How to use ETKA — a step-by-step tutorial
Find genuine Volkswagen, Audi, Škoda and SEAT parts by VIN in minutes. This walkthrough uses ETKA online, so there is no installation guide to follow — just register and search.
Using ETKA online, step by step
- Register and open ETKA online Create an account at lk.vinsearch.online and pick a plan (from a $3 Day Pass). ETKA opens in your browser — there is no installation guide to follow and nothing to download.
- Enter the 17-character VIN Type or paste the VIN. ETKA decodes the exact model, model year, engine, gearbox, trim and market, so you only ever see parts that fit that specific vehicle.
- Navigate the assembly tree Drill down through the main groups (engine, brakes, body, electrics…) to the exploded diagram for the assembly you need. Each callout number on the diagram maps to a row in the parts list.
- Read the genuine OEM number Pick the callout to reveal the genuine OEM part number, quantity per assembly and any notes. ETKA shows the current number even if it has superseded an older one.
- Check supersessions and order Follow the supersession chain so you quote the part that is actually supplied today, then order genuine or a quality equivalent with confidence.
Tips for accurate ETKA searches
- Always start from the VIN. Model-and-year browsing is fine for orientation, but the VIN removes variant guesswork.
- Trust the supersession chain. The number printed on an old box may no longer be the one supplied — ETKA shows the current one.
- Mind the market. The same model differs by region; ETKA filters to the car’s build market automatically when you use the VIN.
- Confirm the build first. If a VIN looks unusual, run it through the free VIN decoder before opening ETKA.
Using ETKA — FAQ
Do I need an installation guide for ETKA?
Not with VINsearch. ETKA online runs in your browser — there is no setup, no Windows requirement and no dongle. The “installation” is simply creating an account.
How do I find a part in ETKA?
Enter the VIN, let ETKA decode the exact build, then drill through the assembly tree to the exploded diagram and read the OEM number from the callout. Always follow the supersession chain to the current number.
Can I use ETKA without the VIN?
You can browse by model and year, but VIN search is far more accurate because it pinpoints the exact engine, trim and market. Use the free VIN decoder first if you are unsure of the build.
Does ETKA show fitting instructions?
ETKA identifies parts (numbers, quantities, diagrams). For fitting procedures you need a repair manual; some systems link the two, but they are different tools.