Subaru is a Japanese automobile concern, whose cars are appreciated by all lovers of outdoor activities. The reliability of the brand is confirmed by authoritative world ratings. Production volumes of Subaru are growing every day.
One of the most popular models is Subaru Forester, it occupies a leading place in terms of its safety. If you own a car of this brand, you should know how to choose good original parts, it is very important.
How to Choose Subaru Parts
Despite the excellent quality, any car parts need to be replaced over time to prolong a comfortable and safe ride.
There are quite a few Subaru parts on the market, so it is important to know a number of specifics that will help you choose quality parts.
It's worth choosing proven companies with good reviews, and if you have a valid car warranty, the manufacturer or seller will find you parts for repairs themselves.
How to choose parts by make and model of your car
To find the right parts by make and model of the car you need to know:
- car manufacturer;
- model
- year of manufacture
- engine displacement;
- type of transmission;
- steering wheel location;
- VIN number;
This information should be enough to select parts for your car. You should have a clear set of information about your car.
How can I find out the part number (code) of my Subaru?
Every car has a unique VIN number, which consists of 17 unique symbols that you will need to know when purchasing your car.
This code is located in several places on the car. Each of them is easily accessible - you can easily read the information. The VIN is located:
- in the underbody;
- on the engine compartment behind the engine;
- on the cup of the left front shock absorber;
- in the driver's doorway.
This number can tell you a lot about your car. With it, it will be much easier to choose quality auto parts.
What can I learn with VIN-code?
The VIN number is assigned to a vehicle only once, and it never changes.
This code has two important functions:
- contains all the information about the car in an encrypted form;
- allows you to identify that particular instance of the car.
The first function is needed in order not to make a mistake when selecting auto parts. The second function of the VIN is to find out the history of the car: the number of all owners, periods of ownership, participation in accidents, repairs, whether the car is in pledge, and most importantly, you can see if the car is not wanted.
Which parts are better: analog or original?
When choosing accessories, car enthusiasts are interested in the question: "Analogue or original?" Many people believe the following misconceptions:
- Analog will differ greatly in quality from the original;
- Original parts are better, therefore more expensive;
- Non-original parts will last less and are not safe at all;
- It is impossible to find a good analogue by yourself.
Both types of components have pros and cons. Analog and original parts may look exactly the same, and the quality can be high, but one thing is clear - in the pursuit of savings, you greatly risk your safety. It is necessary to approach the choice of auto parts responsibly and do not be afraid to consult with experts.
How do you distinguish between original Subaru parts and analog parts?
The most important reason for the demand of analog parts is the reduced price. Every time the time of repair comes, for every motorist this question becomes a painful one. It is important to be able to distinguish the original from the analog:
- The price is acceptable, but the quality does not inspire confidence. Too low a price for parts is the first sign of non-original parts;
- Not matching the appearance of the original part. It is good if you still have the original part, so you can compare "side by side" with the purchased part;
- Differences between the packages. You should look carefully at the logo, brand name, spelling and grammar of the text;
- You can tell the difference by the OEM number;
- Distinction by hologram. Many people think that stickers with holograms cannot be faked, and they are greatly mistaken. You have to look closely at them.
What is an OEM number?
An OEM number translates as, the original market number of a product. It can be a combination of letters and numbers (1J0413031AG). It is placed on the parts of the car, but sometimes you need to disassemble the car to see it. You can also identify this number by a unique VIN number. This number helps you to choose the right auto part and not to stumble on a low-quality part. You should always remember that the same part can have a different OEM number. This is due to the fact that manufacturers use several suppliers of the same parts for one and the same car model.