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Find the right car model: how the dog guard, boot mat or transport crate fits perfectly

Want to make sure that the boot mat, dog guard or transport crate you select actually fits your car? It sounds technical, but with your license plate or vehicle registration certificate, you'll figure it out in no time. In this article, we explain step by step how to find the right car model so your dog or cat can travel safely and comfortably.

A good fit is more than just convenient. A guard or crate that doesn't fit properly is unsafe for your pet and for the passengers.

1. Grab your vehicle registration certificate

The most reliable source for your car's details is your own vehicle registration certificate. Check the certificate for the following sections:

  • Make: the manufacturer of the car, for example Volkswagen, Ford or BMW.
  • Model: the type of car, for example Golf, Focus or 3 Series. On the certificate, this is called the trade name.
  • Date of first registration: the date the car was first registered on the road. This year gives a good indication of the year of manufacture. Please note: a car may have been built in late 2018 and only registered in 2019, or registered later as an import. This is how you can tell whether your car is still the pre-facelift model or already the updated post-facelift model.

Do you have an older registration certificate? Then the layout may differ from the sections above.

2. Use an online car model check

Don't have your registration certificate to hand? Then enter your license plate on an online car model checker website. Within seconds you can view your car's basic details for free, including make, model, year of manufacture and version.

Please note: the online checkers often use the official factory designation, whereas our website uses the common name and model generation (e.g., "Golf VII" or "Golf 7") with a range of production years (e.g., 2012-2020). A generation designation such as "VII" or "7" indicates which iteration of a model it is. Therefore, always check the year of manufacture as well.

3. Pay attention to new models / facelifts and variants

Car manufacturers regularly update their models. Two situations are important to recognize:

  • New model: a completely newly designed car that replaces the old model. The fit of a boot mat, guard or crate almost always changes with this.
  • Facelift (mid-cycle update): a refresh of an existing model, in which features such as the headlights, bumpers or dashboard are slightly modified. As a result, a product made for the earlier model may no longer fit properly or may require different mounting hardware.
  • Variants: Some models have different trims or performance lines such as the "M" series from BMW, the "S-line" from Audi, the "AMG" from Mercedes or the "R line" from Volkswagen. You can always find this information listed with our products.

Are you in doubt whether you have a pre-facelift or post-facelift model? Pay attention to the production years in the product titles on our website. We always indicate whether a product is suitable for the facelift version or the earlier version.

4. Check the car body type: hatchback, sedan or station wagon

Many models are available in multiple body styles, such as a 3-door, 5-door, sedan (4-door) or station wagon. These often differ in the shape and length of the rear. 

Here is how you can recognize your car's body type:

  • Count the doors. The tailgate counts as a door. A car with four side doors and a tailgate is therefore a 5-door.
  • Look at the rear. A sedan has a separate trunk, a hatchback has a steep rear with a tailgate, and a station wagon has a longer, straight roof extending all the way to the tailgate.
  • Check the version online. Online you can often find the version listed under body type or coachwork.

5. Compare images

Still hesitating between two models on our website? Compare photos of the models on our site with your own car. This will help you quickly rule out incorrect models.

6. Our customer service

Still can't figure it out? No problem, we are happy to think along with you, especially if you are unsure whether a product will fit precisely.

Opening hours: workdays from 07:30 to 16:00
Phone: +31 416 235 606
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.