Dash Cover

Anyone who loves to shop online and has a thing for automobiles is sure to spend hours browsing through automotive parts that are perfect for decorating your faithful automobile. In most instances, the automotive part that attracts your attention is something that you would not have been able to find in the aisle of your local automotive parts store. The hardest part of finding a particular automotive part is learning about what parts are available. You can find out about some of the latest fads and fashions in auto components from television, the internet, car magazines or word of mouth. Here are a few accessory parts that you can add to your auto for safety, beauty or functionality.

Dash Cover: Automotive Part that Protects and Beautifies

An automotive part that helps to protect your car’s dashboard from the damages caused by the sun’s rays on the surface of the ledge is the dash cover. The UV rays of the sun can be damaging to the dash surface. These automotive parts eventually deteriorate and are unsightly as well as dangerous. The reflection of the sun can temporarily blind the driver and the sun shining through a windshield on a summer day can eventually cause the dash to fade, crack and split. Dash covers not only beautify the interior of the car, they are automotive parts that provide protection to the dash surface.

Custom Floor Mats: Automotive Parts for Beauty and Auto Upkeep

Another automotive part that helps to beautify as well as protect the interior of your vehicle is a customized floor mat. By using a car mat, you prevent dirt, moisture and oils from being ground into the carpet of the car. These automotive parts can be custom fit for the specific make and model of your vehicle. They can be strictly functional or they can be an automotive part that is entirely whimsical.

Automotive Parts: Car Covers

Car covers are automotive parts that help to protect the outside of your vehicle just as dash covers and floor mats protect the inside of the vehicle. The car cover is an automotive part that must accomplish fairly good protection from dirt, precipitation and erosive environmental factors. At the same time, it is an automotive part that needs to be fairly easy to put on and take off the vehicle. Added bonuses for a car cover is that it must stay in place through wind storms and it must last for more than just a few days or weeks.

Wheels and Hubcaps: Dozens of Choices in Automotive Parts

For hours of fun browsing the internet, choose a website that sells wheels, rims and hubcaps. Almost all individuals who own a vehicle will enjoy choosing the perfect sporty or classic wheel beautification components. The automotive parts related to wheels and rims can be utilitarian, in which case the wheel is probably stamped steel. Choosing an decorative automotive part such as a high design hubcap to decorate the basic wheel is a great way to improve the appearance of the vehicle. Another automotive part that can be used for beautification purposes is a designer wheel.

Recycling Automotive Parts

An automotive part that has outlived its usefulness in the original vehicle can be disposed of in several different ways. The automotive part that is from a wrecked or non-functioning automobile may still be usable if the damage is to a different automobile component or system. The lightly used automotive parts can be purchased by a wholesaler placed back into service after reconditioning processes are completed. Other automotive parts are melted down or broken down into basic components and reformed into new objects. Increasingly, used parts are no longer allowed in landfills both because of the slow deterioration rate, the waste of resources and the lack of space for such items.

Increasing Regulations for Automotive Parts Disposal

Responsible automotive parts handlers know that regulations and legislation about the disposal of used automobiles and related automotive parts is becoming more restrictive. In many areas, cities and counties are requiring the clean-up of backyard non-working vehicles. While not all areas prohibit the accumulation of such vehicles, many enforce screening of the autos from public and neighbors’ views. If an individual wants to dispose of a particular automotive part, a check of applicable regulations may reveal options or prohibitions. Green legislation may make acquisition of an automotive part easier for purchasers, since owners are being forced to dispose of stored junked autos.

Recycling Automotive Parts

Recycling of an automotive part makes sense for economic reasons as well as for reasons relating to the environmental impact on the earth. An automotive part that is created from previously used metals usually causes a smaller drain on the available resources of the planet. Many times, an automotive part can be broken down chemically or through heat to the component metals or other resources and reformed into new products. Other parts, such as electronics and tires can be recycled through regional centers or remanufacturing businesses.

