When you go to buy used or parts it helps to know the right questions to ask. In this edition of the 180parts blog we’ll cover what you might need to know about buying used or new parts for your electrical charging system.
Info needed:
- Make (ex. Audi)
- Model – including trim package (ex. A4)
- Year – Note if this is a mid-year change vehicle (ex. early 2005 – same as 2004 model year body)
- Production date – month and year vehicle was produced
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
- Engine size – number of cylinders, displacement and configuration (Vee, Inline, Flat, etc.)
- Drive type – 2WD, 4WD, AWD, FWD
- AC (Air Conditioning) – yes/no
- Transmission type (manual/automatic)
- Location (hot/cold weather package) – some manufacturers increase the charging amps of the alternators that go in vehicles in cold weather zones
- Battery specifics
- Added accessories (large lights, big stereo, compressor to run air tools, etc.)
- Part number – see blog post on Part numbers.
This should be more than enough to get the right part.