I. Introduction to Automotive Parts
Automotive parts are the various units that make up the entire automobile and the products that serve the automobile.
With the increasingly fierce competition in the automotive parts processing market, the growing awareness of environmental protection, and the continuous upgrading and application of technology, the international automotive parts processing industry has shown the following development characteristics in recent years:
① The trend of system matching and modular supply in automotive parts processing is booming.
② Globalization of automotive parts processing procurement.
③ The speed of industrial transfer in automotive parts processing is accelerating.
II. Classification of Automotive Parts
Engine System
Engine assembly, filters, cylinders and components, oil seals, oil pumps and injectors, fuel savers, valve tappets, oil pipes, connecting rod assembly, crankshaft and camshaft, bearings and connecting rod bearings, valves and components, fuel tanks, pistons, flywheel ring gears, tensioners, belts, turbochargers, carburetors, catalytic converters, fuel injection devices, starters and accessories, and other automotive engine system parts.
Running System
Front axle, rear axle, shock absorption system, suspension system, axle housing, half shaft, balance weights, buffers, rims, hubs, frame assembly, car tires, agricultural vehicle tires, construction machinery tires, and other running system automotive parts.
Body Accessories
Car body, car doors, car glass, car mirrors, license plate frames, seats and accessories, automotive bearings, armrests, handles, pulls, grille, fenders, cab and accessories, airbags, car seat belts, window regulators, car antennas, windshield wipers, car mufflers, car horns, car sealing strips, bumpers, luggage compartments, luggage racks, extruded parts, stamped parts, exhaust pipes, and other body accessories.
Steering System
Tie rod assembly, tie rods, tie rod ball joints, center tie rod, steering arm, steering idler arm, steering gear dust cover, steering gear assembly, steering damper, power steering pump, steering gear gasket repair kit, power steering oil tank, tie rod adjustment bolt, steering idler arm bushing, power steering pipe, steering knuckle, steering wheel, and other steering system automotive parts.
Braking System
Brake pads, clutch, friction plates, air compressor, handbrake, brackets, axle hubs, vacuum booster, brake shoes, brake pump, cables, clips, brake assembly, brake drum, brake chamber, brake drum, sliders, hangers, control valve, dryer, brake disc, Anti-lock Braking System/ABS.
III. Purchasing Auto Parts
- If you are unsure of the specifications and models of the parts, be sure to check the vehicle’s certificate of conformity, owner’s manual, engine certificate, etc. Also, check the vehicle’s nameplate, engine nameplate, vehicle model, manufacturing date, and serial number, and choose the same model. Please note that parts for similar engine models from the same manufacturer are not necessarily interchangeable.
- When purchasing parts, you should use the proper technical names or commonly understood terms. Using incorrect part names can lead to purchasing the wrong parts.
- When buying auto parts, go to reputable and reliable parts dealers.
When buying auto parts, be familiar with and recognize reputable brands. Choose high-quality parts from well-known brands.
IV. Auto Parts Installation
Seats: If you have leather seats, buy a seat cushion and backrest. If you have cloth seats, buy seat covers. Car accessory stores sell them, and they will install them for you. You can also buy them from a store and install them yourself; it’s very simple. Just wrap the seat cover around the seat and tie the strings or buckles.
Steering wheel cover: You can also install it yourself. Just wrap it around and apply some force to install it.
Floor mats: You can simply lay them in the car yourself.
Trunk mat: Install it yourself. It’s actually very simple to install; just figure it out.
V. Auto Parts Maintenance
Fear of “dirt”
If parts such as fuel filters, oil filters, air filters, hydraulic oil filters, and various screens are too dirty, it will lead to reduced filtration efficiency. Too many impurities will enter the oil circuit and cylinders, accelerating wear and tear on the parts and increasing the likelihood of malfunctions. If severely clogged, it can even prevent the vehicle from functioning properly.
Sensitivity to Dirt
Components such as radiator fins, air-cooled engine cylinder blocks and cylinder head fins, and cooler fins can become excessively dirty, leading to poor heat dissipation and overheating. Therefore, these “dirt-sensitive” parts must be cleaned and maintained regularly.
Sensitivity to Heat
Excessive engine piston temperature can easily lead to overheating and seizure; overheating of rubber seals, V-belts, and tires can cause premature aging, performance degradation, and shortened service life; overheating of the coils in electrical equipment such as starters, generators, and regulators can easily cause them to burn out and become unusable; vehicle bearings should be kept at an appropriate temperature, as overheating will quickly degrade the lubricating oil, ultimately leading to bearing failure and vehicle damage.
Sensitivity to Mismatch
Various mating parts in the diesel engine fuel system, the main and driven gears in the drive axle main reducer, the hydraulic control valve block and valve stem, and the valve core and valve sleeve in the full hydraulic steering gear are all specially manufactured and ground in pairs during production. They have very precise tolerances and must always be used in pairs throughout their service life; they should never be interchanged.