Used Automotive Parts in Landfills

In past years, many landfills were overloaded by automotive parts that were both bulky and slow to decompose. In addition, sometimes the deposit of an automotive part into the landfill released substances into the soil that proved to be toxic to humans and animals living nearby. Battery acid, lead-based paint or anti-freeze and other substances found in proximity to landfills can be dangerous to the health of humans. In instances where subdivisions are built over landfill sites, children and adults can be negatively affected. Regulations today are more and more strict about handling and disposal of non-disposable items.

Inventory Storage for Automotive Parts

When automotive parts are inventoried for the purpose of resale, good inventory management and storage is critical. A reconditioned automotive part in many instances can be sold as a used part. The regulations in many areas though, prohibit the automotive part from being stored in locations where it is in plain sight or detracts from the property values in the neighborhood. Thanks to the Internet, regional inventory centers for parts can be placed in areas where space is available and shipping options are convenient.

Classic Cars

Finding automotive parts for classic cars can be difficult, but restoring such vehicles to their original condition is part of the fun of owning one. In larger areas, a particular automotive part may be found through checking wrecking yards or local salvage businesses. In other instances an automotive part search can take the classic car owner far afield searching for the precise component that makes the car fully authentic in every way. As original condition classic and antique cars become more and more scarce, the automotive parts needed to put the vehicle into running condition are also harder to find.

Local Suppliers of Automotive Parts

Suppliers of classic car automotive parts are still available in some local markets. Sometimes these are local businesses that have a classic car automotive part or two stockpiled, but businesses such as these are becoming less and less common. An automotive part for a particular model of classic car probably is not still on a supplier’s shelf locally, but private parties may have shells of these potential beauties sitting in a barn or behind a tool shed on a family farm. It will probably take some searching to find parts, but many classic car restorers enjoy the hunt for authentic parts as much as the sight of the completed vehicle.

Using the World Wide Web for Automotive Parts

The advantages presented by the widespread use of the World Wide Web by both buyers and sellers of classic car automotive parts are undeniable. General search engines or site specific search engines direct the classic car owner to sites where a specific automotive part can be found. A website can also provide helpful information about restoring classic cars for the hobbyist. An individual who has a classic automobile in possession will sometimes realize a profit by ‘parting out’ the vehicle to sell on a piece by piece basis. Serving as a headhunter for those searching for an automotive part for a restored classic car can be an economically sound hobby/business.

Classic Car Clubs as a Source for Automotive Parts

Those classic car owners and restorers who enjoy socializing with other who have the same interests will often join a classic car club or an owners club. These social organizations can also be very helpful to find automotive parts for a specific make, year or model of car that is being restored. Attendees at club meetings often bring descriptions of an automotive part that they are willing to sell or barter. Others looking for an automotive part will use the meetings of the group to make known their needs.

Classified Advertising to Locate an Automotive Part

Another way that classic car restorers can find a specific automotive part is to place classified advertising on websites, in magazines, or in daily newspapers. These advertisements are particularly effective when using the Internet, since search engines will return specific phrases on a search result page. Sometimes retail businesses will take advantage of classified advertising to promote automotive parts that may be available.

Reconditioned Automotive Parts

Reconditioned, remanufactured, recycled and used automotive parts are sold for many different reasons. Perhaps the main reason for choosing an automotive part that was previously owned is lower cost. Choosing an automotive part that is reconditioned can also be a great way to help the green planet campaign. In other instances, a reconditioned part is simply more easily found and purchased because of geographic considerations. Thanks to the availability of the internet, a large variety of previously used parts can be found by most do-it-yourselfers or by mechanics. Some of the automotive parts that are may have been previously owned include engine parts, transmission, electrical and wiring, heating, cooling, suspension and steering.

Availability of Reconditioned Automotive Parts

Reconditioned automotive parts are more common, now that the internet has expanded the number of potential buyers who can be reached. Reconditioning of an automotive part
may be simply cleaning the part and reselling it. Green solvents are now available so that the water supply of the region where the reconditioning is completed will be less compromised. Other reconditioning processes, depending upon the automotive part involved can include replating, milling where precise tolerances will allow or complete meltdown or recover and reprocessing into other products.

