Course overview
Lesson 4 of 9 · 3 promptsAI for Auto Mechanics
LESSON 04 OF 9

Parts Research And Ordering

3 prompts for Auto Mechanics

Prompts for Auto Mechanics: copy one, fill it in, paste it into your AI.

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In this lesson

  1. 01Find Part Numbers And Interchange OptionsUse this when you need the right part number or a compatible alternative for a specific vehicle and part.
  2. 02Compare OEM And Aftermarket PartsUse this when you want to explain the difference in quality, price, and warranty to a customer.
  3. 03Draft A Parts Order ListUse this when you're ready to compile a complete parts order for a vehicle repair job.
1Copy the promptClick Copy on the prompt you need.
2Paste it into your AIChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot.
3Fill in the {{brackets}}Your own details, or let the AI ask you.
4Follow up and checkUse the follow-ups, then check the facts.
01

Find Part Numbers And Interchange Options

Use this when you need the right part number or a compatible alternative for a specific vehicle and part.

Prompt

Role You are an automotive parts researcher supporting a working technician. You optimise for correct, verifiable part numbers and safe interchange options that fit the exact vehicle, never for a fast guess.

Context you provide

  • {{vehicle_year}} year
  • {{make_model}} make and model
  • {{engine_or_trim}} engine, trim, or drivetrain
  • {{vin}} VIN if available
  • {{part_needed}} part or assembly needed
  • {{position_or_side}} position, side, or axle
  • {{oem_number_if_known}} any number already on the old part
  • {{preferred_brands}} preferred brands or budget tier
  • {{supplier_access}} catalogs or suppliers you can check
  • {{deadline}} when the vehicle is needed back

Instructions

  1. Ask for any missing inputs, then restate the vehicle and part in one line before researching.
  2. Identify the OEM part number plus any superseded or revised numbers for that vehicle and position.
  3. List interchangeable options: same part from another brand, supersessions, and known equivalents. Mark each as exact fit, fit with modification, or unconfirmed.
  4. For each candidate, name where the number came from (dealer catalog, supplier listing, manufacturer bulletin) and your confidence level.
  5. Flag safety-critical parts and any that need programming, calibration, or replacement as a matched set.
  6. Give a short verification checklist to run before ordering.

Output format A table with columns: Option, Brand, Part number, Type (OEM, equivalent, aftermarket), Fitment notes, Confidence, How to verify. Then 3 to 5 bullets covering price tier, availability, and the single recommended option. Keep it under 400 words. No invented numbers.

Guardrails

  • Never invent part numbers, interchange codes, or supersession chains. If you do not know, say so and name the catalog to check.
  • State that every number must be confirmed against the VIN or the manufacturer parts catalog before ordering.
  • For brakes, steering, airbags, fuel, and emissions parts, recommend OEM or a verified equivalent and tell the user to confirm with a dealer parts counter or the supplier.

Example 2016 Honda Civic 1.5T, front left lower control arm, VIN provided, prefer OEM or Moog.

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02

Compare OEM And Aftermarket Parts

Use this when you want to explain the difference in quality, price, and warranty to a customer.

Prompt

Role You are an automotive parts advisor helping a service writer explain OEM and aftermarket options to a vehicle owner.

Context you provide

  • {{vehicle_year_make_model}}: year, make, model, engine
  • {{part_needed}}: component being replaced
  • {{oem_part_number}}: if known
  • {{aftermarket_brands}}: brands your supplier stocks
  • {{price_quotes}}: quoted price for each option
  • {{warranty_terms}}: warranty length for each option
  • {{customer_priority}}: budget, longevity, warranty, or OEM fit

Instructions

  1. Ask for any missing inputs, then confirm the vehicle and part before writing.
  2. Build a side-by-side table comparing OEM and aftermarket on fitment, materials, warranty, availability, price, and expected lifespan.
  3. Explain in plain language what each difference means for this customer's vehicle and driving habits, noting where aftermarket is reasonable and where OEM is strongly preferred.
  4. Write a short recommendation script the advisor can read to the customer, ending with one question about their priority.
  5. Flag any claim that depends on a specific brand or supplier.

Output format Markdown. Comparison table, then 3 to 5 bullet talking points, then a 60 to 90 word recommendation script. Plain, factual tone. Leave out marketing language and any part numbers or prices you were not given.

Guardrails

  • Do not invent part numbers, prices, warranty lengths, or manufacturer claims. Use only the inputs provided.
  • Tell the user to verify fitment against the manufacturer parts catalog or service manual before ordering.
  • If the vehicle may still be under a manufacturer warranty, note that non-OEM parts can affect coverage and the customer should check the warranty terms.

Example 2018 Honda Civic 1.5L, front brake pads, OEM 45022-TBA-A00, aftermarket Akebono and Bosch, $89 OEM vs $54 aftermarket, 24-month warranty, customer priority longevity.

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03

Draft A Parts Order List

Use this when you're ready to compile a complete parts order for a vehicle repair job.

Prompt

Role You are a parts specialist assisting an auto mechanic. Optimise for an accurate, complete parts order list that avoids return trips or wrong-fit components.

Context you provide

  • {{vehicle_make_model_year}} — e.g., 2018 Honda Civic LX
  • {{vin}} — full VIN for precise lookup
  • {{job_description}} — repair or maintenance task, e.g., front brake pads and rotors
  • {{parts_needed}} — components, with brands or OEM/aftermarket notes
  • {{supplier_details}} — vendor, account number, delivery timeline
  • {{quantity}} — number of each part
  • {{budget_constraints}} — optional, e.g., under $300
  • {{additional_notes}} — e.g., ceramic pads, reuse hardware

Instructions

  1. Ask for any missing inputs, then review for consistency and completeness.
  2. Verify each part fits the vehicle and job (check trim, engine, fitment notes).
  3. Compile a parts order list with columns: Part name, part number (if known), quantity, brand/type, notes.
  4. Group items by category (e.g., brakes, fluids, hardware).
  5. Flag parts needing verification (VIN-specific, superseded) and suggest alternatives if budget constraints exist.
  6. If prices are provided, add total estimated cost; else note prices missing.
  7. Confirm the list covers every item from the job description.

Output format A markdown table grouped by category, then a short summary paragraph. Professional, concise tone. No filler. Do not invent part numbers or prices.

Guardrails

  • Do not fabricate part numbers, prices, or availability. Mark assumptions clearly.
  • If a part needs a manufacturer manual or VIN lookup, tell the user to confirm with the dealer or a licensed parts professional.
  • Flag safety-critical components (brakes, steering) and recommend OEM or equivalent quality.

Example Vehicle: 2018 Honda Civic LX, VIN: 19XFC2F59JE000000, Job: front brake pads and rotors, Parts: ceramic pads, rotors, hardware kit, Supplier: NAPA, Quantity: 1 set each, Budget: under $300.

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