OEM Parts
Original Equipment Parts (OEM Parts) are components used on or in a vehicle that come from the original equipment manufacturer. Understanding the difference between OEM parts and aftermarket parts can help you determine what you want to use when your vehicle needs a repair or a replacement.
Air Filters
The air filters in your vehicle are designed to provide protection from a range of particles and pollutants that could cause damage to the parts under the hood. You don't want anything to cause damage to important and potentially expensive parts by neglecting to change the air filter on a routine basis. The engine air filter is what keeps the air that makes up the air and fuel mixture in your vehicle clean; the cabin air filter helps keep the air you breathe nice and filtered. We offer all OEM parts!
Alternators
There are plenty of important parts under the hood of your car, but one of the most important is your alternator. The alternator is what helps power many of the different electrical systems under the hood of the car, and it is also responsible for keeping your car's battery charged. You might notice that your lights are getting dimmer or your car might even have problems starting. When your alternator starts to wear out, it's important to get it replaced so that other issues don't arise. We offer all OEM parts!
Exhaust Systems
Exhaust systems safely remove the noxious byproducts produced as your engine burns fuel. More specifically, they capture what's harmful before they release much cleaner gases into the air. That not only helps keep you and your passengers safe; it's also better for the environment. Exhausts even help muffle the noise created in the process.
An exhaust system works in several stages. First, pollutants pass through the catalytic converter. Metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium capture toxic molecules as they travel, and they contain them. Then, the molecules are separated into oxygen and nitrogen; the latter gets trapped, while the former is allowed to go through, and hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide are burned up in the process. What results is basically water vapor and carbon dioxide.
The exhaust manifold then collects the gases, sending them down the exhaust pipe. In the meantime, the resonator and muffler cut engine noise while making sure air flows as well as it can. The muffler's tail pipe then releases cleaner fumes into the air.
Unfortunately, no car exhaust lasts forever. If yours is going bad or has failed, you're in luck: there are signs you can look out for. They include a drop in fuel economy, unusual exhaust pipe and muffler noises, a rotten-egg smell, and a lit Check Engine light on the dashboard. If you're experiencing any of these, do an inspection to figure out whether exhaust parts are the culprits. Otherwise, typically, a catalytic converter lasts up to 100,000 miles and mufflers and resonators last anywhere from 2 to 4 years. We offer all OEM parts including exhaust systems!
Brakes
There are two types of brake systems -- disc brakes and drum brakes. Both have master cylinders, one or more brake pistons, brake lines, and brake hoses. Brake fluid travels through the lines and hoses when the brake pedal is pressed. How both kinds of brakes work is simple: the pistons move along the cylinder's bore, pressurizing the fluid, and it goes through the lines and hoses.
However, where drum brake systems have brake drums and brake shoes, disc brake systems have brake calipers, brake pads, and brake rotors. In a drum brake, the fluid makes the shoe and drum fasten together. In a disc brake, the rotors fasten to the calipers and pads. Both processes produce friction, and that resistance helps a vehicle slow and stop.
Use a brake long enough, though, and it'll end up worn out sooner or later. Which brake parts need replacing depends on a brake inspection. The question of how long brakes generally last, however, really depends on the condition of those parts rather than a particular mileage.
Luckily, there's a way you can tell if yours are going bad, though: look for the symptoms. They include shuddering brakes, strange sounds and/or drifting sideways when braking, and an unusually soft- or low-feeling brake pedal. Other signs are reduced brake grip, taking longer to slow and stop than usual, and warning lights on your dashboard. Grinding noises, though, are a worst-case scenario. They usually mean direct contact between rotors and calipers, the result of worn-out pads.
Belts and Hoses
There are several different belts in your car - most notably you have the timing belt and the serpentine belt. The timing belt ensures the engine's valves open and shut at the right time. The serpentine belt, on the other hand, transports power to different engine components, such as the alternator, AC unit, and water pump. The timing belt is important to keep in good condition, because if the timing is off when it comes to parts of your engine, a lot of problems can occur. If you notice a squealing sound or see visible cracks on your timing belt, it's likely a good time to replace the belt. Another problem that can occur from a failing timing belt is a problem with your engine turning over. This can cause other internal engine damage. When you need a replacement timing belt, ensure you get one that is OEM. Factory products are consistently higher in quality and carry a guarantee against defects. We offer all OEM parts, including belts and hoses!
Oil Filters
The engine of your vehicle is what allows your car to go from Point A to Point B, so you want to do everything you possibly can to keep it running efficiently. One of the most common maintenance steps you take as a car owner is replacing the oil in your vehicle on a routine basis. The oil filter is an accompanying part that should be changed out at the same time. The filter is what removes particles and debris from the oil itself before it gets used by your car's engine. We offer all OEM parts including oil filters!