Automotive Parts Cost Factors

Reconditioning an automotive part is less expensive than producing it using new sources of natural resources. Because automotive parts from wrecked or discarded automobiles can be reclaimed, the costs for reintroduction into the market can be substantially less than the cost of manufacturing the same part as a new product. In many instances, the only cost is for cleaning the part and maintaining inventory control. If the automotive part
is purchased from a distant location, shipping costs will be a factor in the cost. In many instances, retail auto parts centers make clearly marked reconditioned products available to the buying public.

Disclosure of Automotive Parts History

Choosing automotive parts that have been reconditioned will be a positive experience in most instances. However, the buyer should make certain that the part is the correct one since returning an expensive or large automotive part can be problematic. For smaller items, ordered by the do-it-yourself mechanic, it can be frustrating to be burdened with returning parts. A buyer should be informed that the automotive part is reconditioned; many firms that sell such items provide a limited warranty for the product. Reconditioned engines or transmissions usually make actual mileage on the part available to the buyer.

Using the Internet for Reconditioned Automotive Parts

There are several advantages to purchasing automotive parts, particularly a reconditioned automotive part through the Internet. Because the market reached by the Web is global, the number of potential buyers is virtually unlimited. All types of makes, models and years can be located through the network of dealers who list inventory items online. An automotive part that is not listed in inventory can be located by asking for a part locator service to query for the specific item. Even adding shipping costs for the part can leave the buyer with a lower cost than purchasing a new item.

Decorate the Body of Your Car

Most individuals who own an automobile want it to look good as well as provide dependable transportation. The basic design of the auto is what attracts a buyer in the first place, but often the owner will add decorative automotive parts just to increase the visual appeal. The vehicle owner may choose an automotive part that is a decal or otherwise adds color or reflective power. Many automotive parts are eye catching, whether there also have a functional or other purpose. One type of automotive part that is both functional and visually appealing is headlights, tail lights and reflectors. Most lights are designed to be attractive in daylight and light the way when driving at night. This type of automotive part is easily replaceable, but generally is standard for the year, make and model of auto.

Automotive Parts that Add Decorative Decals to the Vehicle

Stick-on automotive parts are found whenever owners want to add eye-catching color to an otherwise plain surface of the auto. The detailing touches available as an automotive part can include lines or bands of color, but may also be logos of various types such as flames or slogans. The automotive part may be intended to protect the paint job. A plastic or rubberized cover that fits over the front of the automobile protects the paint job from chips from flying rock or difficult cleaning chores from bug splatters.

Chrome Automotive Parts

Many decorative automotive parts are chrome-plated; this can include grill and headlight surrounds. Keeping the specific automotive part that has the appearance of chrome or chrome-plating is the reason for purchase of some accessory items for the exterior of the automobile. Over time, weather and other environmental factors can detract from the appearance of the automotive part, resulting in dulled or pitted surfaces. Sometimes the surface has the appearance of chrome, but is a plastic coating that delaminates.

Automotive Parts: Lights and Reflectors

Automotive parts known as reflectors allow the vehicle to be seen at night even when the lights are not operational on the vehicle. This is a safety feature for parked cars, but also provides extra illumination when headlights or tail lights are operational. The headlights as an automotive part are used for providing visibility both to the driver and to oncoming vehicles. The automotive part used on the rear of the car is helpful for providing illumination when backing the vehicle, or preventing rear-end collisions. Replacing bulbs or lens covers for lights and reflectors is a common do-it-yourself activity for vehicle owners.

Automotive Parts: Bumpers and Grills

Bumpers, grills and radiator covers are perhaps some of the most attractive and distinctive automotive parts on the automobile. They are also the most likely to suffer damage when an accident of any type is incurred. The bumper has evolved over the years from a strictly functional automotive part that protected the engine compartment of the vehicle, to an attractive yet protective feature. The new materials used in the construction of the automotive part helps to reduce injury to passengers in the event of a front end collision.

