Buying auto parts for your car or truck does not have to be challenging. When you head to the auto parts shop to get a replacement part, there are some things you can do to ensure that the part is correct and that you will not have to return to the shop multiple times to get your car repaired. 

Critical Information

When buying auto parts for your vehicle, you may find several parts listed for the same year or model vehicle. Determining which part you need can often come down to having the correct information with you. 

Most people know the year, make, and model of the vehicle they drive and can recite it from memory but sometimes getting the right part requires more than that. In many cases, the manufacturer will change the part design on a car mid-year, and the only way to tell which you need is to check the VIN (vehicle identification number) to get a specific letter or number code from it. 

Taking the registration for your car to the auto parts shop with you ensures that you will have all the information required, and can reference it without having to go home, look up the number, and return to the shop to get the parts. The VIN, year, make and model and even the vehicle color are on that one piece of paper that you can easily slip in your pocket before you head to the shop and can save you a significant amount of time.

Take The Parts With You

When you head to the auto parts store to get a replacement part for your car, it is a good idea to take the old part with you. If there is any variation between the old and new parts, you can put them side by side and compare the mounting points or orientation of the parts before you leave the auto parts shop. 

If the parts are too large to transport or you have not removed them from the vehicle yet, you can take a few pictures with your phone for identification. Get as many angles as you can, and use the flash or shine some light on the part so you can see it well. 

If you are using a photo to compare the parts, you have to be able to see the details, or the photo won't be much help. The more information you have, the more likely you are to get the correct part for your vehicle the first time. For more information, contact auto parts services.