Top 10 Car Parts You Should Know About

10 Most Important Parts of a Car and their Maintenance

Car maintenance in today’s times has become more rigorous than before, because of the increase in industrialization and recreational activities. Cars today are built with advanced technologies and improved mileage to withstand kilometres. Let’s browse through the crucial maintenance components.

Lights

Night travel has become common today and is longer a non familiar scenario; cars are engineered to offer optimum safety during day and night times. There are headlights, fog lights, brake lights and tail lights, for a secure drive, it is important to check the functioning of lights.

When is high-time to change a bulb?

When the one way light is turned on, observe the blinker, if it flashes at a faster rate and turns off sooner than normal, there is an issue with the bulb. A car service station will be familiar with the kind of bulb that needs to be replaced, because there is a different bulb for each car.

Replacing Bulbs

Most headlights bulbs have halogen lights, and there is a neat coating on the exteriors of the glass. Don’t use bare hands to pick the bulb, it will leave behind residues of grease and oil, the oil will then spill on to the hot bulb area and will wear out. While changing bulbs hold it at the base, or make sure you wear gloves.

Tyres & Wheels

Bald tires are good on race tracks, but not suited for normal road conditions, almost all tires have tread wear bars. Examine it and if low replace it.

Tyre Pressure

Tire pressures have to be checked regularly, at least once a week, bad tires is dangerous; apart from being unsafe it affects mileage, comfort and handling.

Clean brakes regularly

Brakes have to be cleaned frequently, it left unmonitored there will be heat, moisture and dust collection, and the consequences are dangerous.

Electrical-Check battery terminals

Most cars run on a powerful 12 Volt negative ground electrical system; ensure that your batteries are cleaned regularly. If not maintained, then it hinders the passage of current. Remove the battery switches, the instructions will be provided in a manual and wipe the battery gently with clean cloth or wire brush.

Coolant level

An engine cannot move smoothly without a coolant, check the coolant normally located on the side of engine. It is a white semi transparent bottle; look at it only when engine is cooled to an appropriate level, to be able to measure this, look at the readings on the outside and inside. The outside should have high and low marking and on the inside it should be somewhere in between low and high reading.

Check oil level

It is easy to determine if your engine needs to be topped up, the oil level has to be moderate, and it can cause problems if it is too high or low. To check the intensity of oil, park on level field, wait till engine cools to required level, find the dipstick, remove it and wipe it and place it back. Repeat the procedure till the level of oil is between high and low denoted by H and L symbols.

Paint

The modern demographic is conscious about the premium appearance of their cars. Besides the desire to create a good impression it is also imperative to maintain paint quality. There are so many powerful waxes available and Turtle Wax is among the best, recognized by global standards. It is unhealthy for you and your car to allow sticky particles to adhere, which could lead to the onset of dust and pollen. Have a safe journey!!

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10 Car Parts Every Owner Should Be Familiar With

Car owners are responsible for a lot of things. As a first time car owner, it can be intimidating trying to sort through everything you need to know. And one of those things, undoubtedly, is knowing your car parts.

This is especially important if you’re looking to buy a used car. Knowing your car parts and understanding why they’re important is your responsibility as a car owner. So, here’s an easy list of the ten car parts that every owner should be familiar with.

1. Battery

Your car would not function without a battery. The battery is what lets you turn on your engine. It ignites the switch, which then runs the motor and powers your engine. Your battery also powers a lot of the electrical components in the car. So if you leave things like your lights or aircon on while the engine is off, your battery can get drained, and die on you. Luckily, as long as the engine is on, the battery is able to recharge itself.

Batteries also wear and tear and require replacing or servicing once every three years, as long as it hasn’t experienced any other damages.

Some signs of a faulty battery to look out for:

Dim headlights. If your car battery is failing, it’s not going to be able to fully power your vehicle’s electrical components – including your headlights

Slow crank

Needing to press on the gas pedal to start

Backfiring

2. Brake system

Your brake system is essential for safe driving. If there’s anything wrong with it, you could end up in an accident. So your brake system is one you’ll definitely want to ensure is working if you’re buying a used car

If your brake system is faulty and you wait too long, you risk not only damaging the brake system even more, but also the safety of those around you.

So here are a couple of symptoms of a faulty brake system:

Brake Light On.

Squealing, Squeaking or Grinding Noises.

Wobbling, Vibration or Scraping When Braking.

Leaking Fluid.

Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal.

Car Pulling to One Side When Braking.

Burning Smell While Driving.

Bouncing Up and Down When You Stop Short.

Should you experience any of these signs, take your car in for a brake service immediately.

3. Axles

Axles are used when driving, braking and steering. They’re a rod or shaft that rotates the wheels and supports the weight of your vehicle. Axles are an expensive and important component of the car that you need to maintain properly

If it malfunctions, you’re at risk of losing the control of your vehicle, so here are some symptoms of faulty axles to be on the lookout for:

Clicking” Noises When Turning.

