Buyer questions / Fitment
Why we ask for the VIN
Last updated: 22 August 2026 · Written by Jordan Fan, Guangzhou Brace Auto Parts
On Chinese brands, the model name and year don't pin the part. The same Chery, GWM or Changan splits by engine, by facelift and by side. The VIN is what confirms the right version before you pay.
Three rules that save a return:
- Send the VIN, not just "2021." The VIN fixes engine, market build and side.
- For anything left/right or facelifted (lamps, bumpers, mirrors), add a photo of the old part.
- Treat a matched OE number as "probably" until a photo of the real part confirms it.
| What you send | What gets pinned | Wrong-part risk |
|---|---|---|
| Model + year only (“2021 MG ZS headlight”) | Marketing name only | High — engine, facelift and side unknown |
| One OE number from an old invoice | A single revision | Medium — OE may be superseded by market/CKD build |
| 17-char VIN + side + old-part photo | Engine, market build, L/R, connector | Low — version confirmed before packing photo |
What is the VIN?
It's the vehicle's 17-character chassis number. It fixes the engine, market build and model year, things the model name alone does not tell you.
Is it the same part for the 1.2T and the 1.5T?
Not always. The engine version can change parts like the water pump, radiator or mounts. That's why I confirm engine and VIN before quoting instead of assuming it's the same.
Is the headlight only one side?
Yes. Left and right are different part numbers. Headlights, mirrors and many body parts sell per side, so "one headlight" is already two different parts.
Send the VIN and the part.
With the VIN I confirm the right version and send a photo of the real part before packing.
Send VIN on WhatsApp