Left or right car part: which side are you looking from?
Vehicle parts are always described as left or right from inside the vehicle while facing forward. If you stand in front of the van and look towards the windscreen, the sides appear reversed. Using the standard convention prevents many ordering mistakes.
Use the direction of travel
Imagine sitting in the vehicle and looking ahead. Everything on your left is the left vehicle side; everything on your right is the right side. The convention also applies to right-hand-drive vehicles: the part side does not change with the steering-wheel position.
Compare more than the fitting side
A left door or lamp is not automatically compatible. Also check make, model, generation, model year, facelift, body length, roof height, solid or glazed design and electrical functions.
Confirm with photos and the OE number
Inspect mounting points, connectors, locks and openings in the product photos. Then compare the complete OE number with the original part. The VIN and detail pictures help resolve remaining doubt.
Checklist before ordering
- Side identified from the seated position
- Full vehicle details recorded
- Generation and facelift checked
- Complete OE number compared
- Connectors and mountings inspected
- Listing title and photos show the same side
Note: fitment can vary by model year, generation and specification. Always verify the OE number and vehicle details before ordering.
Find a matching part
Choose the part category first, then verify that the stated fitting side matches your vehicle.
