Navigating the car parts industry as a rookie can be a daunting experience. Fear not, as in this blog we attempt to dumb down all things car parts so that you can know your basics, and not seem like a complete noob when dealing with car part vendors or mechanics. Here are the car parts you should know about.
Table of Contents
Some car parts terminology
But first here are a few terms you should become familiar with so that you don’t risk embarrassing yourself or leaving yourself open to a scam.
- OEM parts
- Aftermarket parts
- Quick service
- Spare parts
OEM parts
OEM parts or “original equipment manufacturer” parts are car parts that are produced by a known vehicle brand. In other words original parts. So if you drive a Mercedes vehicle, then OEM parts will constitute the parts that are produced by the Mercedes brand. These parts are often expensive but superior in quality.
Aftermarket parts
Aftermarket parts are the alternatives to OEM parts. They are manufactured by brands other than the brand of your vehicle and they often cost less than the originals. Although generally considered risky and low quality, aftermarket parts can come in high qualities.
Quick service
A quick service is the routine car check up and oil and filter change. But the main focus is the oil change. This routine check and car maintenance is essential in order to keep a car in good health and is generally prescribed every 5,000 km to 10,000 km driven depending on the vehicle model. Heavy car users can find themselves needing a quick service every 15 days while others can drag on up to 3 months and even 6 months.
What happens in a quick service is the engine oil is changed, your engine oil filter is replaced, and the engines air filters,as well the vehicles AC filters are also changed. A general fluid check and wear and tear analysis of your vehicle is usually carried out. Among these checks include tire pressure check as well as a vehicle drive belt check. We’ll learn more about drive belts below.
What do car spare parts mean?
Car spare parts originally referred to the parts one keeps an extra spare of in their vehicle. This consists of things like car tyres, a car battery, engine oil, and filters. Today however “spare parts” has become a broad term that means any car part that can be detached and replaced.
What car parts wear out first?
The car parts that wear out the first are filters and windshield wipers. Filters include the oil filters and air filter that are used in unison with the cars engine and the cabin filter that is used to filter the air that comes through your air conditioner. These parts are the main parts that are changed with every quick service a car goes through which can occur as regularly as every 15 days or as infrequently as every six months depending on car use.
What is the most used car part?
The oil filter is the most used car part. This is because this part has a direct connection with the everyday lubrication and functioning of the engine. Heavy car users can replace this component and the engine oil as frequent as every two weeks.
What are the most consumable auto parts?
Engine oil and coolant liquid are the most consumable auto parts. Whereas coolant is used to keep the cars engine cool and usually consists of a green or blue liquid that has its own tank under the cars hood, engine oil lubricates the moving gears and components of the vehicle which heat up due to friction. Coolant is usually replaced around every two oil changes.
What parts of the car do you need to know
The average user should be aware of the most used car parts and the ones that experience the most breakdowns or altercations. This includes car filters, tyres, windshields and on a more long-term perspective brake pads.
The 10 car parts you should know
Below are the most common car parts you should know about (and every car owner as well).
- Air filters
- AC filters
- Oil Filters
- Windshield wipers
- Batteries
- Brake pads
- Tires
- Bumpers
- Bearings
- Drive belts
Air FIlters
A car air filter is a crucial component that ensures only clean air enters the engine while driving. It acts as a protective barrier, preventing dust and debris from entering the engine and causing damage. Clean air is to optimal engine performance, improves fuel economy, and reduces harmful emissions. Regularly replacing the air filter is essential for maintaining the engine’s efficiency and prolonging its lifespan. Inversely, bad air filter habits can cause damage to your vehicle’s engine.
AC filters
Car AC filters are responsible for purify the air entering the cabin. They remove dust, pollen, allergens, and pollutants, from the air outside your vehicle, thus improving the cars interior air quality and protecting occupants from harmful particles. Moreover these filters enhance the AC system’s efficiency, ensuring the effective cooling or heating of the cabin. Regularly replacing the AC filter not only extends the AC system’s lifespan but also maintains a clean and healthy environment for a comfortable driving experience, especially beneficial for those with allergies or respiratory sensitivities.
Oil Filters
Oil filters are essential to a car’s engine system as they clean the engines oil by removing contaminants and impurities. Their primary function is to protect the engine by ensuring proper lubrication, reducing friction, and preventing wear on internal components, which ultimately prolongs the engine’s lifespan and improves its performance. Regularly replacing the oil filter during routine oil changes is crucial for maintaining engine health, preventing damage, and promoting fuel efficiency. By keeping the engine oil clean and free from harmful particles, oil filters play a vital role in ensuring the longevity and efficiency of a car’s engine.
