Basic Guide to Understanding Your Car

The average car has 30,000 parts. While it’s not necessary to know all the parts of a vehicle, there are certain parts of a car every car owner should know about. 

Maintaining your vehicle reduces the risk of serious problems occurring, keeps everyone safer, and improves the quality of driving. 

To help you enjoy your car for longer, we’ve created this car parts list to help you understand the most important parts of a vehicle. 

The Parts of a Car that Keeps You Cool: AC Compressor

You’ll find your AC compressor in the engine compartment. It’s attached to the serpentine drive belt. 

When to Replace the AC Compressor 

You’ll know it’s damaged if you’re not getting cold air coming through the vents. You may also notice it begins making loud noises when in operation. 

Axle

The axle transfers power from the engine to the wheels. Your axle is what makes your car brake, move, and turn. 

When to Replace the Axle 

Loud clunking noises are a sure sign your axles aren’t working properly. Severe vibrations, especially when braking or turning also indicate your axles need replacing. 

Battery

The battery helps your vehicle turn. You’ll find it under the hood in most cars. 

Recharging a Dead Battery

To jumpstart your car, connect the red clamp of the jumper cable to the (+) symbol. Attach the black clamp to the (-) symbol. 

Brakes

The brake pedal, light switch, pad, rotor, and caliper are all components of the brake system. Brake pads and calipers are behind the wheel. The caliper, rotor, and pad tend to cause the most issues. 

When Your Brakes Need Replacing

Loud screeching noises means you need new brake pads. The brake rotor gets exposed to high temperatures and frequently need replacing. Always replace both pairs of rotors. 

Muffler

The muffler keeps your car quiet. It’s also a part of the exhaust system. 

You’ll find it located between the engine in the front and the tailpipe in the back. 

When to Replace Your Muffler

A bad muffler makes loud noises. You may also find you’re burning through gas or a bad smell. 

Failing to replace your muffler could cause total your converter to fail. Save money by replacing it as soon as you notice a problem. 

Radiator

The radiator is located under the hood. Radiators cool the engine down and prevent overheating. 
Engine coolant to ensures the engine temperature doesn’t rise too high. 

When to Replace Your Radiator

If your car is overheating, leaking coolant or you notice your coolant levels are low, it’s time to replace your radiator. Another sign is if you notice sludge building up on your radiator.

Shock Absorbers

Shock absorbers keep your car stable when driving over uneven roads. They’re found underneath your car. 

When to Replace Shock Absorbers

Ignoring bad shock absorbers could cause more problems with the suspension system. If you notice your tires are worn unevenly, your car is veering or swerving or it takes longer than usual to stop your car it’s time to replace your shock absorbers. 

Transmission

In front-wheel-drive cars, the transmission is between the transaxles behind the engine block. In rear-wheel-drive cars, it’s bolted to the back of the engine. 

When to Replace the Transmission

If notice your car seems to change gears for no reason, it’s a sign your transmission is going. Rough shifts, delayed engagement, fluid leaks, and your transmission warning light going off are also signs. 

Get Your Car Parts From Us

The quicker you recognize the parts of a car requires frequent maintenance and replacing, the safer you’ll be. You’ll also save money by not allowing even bigger problems to arise. 

If you’re looking for a reliable place to get your auto parts, we can help. Click here to find the parts you need.

Source: https://www.enginehightechinc.com/blog/car-parts-101-a-basic-guide-to-understanding-your-car