Nearside or offside? Which side you need

On a UK car, nearside is the kerb side, which is the left as you sit in the driver's seat, and offside is the driver's side, which is the right. Many parts, such as doors, mirrors, headlights and wings, are handed, so getting the side right is the difference between a part that fits and one that goes back. Here is how to be certain.

What do nearside and offside actually mean?

The terms describe the side of the car relative to the kerb, not the direction you happen to be facing. Nearside is nearest the kerb, the passenger side on a UK right-hand-drive car, which is the left. Offside is furthest from the kerb, the driver's side, which is the right. They never change with the way you stand looking at the car.

How do I work out my side without confusion?

Sit in the driver's seat and face forward. Your right hand points to the offside, your left hand to the nearside. So a driver's door is the offside door, and a front passenger door is the nearside front door. Front and rear simply describe the front or back of that side.

Does left-hand drive change this?

The kerb-side rule still holds, but the sides flip relative to the driver. On a UK car you almost always want UK right-hand-drive parts, and handed items like headlights differ between left and right-hand-drive cars. If your part is handed, confirm it is the right-hand-drive version as well as the correct side.

Which parts are handed?

Doors, wing mirrors, headlights, tail lights, front wings and many trims are side-specific. Bonnets, bumpers and tailgates usually are not. If you are unsure whether your part is handed, tell us the side you think you need and your registration, and we will confirm before you buy.

Buy with confidence

Browse our body and exterior panels or our lighting for current stock. Every part is inspected, ships with free tracked UK delivery, and is covered by our 30 day returns policy. Send us your registration and the side you need and we will confirm it before you buy. Parts worth your trust.