Top Must-Have Auto Parts Every Car Owner Should Know About
A vehicle consists of numerous parts that must work in perfect harmony to function properly. Even one part that fails to operate correctly could result in serious consequences for the entire car.
Air filters – Cabin and engine air filters require annual replacement.
1. Air Filter
If you want to be a responsible car owner, it’s important to know what parts make up your vehicle. Not only will this ensure your car runs smoothly, but it can also prevent unexpected problems down the line.
This essential part ensures the proper flow of air throughout your car’s system. Checking it regularly can improve your fuel efficiency and decrease your emissions.
2. Oil Filter
Oil filters remove impurities from the pressurized oil that circulates around moving engine parts. This keeps those parts well-lubricated and reduces heat buildup caused by friction.
An oil filter is usually a cylindrical metal case with holes around the perimeter and a threaded center hole to mate with the oil pump and engine block. Inside is a porous filter medium, most often cotton or pleated paper.
3. Brake Pads
Brake pads convert kinetic energy into heat to stop wheels and reduce your vehicle speed. They are constructed of various heat and wear resistant materials.
The high-pitched squeal you hear when your brake pads are starting to wear thin means it’s time for a replacement. Many brake pad manufacturers use a small central groove whose eventual disappearance due to wear signals that the pads need to be replaced.
4. Spark Plugs
A spark plug has one end that takes in electricity to create a spark at the other end. This spark ignites the air and fuel that powers your engine.
If your car has a hard time starting, spark plugs are probably to blame. They’re highly durable, but they will eventually need to be replaced.
When changing spark plugs, use a socket wrench and some anti-seize lubricant to help you get the job done.
5. Brake Hoses
Your car’s brake system depends on many parts working together. While calipers, brake pads, and rotors are the most obvious, your vehicle also relies on brake lines and hoses to work.
Unlike steel brake lines, which can withstand high levels of pressure, hoses are made of flexible materials. They’re prone to failure, so they need regular inspection and replacement. The best ones are made of Teflon or a stainless steel braided liner.
6. Spark Plug Wires
The spark plug wires carry thousands of volts of electricity to the spark plug. If they melt, short out to metal engine parts or are worn, the engine may misfire, producing backfiring and jerking.
Obiala purchased a premium wire set that features metal-core spark plug wires with rubberlike flap-style nipples for the ends that snap into distributor cap towers. He lubricated the nipples with Woolite before installing them.
7. Fuel Filter
The fuel filter screens out dirt, rust and other particles from the fuel as it makes its way to your engine. Without a filter, these particles can clog the high-precision components of your fuel injection system and wreak havoc on your car’s performance.
Symptoms of a clogged fuel filter include rough idling and hesitation when accelerating. Changing your car’s fuel filter is a relatively simple task that most DIYers can tackle with ease.
8. Spark Plug Wires
Spark plug wires deliver thousands of volts to the spark plug to start combustion and propel the car forward. They need to be insulated and have low internal resistance, or the wires may melt or develop high-voltage leaks that damage nearby components.
When changing spark plug wires, you’ll need a set of special pliers designed for the task (called spark plug boot pliers). Then use your multimeter to verify that the ohm reading is correct.
9. Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are among the smallest car parts, but they’re also critical for the engine’s performance. A spark plug’s electrodes fire a spark to ignite the fuel when clean air enters the combustion chamber.
There are many different types of spark plugs, including platinum, iridium, and even ruthenium, which claims to have better durability than iridium. Each type of spark plug has a different heat range for optimum engine performance.
10. Battery
Most people rely on cars to get them around, especially when going to and from work. So, it’s a good idea to know what car parts need replacing and what signs they show when they’re on their last legs.
For example, a battery is the main power source for an automobile. Keeping a set of jumper cables in the trunk is an excellent way to prevent getting stranded due to a dead battery.