How to find your car part number

Where the part number usually sits

Most car parts carry their number somewhere on the part itself. On a filter it is usually printed on the side of the can or the element. On a brake pad it is usually on the back of the metal backing plate. On a battery it is on the label on top. On a bulb it is printed on the metal base. On larger parts like an alternator or a starter motor, the number is usually on a label or a plate fixed to the body of the part.

The number can be hard to read after years of heat, dirt and wear. Clean the area gently first — a wipe with a cloth is usually enough. If the number is stamped into metal, a torch held at an angle can make the stamping easier to read.

What to do when there is no number

You do not need the part number to start. Your registration number, or your car's make, model, year and engine, will usually settle fitment on its own. The part number is the surest way to match a part, but the registration is the fastest way to start — and if the two disagree, the part number wins, because it is the number of the part that was actually on the car.

If you have the old part in hand, bring it with you or take a clear photo of any numbers on it. A photo of the part and its number is often enough for us to match it.

Parts that carry their number in different places

Filters, pads, batteries, bulbs and most other parts each carry their number in their own place. The category pages below explain where to look for the parts they cover.

• Oil filters for your car
• Brake pads for your make and model
• Car batteries for your make and model

Frequently asked questions