A Knocking Sound.

Grease on the Inside or Edge of the Tires.

Vibration While Driving.

4. Fuel injector

The fuel injector receives gasoline and transfers it from the fuel tank to the engine, and it’s controlled by the car engine’s computer.

The fuel injector can typically last the lifetime of a vehicle, but they can retain damage from contaminants like dirt, low quality fuel, or carbon buildup. Because the rubber seals in the fuel injector may age, you may also experience leaks. Its electrical components may also begin to fail from heat, moisture damage and age.

One of the easiest ways to tell if any part of the fuel injector needs inspection is to see if the “check engine” light on your dashboard is on. If it isn’t, there’s likely no issue.

If you have to replace it, it’s likely a couple hundred dollar fix, but if you ignore it, there’s risk of fire, so make sure you’re aware of the symptoms of a faulty fuel injector:

The Engine Misfires. Dirty fuel injectors may cause your vehicle’s engine to misfire.

Idling Gets Rough.

Your Gas Mileage Tanks.

The RPM Needle Starts to Dance.

Your Car Won’t Start.

5. Spark plugs

It’s a small component of the car, but still important. With a working spark plug, your vehicle starts smoothly, and can actually help improve fuel efficiency while reducing harmful emissions.

If you’re having problems starting your car, the spark plugs could very well be the issue. Although they’re highly durable, they usually only last for about 45,000 km before needing to be replaced.

Here are some symptoms of a faulty spark plug:

Engine has a rough idle. If your Spark Plugs are failing your engine will sound rough and jittery when running at idle.

Trouble starting.

Engine misfiring.

Engine surging.

High fuel consumption.

Lack of acceleration.

6. Shock absorbers

Shock absorbers are part of the suspension symptom and make your ride smooth by minimising movement over the bumps and uneven areas of the road. If your car is not handling bumps or uneven parts of the road well, there’s likely something wrong with the shock absorbers.

Your shock absorbers can typically last up to ten years if you live in a place with smooth roads, otherwise the typical lifespan is 4-5 years.

Some symptoms of damaged shock absorbers are:

Vibrations while driving.

Swerving or nose diving while braking.

Brakes take more time to stop the car.

Uneven tire wear.

Leaking fluid.

Cracked bushing at attachment points.

7. Transmission

This is one of the main parts of your cars. It connects your engine to your wheels, allowing power from the engine to make the wheels move. Without it, you would not be able to drive.

If you experience any slippage or vibrations while driving, it’s likely a transmission issue. It can start with something small like a bad fluid pump and end up escalating into total gear breakdown.

Here are some more symptoms of a damaged transmission:

Burning order

Unusual whines

Difficulty/issues with shifting gears

Grinding while shifting

Leaking transmission fluid

You’ll definitely want to get your car checked immediately if you’re experiencing any of these issues.

8. Exhaust/Muffler

This is the part of the car that emits exhaust gas. And it also helps minimise the sounds your car makes and allows it to run quietly. It muffles the sound, essentially.

Loud noises are the most obvious signs that there’s something wrong with your muffler, but if there are any funky smells in your car, that also may be indicative of a muffler issue

Some other signs of a faulty muffler are:

Excessive engine/exhaust noise

Reduced fuel efficiency

Slow acceleration

Stench of strong gases

Banging or knocking sound beneath vehicle

Rust caused by condensation

Engine is misfiring

Burning smell coming from the engine bay

Low hanging exhaust pipe

Leaking exhaust manifold

9. HVAC compressor

You do not want this to be faulty especially in Singapore. This compressor is what lets your aircon run. If it’s damaged, you may find the air isn’t as cool or as strong as it used to be. Although you may still be able to drive, you’ll be sweating buckets while doing so.

Be on the lookout for these signs of a faulty HVAC compressor (although the heat of your car may be symptom enough):

Lack of hot air being released outside

Loud or strange noises from the aircon unit

Failure of the compressor to turn on

Circuit breaker tripping

Leaks around the aircon unit

Warm air instead of cool air being delivered to the cabin

Reduced airflow

10. Car jack and spare tire

It’s not technically a part of your car, but nonetheless, a car jack and a spare tire are a necessity. These things should come hand in hand with your vehicle. They may end up saving you a lot of time and money.

A car jack can lift the car so that you can put the spare tire on, so if you ever experience a flat, you’re prepared. There’s lots of videos and articles you can read so you have a good idea on how to use these tools.

There’s lots of guides that are here to help you become a more informed car owner. So, if you’re in the market for a car, buy with Carro!

All our cars go through a rigorous 150-point inspection check, assuring you of its quality. Plus, all our cars have a 6-month engine and gearbox warranty to ensure your protection. So, what are you waiting for?

Browse our list of cars here and buy with Carro today!

