Body and exterior
Body parts cover the panels and the trim that bolts to them. Collision parts are sold as original-equipment, certified aftermarket, and standard aftermarket, and many come unpainted. Smaller exterior parts include handles, emblems, splash shields, and hood and liftgate supports.
Common parts
| Ref | Part group |
|---|---|
| BG-01 | Bumpers, bumper covers, reinforcements, and brackets |
| BG-02 | Fenders, hoods, doors, tailgates, and liftgates |
| BG-03 | Grilles, emblems, and moldings |
| BG-04 | Door handles, locks, and hinges |
| BG-05 | Hood, trunk, and liftgate gas supports |
| BG-06 | Splash shields, inner fenders, and underbody covers |
| BG-07 | Mud flaps, running boards, and fender flares |
Signs of trouble
Collision damage is obvious. Smaller signs include a hood or liftgate that will not stay up, which usually means worn gas supports, and a door that sags or will not latch smoothly, which points at hinges or the latch.
Finding the right fit
Exterior parts often vary by trim, body style, and options. Bumper covers may have holes for parking sensors, cameras, or radar, and a mirror can include signals, cameras, heating, or blind-spot sensors. Paint codes are on a label, usually in the door jamb. After work near radar or camera sensors, many vehicles need the driver assistance system recalibrated.
Glass, mirrors, wipers, and washers
The windshield, side glass, and back glass are safety parts, and many windshields now hold cameras and sensors. Wipers and washers keep the glass clear.
Common parts
| Ref | Part group |
|---|---|
| BG-01 | Windshields, side windows, and back glass |
| BG-02 | Side mirrors, mirror glass, and mirror covers |
| BG-03 | Interior rearview mirrors |
| BG-04 | Wiper blades and refills |
| BG-05 | Wiper arms, wiper motors, and linkages |
| BG-06 | Washer pumps, reservoirs, nozzles, and hoses |
Finding the right fit
Wiper blades are sold by length and connector type, and the driver and passenger sides are often different lengths. Windshields vary by features such as rain sensors, heated areas, acoustic layers, and camera brackets. A camera-equipped windshield usually needs a calibration afterward.
Collision part types
Original equipment
Made for the vehicle maker and sold through dealers
Certified aftermarket
Tested by a third party for fit and finish
Standard aftermarket
Lowest cost; fit can vary
Fitment checklist
- Paint code from the label, usually in the door jamb
- Holes or brackets for parking sensors, cameras, or radar
- Mirror features: heat, signal, camera, blind-spot, power fold
- Windshield features: rain sensor, heated area, camera bracket
- Wiper length for each side and the arm connector type
- Whether a driver assistance calibration is needed after the repair
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.