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Accessories

What Does a Tesla Car Key Look Like?

Reading Time: 2 minutesQ: What Does a Tesla Car Key Look Like? A: Tesla car keys come in two types: key fobs shaped… Read More

Where Is the Back Up Camera Located?

Reading Time: < 1 minuteQ: Where Is the Back Up Camera Typically Located? A: The back up camera is usually found at waist-level rear… Read More

What Does a Car Horn Look Like?

Reading Time: 3 minutesWhat Do Car Horns Look Like? Car horn designs vary. The electric horn, which is the most commonly used in… Read More

Air Conditioning and Heating

The Best A/C Compressors: Top Brands for Fast, Quality Replacements

Reading Time: 5 minutesWhen your vehicle’s A/C compressor quits in the middle of a heatwave, it could damage the rest of your A/C… Read More

The Best A/C Condenser Brands to Keep Your Ride Cool

Reading Time: 4 minutesIf your A/C’s barely pushing out cool air—or worse, blowing hot—your condenser might be on its last legs. It’s the… Read More

What Does a Freon (Refrigerant) Leak Look Like in a Car?

Reading Time: 3 minutesWhat Does a Freon Leak Look Like? Unlike coolant, refrigerant doesn’t have a distinct color (if there is no dye… Read More

Ask CarParts.com

Will Using an Aerosol Cleaner Prevent Carbon from Accumulating on the Engine Valves in My 2012 Ford F-150?

Reading Time: 2 minutesQ: I have a 2012 Ford F-150 with a direct-injected, 3.5L EcoBoost engine. To combat carbon build-up on the valves,… Read More

Where is the Windshield Washer Motor Located on My 2002 Kia Sportage?

Reading Time: < 1 minuteQ: I have a 2002 Kia Sportage. Recently, my car’s windshield washers stopped working. I can no longer hear the… Read More

Why is My 2007 Toyota Tacoma’s Steering Wheel Shaking at Highway Speeds?

Reading Time: 2 minutesQ: I have a 2007 Toyota Tacoma. The truck has a minor steering wheel shimmy on the freeway when traveling… Read More

Braking System

Where is the Handbrake Located?

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe handbrake is the park brake but is operated by hand rather than with your foot. More often than not,… Read More

The Best Wheel Hub Brands That’ll Keep Your Vehicle Moving

Reading Time: 5 minutesIf your car’s starting to make grinding noises, shake, or pull sideways unexpectedly, it might be time for a new… Read More

If Brake Fluid Boils, Will It Affect Brake Performance?

Reading Time: 3 minutesAbsolutely. A vehicle’s braking system relies heavily on a brake fluid’s ability to remain in a liquid state under pressure… Read More

The Best Tailgate Brands: Top Picks for Your Truck or SUV

Reading Time: 5 minutesA dented or rusted tailgate makes loading gear awkward, rattles on rough roads, and can even affect safety if the… Read More

The Best Exterior Door Handle Brands for Hassle-Free Repairs

Reading Time: 5 minutesOne moment you’re on your way to work or running errands, the next you’re stuck outside your car, jiggling an… Read More

The Best Door Lock Actuator Brands to Keep Your Car Secure

Reading Time: 4 minutesImagine being in a hurry, but your vehicle door gets stuck or refuses to lock when you’re in a rush… Read More

The Best Corner Light Brands: Affordable Picks for Your Car

Reading Time: 5 minutesCorner lights might not be the flashiest part of your ride, but they matter more than most people think. They… Read More

The Best Affordable Tail Light Assembly Brands

Reading Time: 4 minutesA busted tail light is a real problem. It cuts your visibility on the road, especially after dark or when… Read More

How To Turn Off Your Jeep’s Interior Lights

Reading Time: 3 minutesMost modern vehicles have interior lights that automatically turn on when you open the doors. While this is convenient when… Read More

Cooling System

The Best Water Pump Brands: Reliable Replacements for Your Car

Reading Time: 5 minutesA failing water pump can turn into a serious problem fast. Once it stops moving coolant through your engine, temperatures… Read More

The Best Cooling Fan Assembly Brands: Solid Replacements That Keep Your Engine Cool

Reading Time: 5 minutesIf your cooling fan assembly stops working, you’ll know it. Rising temperature gauges, loud fan noises, or the A/C blowing… Read More

Why Is the Fan Belt Squealing on Acceleration?

