Any vehicle, be it a car or bike, is an extensive body of work. Remembering the infinite number of car parts and accessories names can be overwhelming. However, basic knowledge of different vehicle parts can be beneficial, especially in cases where you run into unexpected issues like a flat tire, battery dread, etc. For easy reference, we have compiled a list of 8 vehicle parts and accessories you should know about.
Vehicle parts and accessories you must know about:
- Battery
A vehicle’s battery is an essential part of it. Without it, your vehicle won’t turn on, as it is the primary power source of your engine and electrical components. Batteries are rechargeable and connected to all electrical components of your vehicle, such as radio and light. Typically, a battery is located under a car’s bonnet.
It is recommended that the vehicle battery is checked at least twice a year (every six months). Keeping your lights on and playing your radio while the engine is off can significantly drain the battery, reducing your vehicle’s battery life. Additionally, if you have electronic accessories plugged in, such as phone chargers or an external GPS, those can drain your battery significantly.
- Brakes
Another critical component to keeping in good shape is the brakes to avoid frequent repairs. For example, most modern vehicles have a hydraulic brake system, in which pressing the pedal pushes a piston into a hydraulic fluid-filled cylinder.
This pressurized hydraulic fluid then squeezes the brake pad friction material against the surface of the rotating brake disc enabling the vehicle to slow down or stop. It is advisable to flush or replace brake fluid regularly and get your brake pads checked at least once a year.
- Piston
The piston in the internal combustion engine is a moving component that transfers the force from the gas, which expands in the cylinders to the crankshaft to turn the wheels. It is important to know that extreme speed may be detrimental to pistons and can damage them significantly while also making them dirty.
- Engine
A vehicle’s engine acts as the powerplant of a vehicle. Also known as internal combustion, it powers the car by burning the air-fuel mixture and converting it into mechanical energy. An engine comprises several other components. Some vehicle engine parts are the engine block, piston, engine valves, oil pan, combustion chamber, manifold, cylinder head, crankshaft, etc.
- Clutch
Simply put, a clutch acts as a connecting link between the engine and transmission. If the clutch isn’t working correctly, the torque from the engine is not transmitted to the drivetrain. Therefore, avoid following bad driving habits to prevent damage to your clutch and frequent vehicle parts repair.
- Not putting the car in neutral while waiting at traffic lights or junctions.
- Resting your hand on the gear lever.
- Never leave the car parked in gear.
- Don’t linger while changing the gears.
Vehicle accessories
With the advent of technology, especially in automobiles, most vehicles have world-leading features such as power steering, ABS with EBD, airbags, power windows, high-speed alerts, etc. Following are some of the necessary vehicle accessories you need to take care of to improve your vehicle’s overall health and safety.
- Tyre puncture repair kit
Tyre puncture can happen at a most unexpected time. You may be unable to avoid it, but keeping a puncture repair kit handy can relieve such unfortunate circumstances. Moreover, with most cars now coming with tubeless tires, puncture repair kits provide prompt solutions to avoid delays and unnecessary hassle in the middle of the road. Besides, it is always a good idea to keep a spare wheel.
- Dash camera
Dash camera is another must-have vehicle accessory for your vehicle. It records on-road drives and provides data regarding any on-road mishaps and accidents. Moreover, having footage as evidence of an incident can help defend yourself against accused violations.
- Parking sensors
Parking sensors are designed to detect obstacles in front of or behind your vehicle, enabling you to avoid running into them. It’s a relatively small investment that can prevent huge expenditures. For example, parking sensors guide you while parking your vehicle or reversing the vehicle in a tight space. It saves time, money, and stress and is worth buying.
