How to Find the Correct OEM Part Using Your VIN
Finding the right replacement part for your vehicle isn't always as simple as searching by year, make, and model. Two vehicles that look nearly identical can have different engines, transmissions, trim levels, factory options, or components.
That's where your Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, can help.
Learning how to Find OEM Parts by VIN can make it easier to identify the correct factory components for your specific vehicle and reduce the chances of ordering a part that doesn't fit.
At Rubicon Automotive Group, we specialize in quality recycled OEM auto parts for cars, trucks, and SUVs. Having accurate vehicle information can help narrow down the search and get you closer to the correct replacement part.
What Is a VIN?
A VIN is a unique 17-character identification number assigned to a vehicle. Think of it as your vehicle's fingerprint.
The VIN contains information that can help identify important details about the vehicle, which may include:
Manufacturer
Model
Model year
Engine information
Manufacturing location
Vehicle specifications
Production information
Because vehicles can have numerous configurations within the same model year, the VIN provides more specific information than simply saying, for example, that you drive a particular make and model.
Where Can You Find Your VIN?
Before you can Find OEM Parts by VIN, you'll need to locate your vehicle's identification number.
The VIN can typically be found in several places, including:
On the driver's side of the dashboard near the windshield
Inside the driver's side door jamb
On the vehicle registration
On the vehicle title
On insurance documents
When providing your VIN to an auto parts supplier, double-check the characters to make sure the number is correct. A single incorrect letter or number could lead to the wrong vehicle information.
Why Does the VIN Matter When Buying OEM Parts?
Year, make, and model are a great starting point, but they don't always tell the entire story.
Manufacturers may make changes during a production year. The same vehicle model can also be sold with several engines, transmissions, drivetrains, trim packages, or factory options.
As a result, two vehicles from the same year may require different replacement components.
Using the VIN gives a parts specialist additional information that can help identify the vehicle's original configuration and narrow down compatible parts.
This is particularly useful when shopping for recycled OEM components because you want the replacement part to match your vehicle as closely as possible.
What Are OEM Parts?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer.
OEM parts are components manufactured to the specifications used for the vehicle's original equipment. When you purchase a recycled OEM component, you're purchasing a factory-style part that was removed from another vehicle rather than a newly manufactured aftermarket alternative.
Depending on availability, recycled OEM parts can include:
Engines
Transmissions
Wheels
Doors
Fenders
Hoods
Bumpers
Truck beds and tailgates
Headlights and taillights
Seats
Door panels
Interior trim
Mirrors
Electronic components
Mechanical components
Using OEM components can help maintain the factory fit, appearance, and specifications of your vehicle.
How to Find OEM Parts by VIN
If you're looking for a replacement part, gathering the right information before you start can make the process much easier.
1. Locate Your VIN
Start by finding the complete 17-character VIN and writing it down exactly as it appears.
Providing the complete VIN gives the parts supplier more information to work with when identifying your vehicle.
2. Know Which Part You Need
Be as specific as possible about the component you're replacing.
Instead of simply asking for a "door," for example, specify whether you need the driver's front door, passenger rear door, interior door panel, or another related component.
Photos of the damaged or existing part can also be helpful.
3. Provide Your Vehicle Information
In addition to the VIN, have your vehicle's year, make, and model available.
Depending on the component, additional details may also be useful, such as:
Engine size
Transmission type
Two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive
Body style
Trim level
Interior or exterior color
Factory options
The more accurate information you can provide, the easier it can be to narrow down the correct replacement.
4. Check the OEM Part Number When Possible
Some components have an OEM part number printed, stamped, or labeled directly on them.
If you can locate the number on your original component, provide it along with your VIN.
Part numbers can be especially helpful with electronic modules, switches, lights, mechanical components, and other parts that may have several variations.
5. Verify Compatibility Before Ordering
Even when using a VIN, it's important to verify that the replacement component is compatible before purchasing.
Ask questions about interchange, options, connectors, mounting points, dimensions, or other specifications that could affect fitment.
A VIN is an excellent tool for identifying a vehicle, but individual part numbers and vehicle options may still need to be confirmed.
What Is Parts Interchange?
When shopping for recycled OEM parts, you may hear the term interchange.
Parts interchange refers to determining whether a component from one vehicle can correctly fit another vehicle.
In some cases, the same OEM component may have been used across multiple model years or even different models. In other cases, a small production change can mean that two parts that look nearly identical are not interchangeable.
That's another reason accurate vehicle information is so important.
A VIN, OEM part number, and interchange information can work together to help identify the correct replacement component.
Why Choose Recycled OEM Parts?
Once you've identified the correct component, choosing a quality recycled OEM part can offer several advantages.
Factory Fit
OEM parts were manufactured according to the specifications used for the vehicle's original components.
Cost Savings
A recycled OEM component can often provide a more affordable alternative to purchasing a brand-new factory part.
Original Appearance
For exterior and interior components, OEM parts can help preserve the vehicle's factory appearance.
Availability
For older vehicles, some new factory parts may become difficult to find or may no longer be manufactured. Recycled OEM inventory can provide another source for those harder-to-find components.
Sustainability
Reusing quality automotive components helps extend the useful life of existing parts and reduces unnecessary automotive waste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering OEM Parts
Taking a few extra minutes before placing an order can save time and frustration later.
Avoid these common mistakes:
Guessing at your vehicle's trim level
Providing an incomplete or incorrect VIN
Assuming every part from the same year and model will fit
Ignoring OEM part numbers
Failing to check electrical connectors
Not confirming left versus right or front versus rear
Ordering based only on what a part looks like
Forgetting about differences in factory options
When in doubt, provide as much information as possible before purchasing.
Find OEM Parts by VIN with Rubicon Automotive Group
When you're searching for a replacement component, you shouldn't have to guess which part your vehicle needs.
Rubicon Automotive Group provides quality recycled OEM parts for cars, trucks, and SUVs. Our inventory includes everything from powertrain and body components to wheels, interior parts, electronics, and more.
Providing your VIN, vehicle information, and details about the component you need can help our team narrow down the search and identify the right replacement.
Need to Find OEM Parts by VIN? Contact Rubicon Automotive Group or submit a parts request with your VIN and vehicle information to start your search for the right recycled OEM part.
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