Are you running an online automotive store to sell parts? Do you struggle with customer assistance and frequent returns? A year, make, and model (YMM) tool can be a solution. This feature enables buyers to find parts that fit their specific vehicles easily. But with so many options available, you need to choose the right one carefully.

In this post, we’ll explore the importance of make, model, year and compare popular tools so you can make the best choice for the auto industry.

What Is Year, Make, and Model?

These tools allow customers to filter products based on their vehicle’s data. Such as the following:

• Model
• Year
• Year
• Submodel
• Engine

As you might know, a specific car model matters when the parts and accessory types are needed for it. The year, make, and model functionality enhances the shopping experience and helps buyers quickly locate the parts produced for a particular vehicle. When buyers can easily find what they’re looking for, they are likelier to stay on your page and purchase new products for their car. It’s also easier for you to sell more car products for the same model and user in the future.

Key Benefits of Make, Model, Year in the Automotive Industry

Meeting buyer needs builds loyalty and trust for car companies. Happy buyers are more likely to contact again, like a satisfied shopper who keeps returning for all their vehicle maintenance needs.

High-Quality Customer Experience

Meeting buyer needs builds loyalty and trust in car companies. Happy buyers are more likely to return, like satisfied shoppers who keep returning for all their vehicle maintenance needs.

Ease of Search and Filtering

With just a few clicks, users can instantly access a rich auto components catalog and quickly find what they need for different car makes and models. For example, a brake pad for a 2025 model Honda Civic.

Auto Parts Search Accuracy

Search results are tailored to a specific model of a car and different makes. For example, users only see relevant options when searching for parts for a 2020 BMW 5.

Increased Order Accuracy

Accurate fitment data means shoppers receive a relevant search answer and the right parts on their first order—reducing returns and cart abandonment. For example, a user ordering a headlight manufactured for a 2015 BMW 3 exterior gets exactly that with minimized confusion.

Comprehensive Fitment Data

Clear fitment configuration lets you find your car the exact fit among thousands of SKUs. For example, they can easily locate a compatible oil filter version manufactured for a 2019 Ford F-150 in the vast car makes catalog.

How to Choose the Right Make, Model, Year Tool?

Here’s a quick comparison of various model, year, make tools to help you find the best solution for your car parts store.

Look for the following functionality to make sure the chosen model, year, make will effectively answer and assist your users for years:

• Native functionality: There should be no need for third-party integrations to reduce compatibility issues. Besides, a preloaded database from such catalog providers as SEMA Data or AutoSync will help you avoid costly development and integration. Usually, these are offered by all-in-one automotive eCommerce platforms rather than a YMM plugin.
• Automated compliance: Again, look for solutions with versatile preloaded specifications databases. These provide model, year, make data in formats required by ACES and PIES. The catalog becomes compliant, and fitment gets more detailed regarding the nuances of certain models.
• UX template: The tool needs to offer an automotive industry design template for a smooth, luxury car owner experience.
• Cost-effective: Look for no extra maintenance fees to lower long-term costs.
• Easy setup: Look for automatically enabled tools with catalog uploads to simplify the process.
• Customer support: An in-house tool with dedicated support tailored to your needs is a great helper on the way.

Let’s closer explore and compare the nine best model, year, make solutions available in the market to enhance your online automotive store.

9 Best eCommerce Year, Make, Model Search Tools Compared

It’s a common practice to integrate model, year, make into various eCommerce platforms. Each of these integrated applications is developed specifically for the platform, whether it’s Shopify, BigCommerce, or WooCommerce. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with this approach, there are nuances to consider.

Connecting and configuring these applications can require significant effort introduced with additional maintenance and support costs. As a result, the tool’s effectiveness might not meet business and market expectations.

On the other hand, choosing a platform where model, year, and make are built-in by default can help you avoid many challenges. This approach simplifies integration and usage for greater stability and performance.

Let’s review what these make and model tools can offer for your business and market.

1. Year, Make, Model Search as Part of X-Cart Automotive

X-Cart Automotive is an all-in-one auto parts eCommerce platform. It has seamless in-built integrations from top data providers like SEMA Data and AutoSync. Thus, the platform’s native year, make, model search tool guarantees parts compatibility, quality, and overall performance.

The intuitive YMM filters enable users to select their vehicle’s make, model, year, and engine. Then, a comprehensive list of compatible parts is displayed. This increases site dwell time and boosts the likelihood of purchasing multiple items. The solution is supported by ACES and PIES standards.

Unlike other tools listed here, X-Cart’s YMM is integrated into the all-in-one eCommerce platform and cannot be used separately. It comes included in your pricing package at no extra cost. It works seamlessly with other things like design themes and VIN lookup. The ‘My Garage’ feature lets shoppers save their vehicles in their accounts to faster find things for the same model, year, make. It becomes easy for them to view relevant parts for specific makes immediately upon their return.