Wheel and Brake Systems

The entire system of wheels and brakes is an important part of the automotive part components both for safety and appearance. The ability to stop safely and quickly relies on the automotive parts in the brake system. Later model automotive parts related to wheels and brakes may include anti-lock brakes, front and rear braking capability and long-lasting brake pads. Tires are an automotive part that adds safety, appearance, and road-gripping ability for all types of road conditions. The type of tire is usually selected to balance expected mileage and cost. The rims and hubcaps may be selected solely for appearance, but the buyer should also be aware of safety and long-term wear.

Automotive Parts: Tires, Wheels and Rims

A tire is defined as the ring-shaped wheel cover that allows the vehicle to be cushioned from shock while at the same time increasing the amount of road contact. These automotive parts are generally made of fabric, rubber and other components such as steel belts. The wheel or rim is the automotive part that supports the vehicle and rotates to move it forward or backward. The wheel can be plain or very decorative. It is attached to the vehicle by an automotive part known as a lug nut. Different wheels have different numbers of lug nuts in different patterns.

Automotive Parts: Hubcaps

An automotive part that provides a metal cover to either the entire wheel or sometimes just the central portion is known as a hubcap. Stamped steel wheels add hubcap automotive parts to add to the attractiveness of the wheel. Center caps are usually found when the wheel is made of alloys or in a styled design. This automotive part protects the ends of the hub in addition to adding to the appearance of the vehicle. Hubcaps today are generally made of plastic, but originally were constructed of metal. They may use a clip-on system or a threaded fastener to hold the hubcap in place.

Automotive Parts: Brake Pads

Automotive parts that provide a gripping surface that slows and stops the moving automobile are known as brake pads. The automotive part is part of a disk brake and is constructed of two abrasive surfaces that press against each other. The amount of pressure is regulated hydraulically and translated into heat energy when the pad comes into contact with the rotor. The automotive part wears down a little after each use. The rate of wear depends upon the strength of the brake pad.

Automotive Parts: Types of Brakes

Automotive parts known as brakes usually come in one of two styles—either disk brakes or drum brakes. Today’s vehicles usually have disk brakes all around or disk brakes on the front with drum brakes on the rear wheels. Because disk brakes are an automotive part that can dissipate heat more quickly than the drum type, they are not as likely to overheat and cause brake failure. When a potential automobile buyer is reviewing options on a vehicle, the disk brake is an automotive part that should be considered.

Shopping for Automotive Parts

Although most people think of engine, transmission, brakes or coolant system when the term ‘automotive parts’ is mentioned, there are also automotive parts that are needed inside the vehicle’s passenger compartment. An automotive part placed in the interior of a vehicle may be for replacement of worn or broken features. An automotive part can be for the purpose of adding comfort to the vehicle’s interior for the driver and passengers. Sometimes, aftermarket parts are developed that are helpful in safety features. Sometimes, parts are replaced in the interior of the vehicle simply because the owner likes the appearance better with the new part.

Automotive Parts for Beauty

The parts manufactured, thanks to the creative genius of automotive parts designers appeal to thousands of car buyers each year. However, an automotive part is usually created as part of a whole design. Even though a buyer chooses a particular vehicle for its overall features, the owner may decide to change or replace certain components because of personal preference. A steering wheel cover or even a different steering wheel can be an automotive part replaced for the sake of its appearance. The owner may like a different color for seat covers or a dashboard cover.

Comfort-Related Automotive Parts

Although many vehicles come equipped with many automotive parts to aid in the comfort and convenience of the driver, in other instances, an automotive part for the interior comfort of the vehicle is an aftermarket product. In other instances, an automotive part is needed for the purpose of repairing malfunctioning components, such as those related to fans, air conditioning or heating equipment in the vehicle. Some of the parts are specific to the make, model and year of the vehicle, others are more general. Owners may elect to add other comfort-related parts, such as seat covers and covers for hard surfaces.

