Researching the best quality and compatible parts for your vehicle is an important step in any repair or upgrade project. Premium and OEM parts are often made with better materials and last longer than own-brand products. They also usually come with a warranty or guarantee that may not be available for own-brand components.

Check the Manufacturer’s Website

While they might not be as affordable as aftermarket parts, OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts are designed by the original manufacturer of the vehicle. This means that they are built to fit the vehicle exactly, work as intended with the other parts in the car, and provide a longer life span than aftermarket parts. They are typically more expensive than aftermarket parts, but they might be worth the extra cost if you want the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re using the best quality parts available.

DENSO, for example, has an easy-to-use website that allows you to search for parts by year, make, and model. It also provides helpful information about the compatibility of different parts, and it offers a special warranty for professional installers. It also makes it easy to find out if a part will work with your specific vehicle, so you can avoid wasting time and money on a product that won’t be compatible.

Look for the Fitment Match Icon

Getting the most out of your auto parts and accessories can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run. This is why it’s important to look for parts that have been backed by the manufacturer and include comprehensive descriptions.

Some auto part retailers also provide a way to narrow down the search results to the specific year and make of your vehicle. This is especially helpful if you are looking for specific types of automotive parts and components, such as brakes or suspension systems. Many of these websites also have arguably the best return policies in the industry, providing an added level of peace of mind when you’re buying used or new auto parts and accessories online.

Businesses that create their own fitment data catalogs often rely on third-party software solutions to ensure accuracy and completeness. Incorrect fitment information can lead to expensive returns from dissatisfied customers. As the automotive industry changes, fitment standards and compatibility information may need to be updated frequently.

Check the Product Notes

When searching for parts online, it’s important to make sure that the products you are purchasing are compatible with your vehicle. Taking the time to research the compatibility of parts can save you time and money in the long run by eliminating potential problems with fitment and installation. In addition, some OEM parts come with a warranty for added peace of mind. These parts are often higher in price than aftermarket replacements but are more likely to last longer.

Ask a Mechanic

When it comes to your car, you want a mechanic who is looking out for your best interests. But there are some mechanics that may try to upsell you on parts or replace them way too soon. Asking the right questions can help you avoid these problems.

When you use an online service to ask a mechanic your car repair question, they can provide you with answers whenever it is convenient for you. This is a much better option than trying to track down a live mechanic and making an appointment or waiting for a phone call to be returned.

Using the website to search for auto parts is also easy. Just enter the year/make/model of your vehicle and the website will filter out any parts that aren’t compatible. Plus, Amazon has one of the best return policies in the industry. So if a part doesn’t work properly, you can always get your money back.