All posts tagged auto parts

Exploring Your Car: 3 Lesser-Known Parts and What They Do

by Carsurfer Admin on 2018/12/12 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off on Exploring Your Car: 3 Lesser-Known Parts and What They Do
auto parts

Are you one of those people who want to know how cars work but can’t figure it out? Maybe your knowledge doesn’t span beyond tires, the engine and steering wheel. Or maybe you consider yourself something of a handyman and know your way around your car’s inner-workings.

The average car is made up of 30,000 parts, and many of them aren’t easily visible. Understanding some of technology behind your vehicle can make your next repair a lot easier, or at least impress your mechanic the next time you have to take your car to the shop. Let’s get under the hood and take a look at these three lesser-known car parts.

Camshaft

Camshafts open and close your car engine’s valves to let air and fuel in and let exhaust gas out. These rotating metal parts use lobes called cams to apply pressure against different valves.

A lack of oil or other damage to the area could cause them to malfunction, but for the most part, you can expect your car’s camshaft to stay up and running.

Turbo Charger

Often referred to as simply a turbo, this part of your car forces extra air into the combustion chamber to increase your vehicle’s internal combustion and power output. The purpose of a turbo charger is to increase your engine’s efficiency.

Not all cars have turbocharged energy, so you should keep your eyes out when shopping for a new model. Turbocharged engines are more fuel efficient, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll save more money on gas. It really depends on how you drive and what speed you average.

Catalytic Converter

Air pollution is a major problem across the U.S., especially in large cities with constant streams of heavy traffic. In order to cut back on the amount of pollutants being expelled from vehicles, the catalytic converter was created in 1975.

The part’s sole purpose is to filter harmful toxins from a car’s emissions before they’re released. While small and simple, the catalytic converter makes a major contribution to our well-being.

Some people are natural car buffs while others are just curious tinkerers. Learning more about your vehicle online or from an experienced professional is a great way to maximize its personal value to you and help you better understand how you can utilize it. Read guides, check out YouTube videos and pop open your own hood to take a look around and learn the ins and outs of your vehicle. Soon, you’ll be discussing cars like a pro.

Ways To Get The Best Deals For Your Needed Car Parts

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/10/15 in Auto Parts with Comments Off on Ways To Get The Best Deals For Your Needed Car Parts

Saving money on automotive parts is a great way to lower repair costs. Even if you’re not doing the work yourself, acquiring used or wholesale parts can drastically reduce the overall price of vehicle repairs. Labor is already pretty steep with an average of $60 to $65 per hour for most ASC certified mechanics. However, it’s relatively easy to locate and gather the parts needed without relying on the service stations typically high-priced materials.

Search Online

There are a number of reliable wholesale auto parts suppliers on the Internet. According to Pure Diesel Power, a company that provides Chevy diesel engine parts, more and more people are buying auto parts through the Internet. The important thing to remember is to thoroughly vet a site before you buy. Make sure the parts they supply are good and that they’re legitimate. Reading customer reviews and ratings is a great way to find the truth about online auto parts dealers.

The Full-service Junkyard

These auto parts goldmines are all over the country. They typically have hundreds of cars in every make and model. The yard’s employees will remove and stock the most commonly sought after items. However, you can call beforehand and special order an item. The yard attendants will remove the part and have it ready for when you arrive. These full-service yards charge a bit more for their parts than other solutions.

The You-Pick Junkyard

If you’re mechanically inclined, then this is probably the best choice. These junkyards are similar to their full-service cousins except that you pull the parts on your own. They typically separate vehicles based on the make and model making it quick and easy to locate what you need. Make sure to bring all the tools that you’ll need to remove the part. There’s nothing worse than getting out into the yard and realizing you’re missing a certain tool. This is one of the cheapest ways to get auto parts. Just be prepared to do a bit of work.

Refurbished Parts

Most auto parts dealers offer refurbished varieties of the parts that they sell. When you’re shopping for a part, be sure to inquire about a refurbished option. These parts are typically just as good as a new one and sometimes only a third of the price.

There are many ways to find cheap auto parts. If you do a little shopping and looking around, you’re bound to find what you need and save a lot of money in the process.

Six Repair or Restoration Tricks For Owners of Old or Classic Cars

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/01/22 in Auto Parts with Comments Off on Six Repair or Restoration Tricks For Owners of Old or Classic Cars

Renovating and repairing a classic car is an exciting task to undertake. However, it’s not the easiest thing to jump into for the first time. You might consider the following recommendations before setting in on any project to fix up and restore a classic or used car.

Perform a Thorough Inspection

In a well-lit area, and using a flashlight, inspect the vehicle from the inside out and from top to bottom. Remember to look underneath. Get a close-up view of what the project will entail and if the renovation is worth the time, money and effort before proceeding any further.

Establish a Budget

On a major restoration, not everyone has the financial means to pay for materials and parts all at once. Grab a parts catalog pertinent to your vehicle, sit down with a calculator, paper and pen. Whether the refurbishing time line depends on time or money, make a complete list to determine a general idea of cost. If working on a budget, prioritize the list according to needs and desires.

Consult with a Restoration Expert

After creating a list of expenses, visiting with a specialist will let you know if the calculations are realistic. Perhaps there are considerations that you have overlooked or may be able to put off until later. You might also gain insight into money saving techniques or tips. Some cars can have incredibly difficult parts to find, and sites such as www.stlouisusedcarparts.com/ can help with that. You ought to seek out the right people and resources that can help you with your restoration process.

Choose a Restoration Level

Vehicle renovation projects typically range from basic “driver restoration,” which restores full functionality and minimal cosmetic repairs to “concours” that ensures the highest degree of refurbishment possible. In between these categories includes “street show” and “show car.”

Determine Structural Integrity

Closely examine the condition of the axles, floor and frame. While a little rust is easily fixed, extensive rusting compromises the stability of the vehicle and poses a potential risk. A vehicle having these areas intact also saves thousands of dollars and countless hours in replacement if deciding to progress regardless of the car’s condition.

Solo or Team Project

Whether choosing to complete the project alone, or opting to work with friends or family members, take the time to consider all of the scenarios. Do you or any of your cohorts have the knowledge necessary to succeed? Will a falling out with team members destroy the project? Do you have access to the right equipment or the voice of experience?

After taking these tips into consideration, the next step naturally progresses toward starting the renovation process. Once completed, keep your prized possession in top shape by performing regular maintenance.