The internet is a haven for savvy shoppers and DIYers, so it’s no surprise that automotive enthusiasts often purchase their car parts online. Shopping for car parts in-store can get seriously expensive, and hunting down specific parts can be a struggle.
By learning some simple mechanics and ordering your parts through reputable online sources, you can drastically reduce the high cost of parts and labor associated with owning and maintaining a vehicle. Unless you’re confident in your abilities as a mechanic, you may want to leave more complicated jobs such as transmission, engine, or electrical repairs to the experts, recommends The Huffington Post. Here are 5 common car parts that are readily available online.
Top Car Parts
1. Tools
Before you can start fixing or replacing parts, you’re going to need the right tools for the job. Depending on what needs to be done, you may be able to get away with using ordinary household tools, but it’s highly likely that you’ll end up need specialized tools eventually, so you might as well invest in them now so you have them on hand. Here are some automotive tool essentials, according to Popular Mechanic:
Socket set
Wirecutters
Pliers
Wrenches of various sizes
Torque wrench
Screwdrivers of various sizes
Work light
Dead blow mallet
Multimeter
Zipties
Latex gloves
Cleaners and lubricants
Drip pans
Impact wrench
Electrical and duct tape
Dessicant
2. Factory Service Manual
While your factory service manual isn’t technically a car part, it’s critical to the success of any repair job. There are websites online that will send you an online or hard copy of your manual so you can proceed with complete confidence. After all, as Enjuku Racing put it, “Nobody is born an expert.”
3. Mirrors
Mirrors are an ideal part for ordering online because they’re frequently damaged, they’re affordable, and they’re easy to replace. Whether you need to fix a broken mirror or replace your current one with something more stylish, there are plenty of factory standard and aftermarket options available to you online. Make sure you start by searching the internet for the factory paint color code so you can order aerosol touch-up paint and primer to complete the job, recommends The Family Handyman.
4. Cabin Filters
This easy and affordable upgrade is often overlooked, but it can really improve your driving experience – especially if you suffer from allergies! In order to keep dust, pollen, and other allergens out of your air conditioning and heating systems, experts recommend changing your cabin filters approximately every 50,000 miles. If you’re overdue, go ahead and consult your vehicle’s manual and order new filters online. You may be surprised by how much more efficiently your air systems run.
5. Lights
It may take some time for them to fully expire, but eventually you’re going to need to replace your vehicle’s various interior and exterior lights. With your handy manual to guide you, ordering replacements online is a breeze (not to mention a serious money saver). If you need a replacement fast, you may want to look into expedited shipping. Even with shipping costs, you’re still usually going to pay less ordering vehicle lights online.
According to Cars.com, the brightness of your lights diminishes slowly over time, and you may not notice that they need to be replaced until it’s too late. Look up the average lifespan of the lights in your vehicle, and replace them if they’re overdue. An expired light can cause danger on the road, and it may also lead to an easily avoidable ticket.
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