Accessories and towing
Accessories include cargo management, protection, and comfort items. Towing parts include hitches, ball mounts, wiring, and brake controllers.
Common parts
| Ref | Part group |
|---|---|
| AT-01 | Receiver hitches, ball mounts, and hitch balls |
| AT-02 | Trailer wiring harnesses and brake controllers |
| AT-03 | Roof racks, cargo carriers, and bed covers |
| AT-04 | Floor liners, seat covers, and sunshades |
| AT-05 | Winches, tie-downs, and recovery gear |
| AT-06 | Car care supplies such as wash, wax, and detailing products |
Finding the right fit
Hitches are rated by class and weight. Never exceed the lowest rating among the hitch, the ball, and the vehicle’s towing limit in the owner’s manual. Many vehicles have a plug-in wiring connector for trailers.
Tools and garage equipment
Tools range from basic hand tools to diagnostic scanners and lifting equipment.
Common parts
| Ref | Part group |
|---|---|
| AT-01 | Socket sets, wrenches, and torque wrenches |
| AT-02 | Floor jacks and jack stands |
| AT-03 | Code readers and scan tools |
| AT-04 | Multimeters and test lights |
| AT-05 | Specialty tools for brakes, suspension, and timing |
| AT-06 | Many parts stores offer loaner tools for a refundable deposit |
Finding the right fit
Jack stands must be rated for the vehicle’s weight. A scan tool that reads only generic codes may not read airbag, ABS, or body codes.
Performance parts
Performance parts change power, handling, braking, or appearance. They include intakes, exhausts, tuners, lowering springs, coilovers, larger brakes, and lightweight wheels.
Common parts
- AT·1Performance exhausts and cold air intakes
- AT·2Engine tuners and programmers
- AT·3Lowering springs, coilovers, and sway bars
- AT·4Big brake kits and performance pads
- AT·5Performance clutches and short shifters
Finding the right fit
Performance parts can affect emissions legality, warranty coverage, insurance, and inspection results. Look for emissions certification where your state requires it.
Hardware and fasteners
Hardware includes the nuts, bolts, clips, and retainers that hold parts together. Original-equipment fasteners are often specific in grade, length, and coating.
Common parts
- 1Bolts, nuts, studs, and washers
- 2Push clips, trim retainers, and panel fasteners
- 3Hose clamps and cable ties
- 4Torque-to-yield bolts that are meant for single use
Signs of trouble
Broken trim clips are a common cause of rattles. Rusted or stretched bolts should be replaced rather than reused.
Finding the right fit
Match thread size, pitch, length, and grade. Many fasteners on suspension and brakes are designed to be replaced whenever they are removed.
Fitment checklist
- Lowest rating among the hitch, the ball mount, and the vehicle’s towing limit
- Trailer connector type on the vehicle and the trailer
- Jack stand rating against the vehicle weight
- Whether a scan tool reads ABS, airbag, and body codes, not just engine codes
- Emissions certification for performance parts where your state requires it
- Thread size, pitch, length, and grade for replacement fasteners
Before you order
Start with the year, make, model, and engine, then narrow it down with the trim, drive type, and any option the part depends on. The VIN is the most reliable way to do that, because many parts catalogs and dealer counters decode it to the exact build. If the old part is in hand, its original-equipment number is the best cross-reference. Aftermarket brands publish their own numbers and usually list the original number they replace. Two listings that both say they fit can still differ, so compare the photos, connectors, mounting points, and the notes in the listing. The find the right part guide covers this step, and the all makes reference lists each maker’s official parts catalog.
Once you know the part number, compare the same number across stores. Look past the first price at the core charge, shipping, the return window, and what the warranty covers and who honors it. A remanufactured part, a new aftermarket part, and an original-equipment part can each be the right choice, but they are not the same purchase. The compare prices and warranties guide walks through what to read. Prices on PartIndex carry the date they were recorded, so confirm the current price and fitment with the retailer before you buy.
Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Use jack stands on firm, level ground. Stay within the towing limits in the owner’s manual.