Car Parts Explained
Car Parts Explained - We know some of the mechanic lingo can be confusing to some of our customers and that is why we always do our best to explain the issues in a simple way. We wanted to help customers understand a little more so we thought we would write down the most common car parts that go wrong and what they do.
· Alternator: The alternator is an electrical generator that converts the mechanical energy to electrical energy. It works by charging up the battery to power the ignition and all the other electrical components. There can be many problems with an alternator, some being a loose or worn belt, worn out bearing or a failure of the internal components in the alternator itself. Depending on what is wrong with the alternator, we can either get it repaired or supply you with a new one.
· Battery: The battery is rechargeable and supplies energy to the electrical systems to start the engine, ignite the fuel, operate the lights, wipers, heater, AC and radio. The battery is an important part of the car system but they unfortunately doesn't last forever, a decent battery can last up to 5 years depending on the environment you live in. Extreme temperatures, lots of short trips and even everyday use will eventually drain the battery. When this happens, it isn’t possible to recharge it as it just won't hold charge so you will need a replacement. Loose connection and corrosion can also cause a dead battery.
· Spark plugs: The spark plugs only exist in petrol engines and their purpose is to ignite the fuel. The plug is connected to the ignition coil which generates the high voltage needed to spark the fuel and create combustion in the engine. Spark plugs should be replaced according to the service schedule of the vehicle. A faulty spark plug can cause an engine misfire, lack of acceleration, trouble starting the car and reduced mpg.
· Glow plugs: The glow plugs only exist in diesel engines, its purpose is to heat incoming fuel and air to encourage the fuel combustion in the engine. Pretty much the same as a spark plug but glow plugs are usually more expensive to replace as they have a tendency of getting stuck and being difficult to take out so at that point you would require a specialist to remove them.
· Radiator: The radiator is used for cooling the vehicles engine. The way it works is by passing hot coolant through metal fins to conduct heat away from the liquid and into the air instead. Driving with a faulty radiator can lead to the car overheating and it can possibly damage the engine or catch fire so it is not worth the risk. Common issues include leaks, a rusty radiator or a bad water pump/thermostat.
I decided to do this blog is because before I worked at Auto Matt in Petersfield, I had a hard time trusting mechanics since I didn’t understand cars very well so I thought that customers would benefit from some simple explanations to help them out. So, I personally know how confusing mechanics can be and how easily they can scam you when you don’t understand what they mean. I want our customers to feel comfortable and not overwhelmed with mechanic lingo, so this blog will hopefully help you understand just some of the basics in cars. If anyone has any further questions or would like other things explained to them then please feel free to give us a call ☎️ 01730 858120 or a quick email