Windshield wipers
Believe it or not, windshield wipers are an important safety feature of cars. Windshield wipers clear rain, snow, and debris from the windshield, ensuring a clear view for the driver. If you ever experienced driving without functioning windshield wipers under heavy rain, you are most likely familiar with the dreadful feeling of not knowing what is happening a few meters ahead of your car, and likely appreciate the importance of this part. They not only enhance road safety by preventing accidents caused by impaired visibility during adverse weather, but modern wipers provide smooth and efficient wiping, as their rubber blades protect the windshield from scratches. Regular maintenance and replacement of worn-out wiper blades are a safety essential and will ensure your windshield won’t be damaged.
Batteries
Car batteries are responsible for turning a car’s engine on, however its important to note that most of the vehicles electrical components are powered by a part called the alternator. What the alternator does is transform engine power into electricity that is used by the vehicles electrical components and also charges the cars battery. So essentially what a car battery does is provide a burst of electricity to start the engine and stabilize the electrical system by absorbing and releasing excess voltage. In case of alternator failure, car batteries can act as backup power sources.
There are two main types of car batteries to be aware of: Dry Cell and Wet Cell. Dry Cells (or maintenance-free batteries) do not require water top-ups, Wet Cell batteries need periodic checks. However, all batteries have a limited lifespan of 3 to 5 years and require regular maintenance to ensure proper function. Without a working battery, a car’s engine and electrical systems will not operate, and is the reason it is wise to have a reserve battery on stand-by.
Brake pads
Brake pads are found in a car’s braking system which are found near a vehicles tire. They surround the vehicle’s brake discs (the round metal plate that wheels are connected to) kind of like how two buns surround the patty of a burger. This part creates friction against the brake discs, in order to enable the safe and efficient stopping of the vehicle. They provide the necessary stopping power and dissipate heat generated during braking to maintain consistent performance.
As a wear-and-tear item, brake pads gradually wear down and require regular inspection and replacement to ensure optimal braking efficiency and safety. Brake pads play a critical role in providing reliable braking performance, reducing noise, and ensuring safe driving experiences on the road.
Tires
Tires are vital components that provide traction, support, and safety for vehicles. They grip the road, enabling acceleration, braking, and turning. Tires also absorb impacts and cushion the ride, enhancing driving comfort and stability. Different tire types cater to various weather conditions, with winter tires providing better traction in snow and summer tires excelling in dry conditions. Proper tire maintenance, including inflation, rotation (swapping tires out to different wheel rotors), and alignment, ensures optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and longer tire life. Choosing the right tires and maintaining them properly contribute to overall driving safety, comfort, and handling on the road.
Bumpers
Bumpers are the front components of a vehicle that absorb the impact of low-speed collisions, safeguarding the car and its occupants from damage and injury. They also play a role in protecting pedestrians and critical vehicle components. While bumpers contribute to the overall design of the vehicle, their primary function is to mitigate the severity of minor accidents. However, for high-speed collision protection, other safety features like airbags and seat belts are essential. Bumpers must comply with federal safety standards to ensure their effectiveness in providing impact protection.
Wheel Bearings
Bearings are small metallic balls around the size of marbles that reduce wheel movement friction and enable smooth movement in vehicles. They consist of rolling elements housed within a ring, facilitating efficient rotation or sliding of various parts, such as wheels. By supporting loads and distributing forces evenly, bearings prevent excessive wear and damage to vital vehicle parts. Properly functioning bearings are essential for safe and stable driving, as they ensure smooth wheel rotation. Regular maintenance, including inspection, lubrication, and replacement of worn bearings, is crucial to prevent serious damage and ensure optimal vehicle performance.
Drive belts
Drive belts are found in a vehicle’s engine system and they transfer power from the engine’s crankshaft to essential accessories like the alternator, water pump, and air conditioning compressor through their circular motion. They ensure the proper functioning of these components, contributing to the vehicle’s overall performance. Modern vehicles often use a single serpentine belt instead of multiple V-belts, simplifying the engine design. Proper tension and alignment are crucial for effective power transfer, and regular inspection and timely replacement of worn belts are essential to prevent breakdowns and component malfunctions.
Classic Cars A to Z
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If you enjoyed this blog then check out our other blog about Mercedes spare parts in Sharjah.