Reading Time: 3 minutesIt’s never a good sign if you hear any unusual sounds from the engine bay, especially if it’s a squealing… Read More

Where is the Handbrake Located?

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe handbrake is the park brake but is operated by hand rather than with your foot. More often than not,… Read More

Where Is the Ground Wire Located On a Car?

Reading Time: < 1 minuteThe ground wire typically runs along the body of the vehicle, connecting every electrical device to the battery. Corrosion, loose… Read More

The Best Tailgate Brands: Top Picks for Your Truck or SUV

Reading Time: 5 minutesA dented or rusted tailgate makes loading gear awkward, rattles on rough roads, and can even affect safety if the… Read More

What Does a Car Axle Look Like?

Reading Time: 2 minutesA: The car axle is a long rod that connects two wheels on either side of the car. It usually… Read More

The Best Axle Assembly Brands: Strong Replacements for Your Ride

Reading Time: 4 minutesA damaged axle can chew through tires, stress other drivetrain parts, and make driving unsafe. If your vehicle feels clunky… Read More

What Is an Axle?

Reading Time: 7 minutesIt’s not the biggest part, but the axle can cause various problems for your ride if it’s damaged or broken…. Read More

Electrical System

Where Is the Ground Wire Located On a Car?

Reading Time: < 1 minuteThe ground wire typically runs along the body of the vehicle, connecting every electrical device to the battery. Corrosion, loose… Read More

What Does a Car Immobilizer Look Like?

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe immobilizer system in the vehicle doesn’t have a distinct appearance, as it is made of electrical components, such as… Read More

What Does the Inside of a Car Battery Look Like?

Reading Time: < 1 minuteA: Removing the battery lid exposes six cells that are separated by a plastic wall. Each of these cells generates… Read More

The Best Throttle Body Brands: Trusted Replacements for Your Car

Reading Time: 5 minutesA faulty throttle body can throw your vehicle’s engine off balance. You might notice rough idling, poor acceleration, or even… Read More

Where Is the Fuel Line Located In a Car?

Reading Time: < 1 minuteThe fuel line typically runs from the fuel pump up to the fuel rail, depending on the vehicle. From there,… Read More

Where is the Crankshaft Located?

Reading Time: < 1 minuteQ: Where is the Crankshaft Typically Located? A: The crankshaft is located within the engine block. More often than not,… Read More

Exhaust System

What Does a Car Muffler Look Like?

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe typical car muffler has a cylindrical or rectangular body with pipes sticking out of both ends. It’s made of… Read More

What Does a Car Heat Shield Look Like?

Reading Time: < 1 minuteHeat shields are metal plates installed along a vehicle’s exhaust system or anywhere sensitive components need to be protected from… Read More

The Best Oxygen Sensor Brands: Trusted Replacements for Smooth Driving

Reading Time: 5 minutesIf your vehicle’s check engine light is on, your fuel economy is slipping, or your car smells a little off,… Read More

Ignition System

What Does a Leaking Car Battery Look Like?

Reading Time: 2 minutesWhen a car battery begins to leak, you’ll notice chalky green acid deposits forming around the battery terminals. This is… Read More

Where Is the Kill Switch Located?

Reading Time: 2 minutesQ: Where Is the Kill Switch Typically Located? A: In most vehicles, the kill switch can be found behind the… Read More

Can You Drive Off Without a Key Fob?

Reading Time: 4 minutesThe key fob has replaced the traditional car keys in modern models. It lets you unlock the doors, start the… Read More

The Best Dash Cover Brands for Cracked and Faded Dashboards

Reading Time: 4 minutesA cracked dashboard can slowly chip away at your vehicle’s resale value if left unfixed. Since factory replacements are often… Read More

What Does a Five-Point Harness Car Seat Look Like?

Reading Time: 2 minutesQ: What Does a Five-Point Harness Car Seat Look Like? A: A five-point harness car seat has five points of… Read More

Tips & Tricks to Remove Mold From Carpet in Car

Reading Time: 4 minutesMold is always bad news. It’s ugly, stinks, and spreads quickly. Finding it in your car is even worse. If… Read More

Maintenance

What Does Pollen Look Like on a Car?