Safety in Interior Automotive Parts

Safety devices are an important part of the list of automotive parts in an automobile. Some of the items noted as an automotive part are not really missed until they are lost or broken. Others are part of the continuing efforts to make products used by the general public better, longer-lasting and safer. Rear-view mirrors, more visible gauges and dials on the dashboard and better grips on handles, steering wheels and shift lever. An interior automotive part such as an ignition lock can also be effective in preventing the theft of a vehicle.

Customizing the Interior Automotive Parts

Automotive parts for the interior of the vehicle include fun items for the purpose of making the vehicle different from all others of the same make, model and year. Customization can include just an automotive part or two to upgrade design, or it can be a fairly extensive redo of the entire interior. An automotive part may change color, texture, or sound systems in the vehicle’s interior. Adding chrome or customizing the color is a common change. Other owners add high-tech sound systems so that favorite music performances can be enjoyed while driving.

Diagnosing Automotive Parts

If you are a do-it-yourselfer, you may routinely do the maintenance and repair work on your new or used automobile. This can save you money on both automotive parts and labor costs. You may also save time spent in the waiting area at the service department. Knowing things to watch for before a defective automotive part creates multiple secondary problems in your vehicle can be within the capabilities of even a non-mechanical individual. An automotive part needed by the home mechanic is usually available at a dealership service department or at one of the many automotive parts retail businesses.

Look for Automotive Parts That Leak or Drip

An automotive part that leaks water, oil or other fluid is definitely in need of repair or replacement. Often, a pool of liquid on the garage floor or driveway is a clue that automotive parts are defective. Fittings, gaskets and other material that is the basis of an automotive part can deteriorate due to age, erosion, heat or exposure to caustic substances. Parts such as fuel lines, window washer containers, hoses can begin to leak. A slow leak may give you time to replace the part. If the leak is a problem with the fuel line or the oil pan, the part must be repaired quickly to avoid significant damage to the vehicle.

Check for Unnatural Odors or Smells in Automotive Parts

Fluids used in automotive parts and systems usually have distinctive odors. If something smells hot, it may be a clue that an automotive part is malfunctioning. Another smell that may be associated with a specific automotive part is a sweet odor that is possibly a coolant leak. This should be repaired quickly, to avoid overheating. A smell of fuel can happen if the car is flooded, but it can also mean a fuel line leak. Batteries and catalytic converters also have identifiable odors, as do hot tires and brakes.

Listen for Automotive Part Sounds That Don’t Belong

Those who are familiar with the normal sounds of the automotive parts when they are working correctly may recognize a sudden change in the sounds of the car. For example, squealing brakes may indicate that there is a problem with automotive parts related to the brake pads or lines. If there is grinding or knocking in the engine compartment, it is an entirely different problem that requires immediate attention. However, many automotive part sounds come on so gradually that they may not be recognized until serious damage is incurred.

Follow Manufacturer’s Guidelines for Replacement Automotive Parts

When a problem with an automotive part is detected, it is important that the correct replacement part is selected. Over the years, literally thousands of automotive parts have been manufactured for different designers, companies and inventors. Selecting the wrong part can be disastrous. If it obviously doesn’t fit, it will be very apparent. If it is a very close automotive part in size and function, placing it into service in the vehicle may create even further problems with the operation.

Green Automotive Parts

Green automotive parts are just one component of the buying public’s love of the automobile and desire to make the world a better place environmentally for future generations. If an older car needs an automotive part replaced, many owners today are asking for green parts. Other drivers are choosing vehicles that use other forms of energy than petroleum products. The market for green automotive parts needed for repair and maintenance of these vehicles is likely to grow as green cars grow older and grow in number. Vehicle owners know that a green automotive part is one way they can help the environment.

What Defines a ‘Green’ Automotive Part?

The definition of green when applied to the automotive industry can mean many things. More and more industries, including the auto industry, are choosing to make products in plants that have less impact on the environment. Automotive parts produced in such manufacturing plants are sometimes classified as ‘green.’ An automotive part produced for the purpose of becoming a component of green automobile is another way that green technology is used today. Existing vehicles can be upgraded using green automotive parts
in order to reduce emissions. Recycling used parts is another way that green vehicles are defined.

