Most people have a pretty basic knowledge of car parts and what goes on under the hood. You know how your tires work, and you’re aware that there are brakes in your ride that bring you to a stop. You also know that your car has a battery that needs to be maintained, as well as parts like windshield wipers, headlights, and the ignition where you get things cranked up. However, there are a few more parts that our Charlotte Toyota parts techs think you should be aware of whether you’re bringing your car in for repairs or DIY-ing them. Let’s take a look at what they came up with!
Toyota of N Charlotte talks what’s under your hood
Alternator: This car part has a pretty big purpose under the hood – it’s in charge of pushing power to your car battery so you can get things rolling when you turn the key. If your car won’t start, it’s an indicator that you may have a problem with the alternator and you’ll have to fix it before you can get back out on the road.
Catalytic converter: This particular part sounds daunting from the get-go, and with good reason – it has an important role in your car’s performance. According to our Charlotte auto parts experts, it converts harmful emission gases into safe ones, so your car produces fewer emissions that cause smog. Without it, you’d be putting out a whole lot of pollution every time you got behind the wheel.
Head gasket: The head gasket also has an essential role in your car’s performance, and if this car part fails, you won’t be going anywhere. Its job is to keep a seal in your engine for both oil and coolant. If the head gasket blows, you’ll find coolant in your oil and vice versa, which can cause major performance problems. A dead giveaway is if your car starts emitting big clouds of white smoke.
Fuel injector: You can probably tell by the name alone that this is an important car part. Our Charlotte Toyota parts specialists explain it like this: its job is to move gas from the fuel tank to the engine where it can be put to use. Without a functional fuel injector, your car won’t start.
Knowing car parts basics can save you money!
Spark plugs: This Charlotte car part is small but has a big job. The spark plugs work together to ignite the fuel to start your engine. They’re easy to replace, but if they stop working you’ll need to get them fixed immediately.
Want more information on basic car parts, or need to schedule service or repairs? Call us today! Our Charlotte auto parts specialists are waiting at (888) 378-1214, and they can not only answer questions but also get your ride back on the road. Don’t forget to ask about our parts specials to save money!