Reading Time: 2 minutesQ: What does pollen look like on a car? Pollen looks like yellow dust or powder to the naked eye,… Read More

Tips for Starting Old Vehicles After Storage

Reading Time: 4 minutesThere are many reasons you might keep a vehicle in storage for long periods. Perhaps it’s part of a collection… Read More

Interchangeable Car Parts Across Different Makes and Models

Reading Time: 5 minutesNew car owners who are trying to take on the DIY route for the first time are often faced with… Read More

OBD-II Trouble Codes

Mini Cooper S P1497 Fault Code Explained

Reading Time: 4 minutesThe P1497 fault code has plagued many Mini Cooper S vehicles, particularly the 2008 and 2009 model years. But what… Read More

P1345 Code: Camshaft Position Correlation

Reading Time: 3 minutesModern vehicles are equipped with camshaft and crankshaft position sensors that send data to the powertrain control module (PCM). The… Read More

P1604 Code: Startability Malfunction

Reading Time: 3 minutesA “no-start” condition isn’t uncommon. There’s a plethora of reasons why a vehicle wouldn’t start, and it can be hard… Read More

What Does a Car Spindle Look Like?

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe spindle is a cylindrical heavy cone-shaped rod that protrudes from the suspension and acts as a connection point for… Read More

What Does a Car Frame Look Like?

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe frame or chassis is the skeleton that provides structural support to the rest of the vehicle. Basically, the frame… Read More

Where Are the CV Boots Located?

Reading Time: 2 minutesQ: Where Are the CV Boots Typically Located? A: The CV boots are typically located on the ends of a… Read More

Transmission

What Does a Car Transmission Look Like?

Reading Time: 4 minutesQ: What does a car transmission look like? A: The typical car transmission resembles a church bell. Its rear end… Read More

Where Is the Clutch Located In a Car?

Reading Time: 2 minutesIn a manual transmission, the clutch can be found between the crankshaft and transmission housing. In an automatic transmission, the… Read More

Where Is the CV Joint Located in a Car

Reading Time: 2 minutesQ: Where is the CV joint located in a car? A: Constant velocity (CV) joints are found on both ends… Read More

Warning Lights

Do Your Instrument Panel Lights Stay On After the Key Is Removed? Here’s Why

Reading Time: 6 minutesNot all of your vehicle’sinstrument panel lights should illuminate after you remove your key from the ignition. The instrument panel… Read More

What Causes Car Dashboard Lights Flashing?

Reading Time: 4 minutesImagine driving about normally, when you notice lights flashing on your dashboard. It’s not just the check engine light. Other… Read More

Door Ajar Light: What It Means, How to Fix, and More

Reading Time: 4 minutesBefore driving off, you may hear beeping or a chime and see a warning light on your dashboard signaling that… Read More

Wheels and Tires

The Best Fender Liner Brands: Durable Replacements That Fit Right

Reading Time: 6 minutesYour vehicle’s fender liner shields the wheel wells from dirt, water, salt, and debris that would otherwise get flung into… Read More

Why Should You Check Tire Pressure At Cold Or Hot Temperatures?

Reading Time: 4 minutesTemperature affects tire pressure, changing how the tire performs and altering its service life. It’s vital to know what cold… Read More

How Long Can Tires Last in Storage?

Reading Time: 4 minutesMost tires last around 6 to 10 years in storage, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises against… Read More

Auto Repair

The Best Throttle Body Brands: Trusted Replacements for Your Car

Reading Time: 5 minutesA faulty throttle body can throw your vehicle’s engine off balance. You might notice rough idling, poor acceleration, or even… Read More

Where is the Handbrake Located?

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe handbrake is the park brake but is operated by hand rather than with your foot. More often than not,… Read More

Where Is the Ground Wire Located On a Car?

Reading Time: < 1 minuteThe ground wire typically runs along the body of the vehicle, connecting every electrical device to the battery. Corrosion, loose… Read More

The Best Tailgate Brands: Top Picks for Your Truck or SUV

Reading Time: 5 minutesA dented or rusted tailgate makes loading gear awkward, rattles on rough roads, and can even affect safety if the… Read More

The Best Exterior Door Handle Brands for Hassle-Free Repairs

Reading Time: 5 minutesOne moment you’re on your way to work or running errands, the next you’re stuck outside your car, jiggling an… Read More

The Best Dash Cover Brands for Cracked and Faded Dashboards

Reading Time: 4 minutesA cracked dashboard can slowly chip away at your vehicle’s resale value if left unfixed. Since factory replacements are often… Read More

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