Automobiles are complex machines composed of many moving parts working in unison to provide transport. While some car components, like the engine, may be obvious in their role for providing transportation, others such as steering systems may not be so visible but equally essential to its functionality. Being informed on all the different kinds of car parts can help owners deal with potential faults or damage more effectively and also assist businesses seeking to enter auto part manufacturing industries.
Automotive parts are manufactured components that form the building blocks for motor vehicles, both fossil-fueled (using internal combustion engines) and electric. Parts can be constructed out of various materials – metals, plastics and composites are common choices; metal is preferred due to its strength and durability while lightweight plastics like ABS offer ease of molding into complex shapes; while composite materials, like carbon fiber have high strength while resisting corrosion.
Throughout the 20th century, global competition made it increasingly difficult for local manufacturers to remain competitive against large foreign firms that had come to dominate their respective industries. Unable to cut costs effectively enough and remain viable competitors, some parts companies closed or became subsidiaries of larger global corporations – something particularly true for Chicago-area manufacturers such as Borg-Warner which closed most local factories before selling its parts catalog off in 1996 to a European firm.
An engine is at the core of every car’s transportation system, as it converts chemical energy to mechanical energy that drives its movement. Components that comprise its operation include crankshaft, cylinders, camshaft, pistons and transmission; any problems with any of these could potentially lead to engine failure; it is therefore essential that regular maintenance be conducted and any worn-out or damaged parts replaced as soon as possible.
The radiator is responsible for cooling the engine to maintain an optimal operating temperature, with this system consisting of radiator, hoses, coolant pump, thermostat and cooling fan.
If you are unfamiliar with a specific car part, consulting with a trusted mechanic on its function and manufacturing process will make deciding if that part is appropriate for your vehicle easier.
An essential step to ensure customer satisfaction and reduce waiting time for repairs is maintaining an accurate parts inventory system. Doing this helps avoid problems associated with parts being returned incorrectly or being misplaced altogether.
Finally, when making repairs or performing tune-ups on your vehicle, always select quality replacement parts. Selecting suitable replacements depends on three key criteria: type (new, rebuilt or recycled), cost, and warranty coverage. Most new parts purchased from dealers or independent repair facilities typically carry a 90-day/3,000 mile manufacturer’s warranty while rebuilt and recycled parts usually have shorter or no warranties at all.
