Need a Very Specific Part for Your Car? Here’s a Guide to Finding It
Cars are extremely complex machines. They are made out of thousands of different working parts. If a single part fails, it could affect the performance of the entire vehicle. In fact, it may even make your car unsafe to drive. However, many car owners may not know how to find a part on their own to make a replacement. This is especially the case for parts you may not be familiar with. With that in mind, here’s some tips for finding a very specific part for your car.
Identify the Part Needed
The first step of the process of finding a replacement part of course is identifying the part in question. If you aren’t already an enthusiast, this can be difficult. You may need a local mechanic to identify the part for you. You can then go about the process of finding it either online or through a local supplier.
Find the VIN Number
If you need help finding the right part, something you will need to know is the VIN number. This stands for Vehicle Identification Number. This number can usually be found in the owner’s manual as well as different places on the vehicle such as the corner of your dashboard or on the engine block. This number tells you all kinds of information about the make and model of your car that can help you find the right replacement parts.
Determine If You Want an OE Part or an OEM Part
In regard to car parts, there are two broad categories you must be aware of. First, there are OE parts. OE stands for original equipment. These are parts made by the manufacturer for your specific vehicle. This, for example, would include Ford Mustang parts manufactured by Ford in a Ford factory for a Mustang on the assembly line.
The second choice is OEM parts. OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer. However, this term may be misleading. It may actually be made by another company under contract with the manufacturer to produce replacement parts. Overall, OE parts tend to be higher quality, and OEM parts tend to be cheaper.
Consider Used Part Categories
In addition to OE parts and OEM parts, there are other classifications you should be aware of. You can save money by purchasing used parts. Parts referred to as remanufactured or reconditioned are parts that were used before but were later rebuilt or refurbished to be used again. Another category is salvaged parts. These are parts taken from cars that have been scrapped or sent to a junk yard.
Finding a specific part can be difficult. Making the process even more complicated is the fact that not every replacement part on the market is the same. Some are new. Others are used. Some were made by the manufacturer. Others were not. Make sure to put plenty of research into your decision before you choose to spend your money.