Cost of Green Automotive Parts

Automotive parts, particularly in the aftermarket arena can be expensive. Yet, compared to the cost of a new vehicle, replacing a single defective automotive part may be a wise financial choice. Because the market for green products is expanding rapidly, prices for products labeled ‘green’ may cost more than parts not noted as green. Green vehicles are more expensive than standard vehicles, but over time the cost savings in fuel may offset the additional purchase price. Owners of green vehicles should be aware that a green automotive part may cost more, but labor costs to work on a green vehicle will almost certainly be higher, since fewer individuals have the expertise to complete repairs.

Do Green Automotive Parts Help the Environment?

Automotive parts designed for automobiles that use less petroleum-based fuel to operate obviously are a benefit to the long-term health of the world’s ecology. Reducing the amount of emissions in the environment helps the air and water quality globally. In addition, the production of an automotive part in manufacturing plants that reduce or eliminate the release of toxic materials into the water and air is a boon to the environment. Green policies in the disposal of an automotive part is also a benefit since parts are recycled or reused rather than being formed by use of dwindling natural resources.

Compatibility of Green Automotive Parts

Green automotive parts may be available for newer vehicles, especially those produced after 2006, but an automobile produced prior to that time may not necessarily have a backward-compatible automotive part to replace a worn out item. Vehicle owners can still ask for a green automotive part when having repair work done on an older automobile. As the market for green parts expands, more options are likely to be available to vehicle owners.

Automotive Parts

Whether your vehicle is a classic or barely off the showroom floor, it is very likely that you will need an automotive part or two over the life of the automobile. Determining when automotive parts need to be repaired or replaced can sometimes be the most difficult part of the process. For someone who does not regularly perform mechanical work on the automobile, realization that there is a serious problem with the power plant of the automobile may come too late to deal with the problem before significant damage occurs. If the owner must rely on the dials and gauges to light up signifying that an automotive part needs to be checked, it may be a problem because some problems simply won’t register. Automotive parts such as spark plugs are critical to vehicle operation, but a defective plug may not show up on the dashboard, telling the owner that the plug must be replaced.

There’s a Funny Noise

If you are not familiar with automotive parts, and you notice something out of the ordinary, it may be hard to know what automotive part needs to be checked. No one wants to spend hours of time trying to explain to a mechanic about a noise that doesn’t sound like normal engine vibrations. Taking a vehicle to the service department without some knowledge of the automotive part that is needed can be frustrating, as well as expensive. While reputable service providers don’t replace automotive parts unnecessarily, much time can be spent trying to track down the source of the unusual noise.

Lights and Gauges

Depending upon the year, make and model of the vehicle, an automotive part that malfunctions may be registered on one of the dials on the readout for the automobile owner. Lights or audible alarms are available when some automotive parts have a problem. For example, an engine that is overheating may show on the temperature warning for the cooling system. The warning system for automotive parts may simply tell the owner to ‘Check Engine.” In this instance, it would be appropriate to get the automobile to a mechanic to replace the defective automotive part.

Routine Maintenance to Discover Defective Automotive Parts

Almost all new vehicles sold today come with a maintenance plan and/or warranty coverage that covers automotive parts and service. If an owner has such a plan, it is likely that he or she will take the vehicle to a service department at the dealer for the period of the warranty, This allows a defective automotive part to be identified and replaced in some instances. .Even if the owner is required to pay for the automotive part that is not functioning correctly, a qualified and experienced service department can find the problem more easily and efficiently.

Manufacturer’s Recalls to Replace Potentially Dangerous Automotive Parts

An automotive part that needs to be replaced can be identified due to a manufacturer’s recall. New and used vehicle owners are identified by dealer when an automotive part is believed to present a danger to the owner. Usually these automotive parts are scheduled to be replaced as soon as the problem is known.