Many vehicle manufacturers use the same parts across several vehicles, and car part interchange guides are used to find compatible spares. This is a common practice to save money and time. You can also use online forums and websites that focus on specific vehicle models to find the right part for your vehicle.
If you buy an OEM (original equipment) part, it comes with a guarantee that it will fit and work just as it should. These parts are designed and tested to meet a certain standard, and they will keep your car running optimally for a long time. OEM parts may be a bit more expensive, but they offer peace of mind and won’t void your warranty or cause issues with insurance companies.
On the other hand, aftermarket parts are made by third-party companies and are not sourced or manufactured by the original automaker. While aftermarket parts are more affordable, they can be lower quality and may not be as long-lasting. Additionally, using aftermarket parts could void your vehicle’s warranty.
The Automotive Recycling Association has created a standardized description for used automotive parts called PIES (Product Information Exchange Standard). This information is shared amongst recyclers, distributors, and resellers to help ensure that the information about each part is consistent across the industry. This helps to make it easier for consumers to shop and compare parts. If you’re searching for parts that don’t use the Car-Part Interchange Plus system, you can expand your search by selecting the non-interchange year/model/part option in your Trading Partners search screen.