Your car is a complex machine with multiple parts interconnected and working as one unit. Every part of your car plays a crucial role in its performance and safety. Maintaining your car in excellent condition goes beyond simply washing and refuelling it; it also includes proper maintenance of its fundamental parts. Understanding the important systems in the car and the major components in each system helps you perform regular maintenance of the car parts. It will prolong your car’s lifespan and value.
In this article, we’ll break down the essential car parts and provide practical tips on keeping each one in top shape.
Article Highlights
This article covers key details about crucial car parts and their maintenance, including:
- The engine
- Steering System
- Fuel system
- Brakes, battery and more
The Engine
An engine is commonly regarded as a mystery hidden under the nicely closing hood. It is a large, robust metallic box where explosions occur. These explosions generate the power which, in turn, makes the wheels of your car turn.
The engine works by mixing fuel (like gasoline) with air (oxygen) inside the cylinders, where a spark plug ignites the mixture. That is why it is important to check and service the engine oil, air filter, engine coolant, and spark plugs regularly to keep your engine running without interruption.
The oil is the primary source of lubrication and cooling of the engine. It is also the one that the engine should develop and generate power. Therefore, you should check the engine oil regularly and change it as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Also, check the coolant level and ensure the engine does not overheat.
Moreover, the belts and hoses should be checked at intervals. Look for any signs of cracks or swelling. A broken belt will lead to the loss of power steering and battery charging and may cause significant damage to the car’s engine.
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Brake System
The brake system is regarded as the most vital safety feature. The operation of brakes is based upon the creation of friction. The brake pads apply pressure to the brake discs (rotors), and the friction produced slows the wheel’s rotation. This stops your car.
When you are slowing down, listen for squeaking or grinding sounds because these are signs of worn-out brake pads. Most of the time, grinding sounds indicate that damage is already occurring; therefore, you should have your brake pads inspected by trusted car repair professionals near you. Regular inspection and replacement of brake pads would prevent damage and keep the brake system working efficiently.
In addition to brake pads, check the brake fluid level. It is a hydraulic fluid that carries the force from your foot on the brake pedal. Brake fluid is a non-ideal situation because it absorbs moisture, which eventually reduces the braking power of the system. Consequently, its replacement must be done according to the car manufacturer’s guidelines. Leakage in the system can also cause a low brake fluid level; this can not only put the entire system at risk but also necessitate regular inspection.
Suspension System
The suspension system of a car comprises springs, shock absorbers, linkages, and tyres. It acts as the connection between the wheels and the car body. The suspension system’s primary role is to support the vehicle and absorb the shocks of road imperfections like bumps or potholes.
To ensure the smooth suspension systems, check the shocks and struts for leaks. Also, monitor your vehicle for any strange bouncing. If you notice more than usual bouncing, it indicates worn-out or leaking suspension parts. You should regularly check and replace those parts to maintain optimal steering control and have a comfortable ride.
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Steering System
A properly maintained steering system gives you control. It makes navigating traffic much easier. Good steering allows precise wheel movements. It translates your input directly to the road. When the steering feels loose or heavy, it impacts safety. You must trust your steering in an emergency situation.
A failing power steering system is immediately noticeable. You will feel a sudden heaviness in the wheel, which is termed wheel misalignment. Worn-out tyres make it harder to steer and handle the car, especially on wet roads. Always make sure your tyres are properly inflated and aligned.
Also read: 7 Signs of Poor Wheel Alignment That Cost You Money.
Battery and Electrical System
Your car runs on electricity before the engine even starts. The battery provides that initial jolt of power. This energy turns the motors and provides power to the engine. After this initial power supply from the battery, the alternator takes over. It continuously generates electricity. This power runs everything from the headlights to the radio. The alternator also constantly recharges the battery. Without a working electrical system, your car is just a large metal box.
Always check the charge and terminal connections of your car battery and keep them clean. Corrosion often builds up on the terminals and blocks the flow of current. Additionally, make sure the battery cables are tightly secured. A loose cable causes intermittent power failure. You should also check your car’s battery health using a battery monitoring app or OBD-II and replace weak batteries immediately.
Fuel System
The fuel system is the path gasoline or diesel takes. The fuel system starts from the fuel tank and goes all the way to the engine in the bonnet. The fuel system depends on the fuel pump, which pushes the fuel from the tank to the engine. Therefore, this pump is considered the lifeline of the fuel system.
Key maintenance of the fuel pump involves cleaning the fuel filter. Fuel filters act as strainers, collecting dirt and contaminants from the fuel. If the filter is not clean, it can clog, blocking the passage from the tank to the engine. This blockage creates additional pressure on the pump and could damage it over time. Therefore, it is important to use clean fuel and regularly clean the fuel filter.
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Conclusion
Each part, from the engine to the brakes, has a major impact on the car’s overall performance and safety. Routine checks and quick replacements enhance the performance of the vehicle. It is important to understand how different vehicle systems work and how to maintain their components. For reliable and budget-friendly auto body shops, choose AVX and get insurance-approved vehicle repair services.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common types of engine oil are 10W-30, 5W-30, and 0W-20.
10W-30 is a conventional oil suitable for most cars. However, you should always check the manufacturer’s manual and contact a professional auto repair shop to confirm the best choice of engine oil for your car.
The term OEM, in reference to replacement parts and components, stands for “Original Equipment Manufacturer”. These components are manufactured by the vehicle’s original equipment manufacturers. These parts are considered of high quality and offer reliable car repairs.
If you sense any problem with the brake system of the car, most of the time, it can be fixed by replacing worn brake pads with quality new ones. In addition, you may need to replace the brake disc or the brake fluid to maintain brake pressure.
Yes, you can add brake fluid if the level is low. Make sure you use the correct type recommended for your car. If the fluid looks dirty or the brakes feel spongy, it’s best to have the system checked. It is best to change the whole brake fluid instead of adding new fluid to oil one.
A wheel alignment is a mechanical adjustment of your suspension system (the parts that connect your wheels to your car) to ensure that your wheels are in the correct position.
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