you are looking for parts which will be unoriginal to your car or you are looking to provide further upgrades, looking through parts catalogues will be able to provide you with compatible parts and the information and corresponding number for your vehicle's make and model.

 

What if I Can’t Find a Parts Number?

You may find yourself unable to see or get the car part number. If you find yourself in this situation, or just plain and simple can’t access or view the number, here are some of the possibilities of why

•  Non-Critical Parts

  • If the part you are looking at is generic and not a critical component, it may not have a part number. This is due to the components being interchangeable between the vehicles which it is found in

  • This is also the case with simple components such as the nuts and bolts included within all cars, due to the generic nature of these components they may not hold a part number

• Interior / Non-Mechanical Parts

  • Certain interior trims and non-mechanical components often time considered more style over substance and therefore not holding the importance of needing a individual parts number 

  • Hardware Items

    • Sometimes, if the part is a standard item, manufacturers will outsource these pieces from hardware stores themselves, therefore, it will not be assigned a parts number

    • Modifications

      • If enhancements have been made to your vehicle, some of these aftermarket upgrades may not have standard part numbers, especially if the part itself has been modified 

• Discontinued Parts

  • If you can find the part number but it does not match to any searches you make, this could be due to the cease of production of such part.

• Vintage Vehicles

  • If your vehicle is older, it may have been produced prior to part numbers being a standard practise, thus meaning that some components may not have a number assigned by the vehicles original manufacturers. Cross-referencing through the manufacturing company themselves will provide you will the most beneficial information in this case

Although this happening is rare, if you do find yourself in this scenario, reaching out to your owners manual, the vehicle manufacturers customer support teams or mechanics and auto parts dealers may be able to aid you due to previous experiences as well as help you with the sourcing of parts which would be suitable.

 

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