How do you know exactly what spare part your car needs?

When your car starts to fail and you're told you need to replace a part, you're likely faced with a very common feeling: you don't know where to start.

Perhaps the mechanic gave you a clue, or you've detected a clear fault yourself. But the real challenge comes next: knowing exactly what part you need, how to identify it, and how to ensure that what you buy will be compatible with your vehicle.

At Expart, we see this every day. People looking for parts without knowing the exact model, buying based on intuition or similar photos... only to face the frustration of the part not fitting, not working, or failing.

That's why we've written this article. To explain to you step by step, in a professional and clear manner, how you can know which spare part your car needs, how to identify it accurately, and how to avoid mistakes that could waste your time and money.

Don't rely solely on the car model

One of the most important things you should know is that your car's name isn't enough to identify a part. You may have a 2014 Renault Clio 1.5 dCi... but that same model can have different engine versions, gearboxes, alternators, sensors, and hundreds of other variations.

Manufacturers constantly make changes to their models, even within the same year. A part that fits a Clio 1.5 in January may not work in one from October.

So, if someone asks you for "make, model, and year" and assures you they have the right part, be suspicious. Something more is needed.

The chassis number (VIN): your best ally

The most reliable piece of information you can have is the chassis number, also known as the VIN. It's a 17-character alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies your vehicle worldwide.

With that number, any parts professional can know exactly how your car was manufactured, what version it has, what specific engine, what type of braking system, what type of gearbox, what injectors, what alternator, and what ECU.

Where can you find it? It's usually on the vehicle registration card, on the vehicle registration certificate, engraved on the driver's door frame, or visible at the base of the windshield.

With just that information, you can avoid 90% of errors when searching for a replacement part.

The part reference: the perfect data (if you have it)

If you already have the old part in your hands (because you removed it yourself or the shop gave it to you), the best thing you can do is look for its original reference, also known as the OEM code. It's a number printed, engraved, or glued somewhere on the part. Sometimes it's visible, other times it needs to be cleaned or carefully disassembled.

With that reference, any serious supplier can find you an identical or certified equivalent part. There's no more precise way to ensure compatibility.

If you don't have access to the part, there are alternatives: your mechanic can help you identify it, or you can contact someone who has access to professional databases.

What happens if you buy without confirming compatibility?

This is something we want to explain to you with complete honesty. Many people buy parts based on a similar photo or a generic description. And then, when they install it, they discover it doesn't fit, the wrong connection, the car won't start, or the ECU is giving errors.

The problem isn't always the part itself. Sometimes it's the sensor, the software version, the module coding, or even minute details that are only visible upon disassembly. And in those cases, the frustration is enormous: you paid for a part, wasted time assembling it, and now you need another one.

That's why we always say the same thing: there's no smart purchase without prior identification. And that starts with understanding what your car really needs.

What if I have no idea what to look for?

Don't worry, it's more common than you think. In fact, most of our customers aren't mechanics or car experts. They just know something isn't right, they need a part, and they don't want to make a mistake.

In these cases, the most helpful approach is to have a clear mindset: don't guess, but ask. Tell the professional what's wrong with your car, what the shop told you (if you went), and have the license plate or frame number handy. If you can take a photo of the broken part or the affected area, even better.

With that, any serious professional can help you determine what part you need and how to get a quality option at the best price.

At Expart, we do this every day: we receive a request, request the vehicle's details, search our network of CAT (Authorized Treatment Centers) suppliers, confirm references, check the actual condition of the part, and then send it to you ready to be fitted.

Keys to identifying the correct spare part (and avoiding mistakes)

Although each case is different, there are some recommendations that will always help you:

• Don't buy just by photo or generic name. Always ask for the part reference or confirm by frame.

• Make sure the supplier understands what they're talking about. If they don't ask for your VIN or verify compatibility, beware.

• Ask if the part has been inspected or tested before shipping. Even if it's used, that makes a difference.

• If you have any doubts, don't buy yet. First, clarify exactly what part it is and avoid unnecessary returns.

Request your replacement here

Knowing which spare part your car needs isn't complicated if you know how. The most important thing is to stop guessing and start asking wisely. With the chassis number and the right information, you can get a perfectly compatible part without any mistakes or surprises.

And if you don't know where to start, don't worry. You're not alone in this. There are professionals who can help you from the very beginning. Our team at Expart is here to help you find the part you need, without the hassle.

Do you have questions about which spare part you need? Do you need help identifying the correct part? Write to us at info@expart.es or leave your comment below. We'll be happy to help.

Contact us:

• Web: www.expart.es

• Email: info@expart.es

• Wallapop: Expart Profile