Are you running an online automotive store? Do you struggle with customer assistance and frequent returns? A year, make, and model (YMM) tool can be a solution. This feature enables customers 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 YMM search and compare popular tools so you can make the best choice.

What Is Year, Make, and Model Search?

These tools allow customers to filter products based on their vehicle’s specifications:

• Year
• Make
• Model
• Submodel
• Engine

This functionality enhances the shopping experience and helps customers quickly locate the parts they need. When shoppers can easily find what they’re looking for, they are more likely to stay on your site and make a purchase.

Key Benefits of YMM Search

YMM tools’ main goal is to enhance customers’ shopping experiences. They do this by providing ease of search, accuracy in results, and comprehensive fitment data.

High-Quality Customer Experience

By meeting buyer needs, you build customer loyalty and trust. Happy customers are more likely to return, like a satisfied shopper who keeps coming back for all their vehicle maintenance needs.

Ease of Search and Filtering

With just a few clicks, customers can instantly access a rich auto parts catalog and quickly find what they need—like a brake pad for a 2018 Honda Accord.

Auto Parts Search Accuracy

Search results are tailored to specific car models. For example, when a customer searches for parts for a 2020 Ford F-150, they only see relevant options.

Increased Order Accuracy

Accurate fitment data means customers receive the right parts on their first order—reducing returns and cart abandonment. For example, a customer ordering a headlight for a 2015 Toyota Camry gets exactly that with minimized confusion.

Comprehensive Fitment Data

Clear fitment information allows buyers to find the exact fit among thousands of SKUs. For instance, they can easily locate a compatible oil filter for a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu in the vast catalog.

How to Choose the Right YMM Tool?

Here’s a quick comparison of various Year Make Model (YMM) tools to help you find the best solution for your automotive parts store.

Look for the following functionality to make sure the chosen YMM tool will effectively assist your customers 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 databases. These provide data on parts in formats required by ACES and PIES. The catalog becomes compliant, and fitment gets more detailed regarding the nuances of a particular vehicle.
• UX template: The tool needs to offer an automotive design template for a smooth user 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 year, make, and model search solutions available to enhance your online automotive store.

9 Best eCommerce YMM Tools Compared

It’s a common practice to integrate YMM tools 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, which may result in additional maintenance and support costs. As a result, the tool’s effectiveness might not meet business expectations.

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

Let’s compare what these tools can offer for your business.

1. YMM 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 YMM search tool guarantees parts compatibility and quality.

The intuitive YMM filters enable customers 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 features like design themes and VIN lookup. The ‘My Garage’ feature lets customers save their vehicles in their accounts. It becomes easy for them to view relevant parts 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 customers can find exactly what 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
• Efficient VIN lookup
• Smart Product Search with CloudSearch
• Dynamic CloudFilters

2. YMM by Convermax

Source: convermax.com

Convermax make, model, year 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:

• Year, make, and model 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 YMM and specific part attribute searches. For instance, when searching for a tonneau cover, customers need to specify both the YMM 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 industries. The app allows customers to search for parts using year, make, model, engine, interchange, part titles, 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 customers.

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 YMM search plugin allows customers to find products that fit their cars, trucks, bikes, devices, and more. With a preloaded YMM database for automotive parts, 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 websites, making vehicle lookup effortless. Integrates with BigCommerce and Shopify.

Key features:

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

8. WooCommerce Vehicle Parts Finder

Source: codecanyon.net

It is an essential YMM search plugin for locating vehicles or vehicle parts on your website. A user-friendly interface allows admins to manage filters based on year, make, model, engine, category, and keywords.

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. This app offers easy and customizable integration tailored to your specific needs.

Key features:

• Essential fitment dropdown
• Customizable integration

Conclusion

Choosing the right YMM plugin or native solution for your online automotive store is vital for providing a top-notch customer experience. 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 YMM tool, you can enhance user satisfaction, increase sales, and reduce returns—all while saving on maintenance costs. It’s a smart choice for any automotive eCommerce business looking to grow!