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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

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

How Does an Electric Vehicle’s Heat Pump Work?

Reading Time: 3 minutesManufacturers have sold electric vehicles (EVs) with heat pump packages for years, but it wasn’t until Tesla released the Model… Read More

Where Is the Accumulator Located In a Car?

Reading Time: < 1 minuteQ: Where Is the A/C Accumulator Located In a Car? A: The air conditioning accumulator is typically found between the… 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

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

What Does ABS Look Like In a Car?

Reading Time: 2 minutesWhat Does an Anti-Lock Braking System Look Like? The basic components common to all anti-lock brake systems include wheel sensors,… Read More

What Does a Car Brake Rotor Look Like?

Reading Time: 2 minutesBrake rotors, are round, circular discs mounted by way of the lug studs and are sandwiched between the hub and… Read More

The Best Hood Latch Brands: Secure and Affordable Replacements for Your Car

Reading Time: 5 minutesA hood latch that doesn’t hold like it should is a serious problem. A loose or broken latch can leave… Read More

The Best Side Mirror Brands That Won’t Break the Bank

Reading Time: 5 minutesA busted side mirror is more than a cosmetic issue. Whether it cracked during a fender-bender, got knocked off in… Read More

What Does a Deep Scratch on a Car Look Like?

Reading Time: 2 minutesQ: What Does a Deep Scratch on a Car Look Like?  A: Deep scratches on a car go beyond the… 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

Is a Third Brake Light Required? Should You Replace Yours?

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe federal government has required third brake lights on cars in the US since 1986 to improve the brake light’s… Read More

Cooling System

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

Temperature Gauge Rising but Car Not Overheating: Possible Causes and Solutions

Reading Time: 4 minutesYour vehicle’s temperature gauge keeps track of the engine’s temperature and relays the information to you through your vehicle’s dashboard…. Read More

Power Steering Cooler: What It Is, How It Works, and More

Reading Time: 4 minutesPower steering fluid is crucial for a car’s steering system. It facilitates smooth turning by transmitting hydraulic pressure and lubricating… Read More

Where is the Turbo in a Car Located?

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe turbo, or turbocharger, can typically be found near the engine of the vehicle. It’s often attached to the exhaust… Read More

Where is the Serpentine Belt in a Car Located?

Reading Time: 3 minutesThe exact location of the serpentine belt varies from vehicle to vehicle, however, you can typically expect to find it… Read More

Where Is the Oil Pan Located In a Car?

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe oil pan typically sits at the bottom of the engine where it serves as a reservoir for the engine… 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

Six-Wheel Drive: What’s 6×6 or 6WD in Vehicles and Why Is It Important?

Reading Time: 4 minutesSix-wheel drive refers to a vehicle configuration that uses six wheels instead of the standard four. This means these vehicles… Read More

What Does the Transfer Case Control Module Do for Your Vehicle?

Reading Time: 4 minutesThe transfer case control module is one of the many computers in modern four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles, especially the models… Read More

Electrical System

Where Is the Computer Box Located In a Car?

Reading Time: < 1 minuteOn most vehicles, the computer box is usually near the glove box or under the dashboard. There are, however, some… Read More

How Does an Alternator Work?

Reading Time: 3 minutesA vehicle’s electrical system depends on a constant flow of power to keep its many devices running properly. The alternator… Read More

Will Changing My Instrument Cluster Change The Mileage?

Reading Time: 4 minutesThe instrument cluster is a crucial component of any vehicle, housing a collection of gauges and displays that provide drivers… Read More

Where is the Turbo in a Car Located?

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe turbo, or turbocharger, can typically be found near the engine of the vehicle. It’s often attached to the exhaust… Read More

Where is the Serpentine Belt in a Car Located?

Reading Time: 3 minutesThe exact location of the serpentine belt varies from vehicle to vehicle, however, you can typically expect to find it… Read More

Where Is the Oil Pan Located In a Car?

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe oil pan typically sits at the bottom of the engine where it serves as a reservoir for the engine… Read More

Exhaust System

Types of Exhaust Headers: A Quick Guide

Reading Time: 5 minutesExhaust headers enhance the performance of cars with 4-cylinder engines. They replace the exhaust manifold and reduce the backpressure in… Read More

How To Measure Exhaust Diameters

Reading Time: 5 minutesExhaust pipe sizes can be a little tricky to pin down. The measurement process seems simple enough: identify the exhaust… Read More

Exhaust Sizing Chart: Choosing the Right Exhaust Pipe Diameter For Your Car’s Engine

Reading Time: 3 minutesIf you upgrade your vehicle’s engine, don’t forget to enhance the exhaust system. Otherwise, the increased exhaust gases produced by… 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

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

Installing a New Car Alarm In Your Vehicle: A Brief Guide

Reading Time: 6 minutesMost cars have a security alarm system that alerts everyone nearby when someone tries to break into the vehicle. However,… 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

Car Diagnostic Tests Explained

Reading Time: 4 minutesJust like you need a checkup at the clinic every year, your vehicle will benefit from going through a diagnostic… 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

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

What Suspension Parts Affect Alignment?

Reading Time: 4 minutesThanks to your vehicle’s suspension system, you can enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride even as you drive over small… Read More

Where is the Control Arm Located?

Reading Time: 2 minutesQ: Where is the Control Arm Typically Located? A: Control arms are typically located in the frontmost part of the… 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: < 1 minuteIn 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? Constant velocity (CV) joints are found on both ends of… 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

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

Can Winter Tires Be Used All Year?

Reading Time: 3 minutesWinter tires are a necessity if you traverse snow or ice-covered highways. Some areas like the Rocky Mountains and other… Read More

Auto Repair

The Best Hood Latch Brands: Secure and Affordable Replacements for Your Car

Reading Time: 5 minutesA hood latch that doesn’t hold like it should is a serious problem. A loose or broken latch can leave… Read More

Where is the Turbo in a Car Located?

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe turbo, or turbocharger, can typically be found near the engine of the vehicle. It’s often attached to the exhaust… Read More

Where is the Serpentine Belt in a Car Located?

Reading Time: 3 minutesThe exact location of the serpentine belt varies from vehicle to vehicle, however, you can typically expect to find it… 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

Where Is the Oil Pan Located In a Car?

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe oil pan typically sits at the bottom of the engine where it serves as a reservoir for the engine… Read More

The Best Side Mirror Brands That Won’t Break the Bank

Reading Time: 5 minutesA busted side mirror is more than a cosmetic issue. Whether it cracked during a fender-bender, got knocked off in… Read More

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