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Important car parts and their function

Modern vehicles have a large number of different components. All parts interact to contribute to the reliable functioning of the car.

It can be a little difficult to keep track of all the components.

There are several ways to categorise car parts, but at Autoparts24 we have decided on the following general classification of spare parts and we hope that the following overview will help you find the car part you are looking for.

Spare parts categories at Autoparts24

Lighting

The car’s lighting system with headlights and tail lights ensures good visibility in the dark and makes the car perceptible to others in the roads. Parts of the lighting system can easily be exchanged for used car parts.

Mirror

The mirrors in the car provide a good view to the rear. Both interior and exterior mirrors can be easily damaged. However, suitable replacements can be bought cheaply second-hand.

Interior

The interior is made up of the components of the passenger compartment. These include seats, rear bench seat, interior trim or the rear shelf. Original interior parts can be purchased second-hand at reasonable prices.

Wiper

Windscreen wipers enable good visibility in bad weather. If the wipers, wiper arms or wiper motor on the windscreen or rear window are defective, they can easily be bought used.

Buttons and switches

The driver uses the car’s buttons and switches to operate important functions. Light switches, steering column levers, indicator levers and ventilation control knobs wear out over the years, but can easily be bought second-hand even for older models.

Heating and air conditioning

heating and the air conditioning system ensure a pleasantly tempered interior. The air conditioning compressor, condenser, evaporator and heat exchanger or heater fan are part of the system. These car parts should only be bought used in good condition.

Electronic parts

Modern vehicles contain electronic components that regulate engine running or ensure safety. These include components in the engine compartment as well as control units for ABS or ignition. Electronic parts should only be purchased second-hand from a reliable source.

Gearbox and drive

Manual or automatic gearboxes provided the right transmission ratio between the engine and the final drive. Gearboxes as replacements can easily be bought second-hand. The gearbox code or the OE number should be checked. This category also includes clutches, flywheels and transfer cases.

Engine and engine parts

The engine houses parts such as the camshaft, crankshaft or oil pump, and has numerous auxiliary units. These include the starter, alternator and water pump. After a defect, it is a good idea to replace them with used parts from car recycling. This category also includes the turbocharger, suspension and cover.

Chassis

The car’s chassis includes springs, shock absorbers, wishbones, stabilisers, struts and suspension joints. In combination, these car parts ensure driving comfort and good road grip. Used suspension parts should only be purchased in perfect condition.

Steering

The car can be conveniently steered via the steering. Steering gear, steering linkage, steering column and steering lever are among the important components. These can be easily bought used from a reliable source.

Wheels / Brake system

The wheels of the car ensure a good connection to the road. They consist of the rim and the corresponding tyre. Defective rims or a missing spare wheel can be replaced with inexpensive car parts from car recycling. The brake system of modern vehicles consists of brake parts such as the ABS pump, brake booster and brake master cylinder.

Parts of the brake system should only be used if they are in good condition, brake pads are better bought new.

Bodywork

The body includes parts such as bonnets, doors, tailgates, bumpers, mudguards and add-on parts. If these are damaged in an accident, they can be replaced particularly easily with used original parts from car recycling.

Cooling system

The cooling system provides the necessary cooling for the engine and protects it from overheating. Components such as radiators, expansion tanks and radiator hoses can easily be bought used in good condition.

Fuel system

The fuel system is responsible for a reliable fuel supply. Components such as the fuel tank, fuel tank sensor, fuel pump or fuel tank cap can be easily found as used parts by stating the OE number.

Exhaust system

The exhaust system with exhaust pipe, exhaust manifold and silencer reliably diverts the engine’s exhaust gases and reduces the noise level. All components can be purchased second-hand from car recycling.

Locking system

Thanks to the car’s locking system, only authorised persons have access to it. Door locks, boot lock, ignition lock and the components of the central locking system are part of the locking system and should only be bought second-hand.

Tools and equipment

The on-board tools or a tyre inflator set enable quick car repairs, for example after a flat tyre. If tools or aids are missing or damaged, they can often be acquired in good condition from car recycling.

Radio and infotainment

Car radio and infotainment provide entertainment while driving and deliver important information. If the devices need to be replaced, they should only be purchased from a safe source.

Identify car parts and buy used

The car’s components can be damaged or wear out due to various causes. You can get high-quality used spare parts at Autoparts24.

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