The system also offers Smart Product Search for real-time results with auto-suggestions and spelling corrections. CloudFilters enable easy filtering by price, category, and brand so that people can find the exact version they need.

Key features:

• Built-in make, model, year search
• Automotive template
• Preloaded database
• No additional maintenance costs
• Automatic activation when uploading catalogs from data providers
• Guaranteed parts compatibility
• User-friendly YMM filters
• Automated ACES®, PIES™ compliance

Extra features:

• “My Garage” feature to quickly find things for the same model
• Efficient Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) lookup
• Smart Product Search with CloudSearch
• Dynamic CloudFilters

2. YMM by Convermax

Source: convermax.com

Convermax model, year, make search engine automatically connects to your catalog provider account or other data providers. It integrates effortlessly with all major eCommerce platforms, ensuring a smooth experience regardless of your setup. With no limitations on the number of products or queries, you can manage any scale of inventory without incurring extra fees.

Key features:

• Model, year, make lookup, filters, and keyword search
• Preloaded database
• Automated fitment data
• Platform-agnostic integration
• Unlimited scalability
• Automated ACES®, PIES™ compliance

3. YMM by PartsLogic

Source: partslogic.com

PartsLogic offers a combination of model, year, make, and specific part attribute searches. For instance, when searching for a tonneau cover, users need to specify the year, make, model of a vehicle, and bed length for an accurate fit. Similarly, details like engine displacement are crucial for compatibility when looking for engine parts. This combination is what makes the application so valuable.

Key features:

• Specific details for engine parts
• Combination of attributes (the combination of YMM and the type of part being sought)
• Preloaded database
• Automated ACES®, PIES™ compliance

4. YMM and Magic Search by APA Engineering

Source: apaengineering.com

This YMM for parts is a proven solution for digital stores in the automotive, heavy-duty, equipment, and machinery aftermarket brands. The app allows customers to search for parts using car makes and models, year, engine, interchange, part titles, trim levels, and other available information on your site.

Key features:

• Comprehensive search features
• Configurable widget
• Excel integration
• Category search

5. Automotive Fitment App by Sitation

Source: apps.akeneo.com

This app enables you to manage and link automotive fitment data directly to your automotive product data management in Akeneo. Integrating fitment management with PIM-enriched attributes enhances compatibility and ensures a seamless experience for your buyers.

Key features:

• Full VCdb (ACES) support
• Fitment validation
• Import of Akeneo attributes
• Automated fitment rules

6. EasySearch YMM for Shopify

Source: apps.shopify.com

Ideal for automotive and electronic parts, this model, year, make plugin allows users to find products that fit their cars, trucks, bikes, devices, body style, models and trim, and more. With a preloaded model, production year, and make a database for the automotive market, you can also add your own dropdowns for greater customization.

Key features:

• Comprehensive fitment widget
• Preloaded database
• Multi-functional search
• Fitment information display

• Custom design options
• Automated ACES®, PIES™ compliance

7. azFitment

Source: azfitment.com

azFitment is the ultimate solution for automobile retailers aiming to enhance their online presence. This industry-specific tool simplifies product fitting on sites, making vehicle lookup effortless. Integrates with BigCommerce and Shopify.

Key features:

• User-friendly lookup
• Self-service data management
• Seamless BigCommerce & Shopify integration
• Preloaded database of brands
• Automated ACES®, PIES™ compliance

8. Year, Make, Model Search for WooCommerce

Source: codecanyon.net

It is an essential model, year, make plugin for locating vehicles or vehicle parts on your website. A user-friendly interface allows admins to manage filters based on year, model, car manufacturer, engine, category, and keywords. This tool will easily help identify if a car model meets the windshield specifications they are considering.

Key features:

• Year, make, model, engine, category, and keywords selection
• Widget and shortcode
• Elementor Support
• Integrates with other WooCommerce plugins

9. YMM by PCFitment

Source: pcfitment.com

The PCFitment for Shopify and BigCommerce is specifically designed for automotive merchants looking to grow their online automotive business and performance. This app offers easy and customizable integration tailored to your specific needs.

Key features:

• Essential fitment dropdown
• Customizable integration

Help Users Find Parts for Their Car Models

Choosing the right year, make, model search or native solution for your online automotive store is vital for providing a top-notch experience for car owners. While many options exist, X-Cart’s native functionality excels in ease of use, seamless integration, and cost-effectiveness. With native integrations, you won’t need to fill the parts database manually and care about compliance.

By implementing X-Cart’s make, model, year tool, you can enhance car owner satisfaction, increase sales and performance, and reduce returns—all while saving on maintenance costs. It’s a smart choice for any automotive eCommerce business looking to grow. Stay tuned to learn about new model, year, make tools!