Interchangeable Car Parts Across Different Makes and Models

New car owners who are trying to take on the DIY route for the first time are often faced with the challenge of sourcing replacement parts.

Without enough research, most would get information from their manuals as to what parts brand is best for their vehicle. But in the absence of these brands due to limited availability, what other options do they have?

Which Car Parts are Interchangeable?

The answer to this question depends on the context. If you’re asking whether or not a Denso spark plug on a Toyota can be replaced with NGK, then yes. Some car parts are interchangeable in this context.

Generally, parts that are manufactured with the same specifications are interchangeable, granted that they serve the same purpose.

There are also some instances where body parts from various makes and models can be fitted interchangeably as a result of badge engineering.

Interchangeable Parts Under the Hood

Here are some of the most common parts that are interchangeable with various vehicles. In most cases, only their brand names differentiate them from one another since they serve a general purpose.

Note: Rather than being interchangeable per se, some of the parts listed here are manufactured to fit the vehicle for which they’re listed.

Radiator Hose

There will usually be two primary radiator hoses, and one of them will usually connect the radiator to the water pump or pump cavity. The other will typically be connected to the thermostat housing. As long as the hose is shaped right or flexible enough, is long enough, and is the right size at both ends, it will typically work.

Typically, they are formed exactly for the application (see illustration) but in some cases, if the diameter of each end is the same, a radiator hose designed for a different vehicle may work as long as it will reach and can be routed so that it doesn’t chafe on sharp edges or interfere with the cooling fan. Radiator hose clamps are typically universal.

There are also universal radiator hoses (see illustration) that come in various lengths that can be installed if the right hose isn’t available. But since the radiator hose has other hoses branching off, the exact hose will need to be purchased.

Oxygen Sensor

Oxygen sensors are an item that is offered both in universal and vehicle-specific categories.

The illustration shows a universal sensor and a vehicle-specific sensor, with the primary difference being that the universal sensor must be fitted with the original sensor’s connector.

The oxygen sensor monitors the oxygen content in the exhaust stream and ambient air, which is crucial information in calculating the right amount of air-to-fuel ratio for efficient combustion.

The oxygen sensor also plays an important role in regulating exhaust emissions.

Windshield Wiper Blades

Windshield wiper blades are one of the most generic parts you’ll find in a vehicle and are typically some of the most universal components available. You just need to know the length of  the blades to get the right ones. There are exceptions. Some vehicles (like Mercedes) will have very specific wiper blades that can be very expensive.

There are hundreds of wiper blades that you’ll find in the aftermarket scene alone. Windshield wiper blades are made of rubber, so they’re prone to cracking due to heat exposure.

Tire Valve Cap

These are a universal size and will fit just about every tire valve stem. There are fancy ones with little color-changing floaters that will tell you if a tire is low on air.

Examples of Interchangeable Brands for Some Auto Parts

Spark Plugs

Spark plug manufacturers will typically list sets of plugs for just about every kind of vehicle. It’s not so much that they’re interchangeable, it’s about providing a brand choice. 

A person who drives a GM vehicle has the option of buying Denso, Motorcraft, or Champion plugs for their particular application. 
For example, all four of the different brand plugs in the illustration are specifically designed to fit a 2006 Chevy Impala with a 3.5L, which came new with Delco spark plugs.

Brake Pads

Brake pads are similar to spark plugs, in that while they’re not typically interchangeable between vehicles, there are many different brake pad manufacturers that make brake pads for vehicles. The illustration shows 3 different brands for a 2020 Corolla.

While brake pads serve the same purpose in any vehicle with a disc brake system, some brake pads aren’t intended for everyday driving. 

When in the market for brake pads, you might come across performance variants that are intended for high-performance applications like racing.

Cabin Air Filter

Again, there are multiple manufacturers that make vehicle-specific cabin air filters. The illustration shows four different brand cabin air filters for a 2013 Nissan Altima

Not all vehicles have cabin air filters or are even designed with a place to put one. 

However, there are some that come with a place to put a cabin air filter but there is no filter installed. On these models, you can add a cabin air filter. On vehicles that aren’t designed for a cabin air filter, it is very difficult to add one.

A cabin air filter traps dust, debris, and other contaminants and prevents them from entering the cabin. It also ensures that there’s adequate air flow in the cabin.

Interchangeable Body Parts

Aside from components under the hood, many body parts can be fitted with various makes and models.

For example, the headlights on a Lamborghini Diablo are the same ones you’ll find on the Nissan 300ZX. This isn’t exactly uncommon, as many supercars source a lot of their parts from average vehicles. 

Another example would be the side mirrors on a Jaguar XJ220 and Citroen CX. The Citroen side mirrors were found to be an easy installation on low-volume performance cars. 

In fact, the same side mirrors can be found on models like the Aston Martin Virage, Lotus Esprit V8, and TVR Griffith. 

Lastly, the Ferrari California and Chrysler Sebring share the same infotainment unit. If you’ve seen the inside of both models before and can’t seem to figure out why they look similar, then you’ve finally found an answer.

Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.

Pro Tip: Note, however, that parts like hoods, fenders, bumpers, etc. are typically vehicle-specific and will only fit a few models in the same vehicle line. Door panels may fit more than one model in a vehicle line but not exactly. Radio antennas will fit any car with a screw on mast, but some radio antennas are built into the rear glass.

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