Top 10 Car Parts You Should Know About

Top 10 Car Parts You Should Know About

Has it ever happened to you to break something in your car but not know the part’s name and thus, being unable to replace it? If it has, then we may be able to help you. It’s an essential responsibility for every driver to have a basic knowledge and understanding of their vehicle. This is why, here at Perrys we have put together a guide on the top 10 car parts you should be aware of, so that if something breaks, you’ll be able to replace it by purchasing the part through Perrys Car Parts , where you’ll find spare parts for over 200+ car brands. Simply input your registration number and you’ll be able to find a wide range of products suitable for your vehicle, from car parts to accessories, cleaning products and even car mats!

1. Battery

Your car’s battery is a critical component; without it your vehicle won’t turn on, as it provides the electricity needed to power and start your car’s engine. Batteries are rechargeable and connected to car accessories like radios and lights. It’s advisable to have your lights and radio off when your engine is off; otherwise, these will drain your battery if kept on for too long. A battery is usually located under a car’s bonnet, and it’s recommended to check it every six months to a year to see if terminals need cleaning.

2. Axles

An axle is a little bar that helps you move, brake, and turn your wheels. Axles are attached to your car’s wheels, supporting their weight, giving them power, and being a vital component in the steering system. An axle is usually made of metal, it’s difficult to break, but it can rust, so if it does, here at Perrys Car Parts, we’ll be able to help you out as by simply inserting your registration number, you’ll be able to find axle beams specific to your car model.

3. Brakes

Another key component you need to take good care of are the brakes, as your car won’t be able to stop without them. Most modern vehicle have a hydraulic brake system where the force applied to the brake pedal helps apply power to the brakes. If you can hear a squeaky noise when pressing your brake pedal, it’s probably time to replace your brake pads and discs. Padding may have started to wear off from the pads and/or the discs may be starting to fall apart due the great deal of heat they are exposed to. Always better to be safe than sorry!

4. Pistons

Functional when it comes to handling gasoline explosions in the combustion chamber (generated by fuel and air mixing together when entering the combustion chamber), pistons help give power to the tyres, making the car move. Cars have an average of four to six pistons in the shape of cylinders that move up and down. The faster your pistons move, the more revolutions your car will have. However, it’s important to remember that extreme speed may be detrimental to pistons, causing them to wear quicker as well as getting dirty. Depending on your car model, we have a selection of piston rings, seals, springs, assays, and head valves.

5. Radiator

The radiator keeps your car engine from overheating, cooling it down. It’s located near the car’s engine and will need sufficient quantities of coolant to avoid an overheating situation. The coolant will travel through the vehicle attracting heat and bringing it away from the engine to the radiator, hot air will then travel through the radiator’s fins, cooling it down and dissipating it. If your car overheats, most likely it’s a radiator problem. We offer a wide range of engine cooling, radiator fans, hoses and sealing caps, depending on where the issue is.

6. Shock Absorbers

Shock absorbers are necessary to keep your wheels’ grip on the road when you’re driving on uneven surfaces like country roads, making your ride smoother and absorbing the vibrations caused whilst driving. They are located underneath your car and require checking when servicing your vehicle since it could be dangerous if they don’t absorb bumps correctly as your car may touch the ground, running the risk of being damaged.

7. Air Filters

There are two types of air filters in a car, one to clean the air that comes into the car, offering a constant circulation of clean air and another one cleaning/filtering the air in the car’s engine due to it needing air for combustion. It’s vital to replace broken filters and clean them if dirty otherwise debris and dirt can enter the car chamber (for the cabin air filters) or, even worse, block the airflow (for the engine air filters).

8. Muffler

The muffler is part of your car’s exhaust system and helps to reduce the noise caused by the engine. It’s located between the engine and the tailpipe. You can easily replace it yourself as soon as you detect the issue.

9. Catalytic Converter

A catalytic converter filters out harmful emissions, so that only carbon dioxide and water come out of your car, making it more environmentally friendly. Catalytic converters are built to last and oftentimes never need replacement. However, it’s also true that sometimes they can become obstructed or damaged (depending on the car’s age). If you think your catalytic converter has an issue and it has triggered a light on your dashboard, it’s always better to replace it, but always remember to fit it right away once you have the part, as driving without one is illegal in the UK.

10. Alternator

The alternator provides power to the car’s electrical system, charging the battery while the car is running, transforming mechanical energy into electrical energy. This is why, as we were saying earlier, it would kill the battery to leave your radio or lights on when your car isn’t running. If you’re having issues with your car battery, check that it’s not the alternator, or even both.

We hope our article has helped you understand the function of these most common car parts. If you need any of them replaced, don’t hesitate to visit our Perrys Car Part Store where by simply inputting your car registration number, you’ll be able to find dedicated parts specific to your vehicle, and, if you are unsure about the name of any part, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we are going to be more than happy to help.

Tags: *Car_Parts *Car_Battery *Catalitic_Converter *Brakes *Brake_Pads *Car_Parts_To_Know_About

Written by Lucrezia | 4 min read

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