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Oct 31
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Car aftermarket headlights

4 Aftermarket Headlights And The Ups And Downs Of Each Option

By Aftermarket, Headlights

The Scoop on Aftermarket Headlights

One of the most common ways to upgrade a vehicle is to add new headlights. Aftermarket headlights tend to be a lot brighter than standard headlights, and for many, the added improvement to aesthetics makes it a worthwhile investment.

That being said, not all aftermarket headlights are road legal. Using the wrong ones can land you a hefty fine, not to mention the risk you may face when driving.

So, to ensure you do not end up with aftermarket headlights that put you at unnecessary risks, let’s talk about the various aftermarket headlights you can buy and the benefits and drawbacks of each option:

1. Xenon HID Headlight Bulbs

HID bulbs have become incredibly popular, but many people still wonder if they’re road legal. In most cases, they’re fine for the road. However, when misused, they can become too bright, which poses a hazard to other drivers. The brightness can also result in fines because there will be rules on specific headlight brightness depending on where you live.

Apart from brightness, HID headlights also come in the wrong color. Standard headlights come in yellow or white, while HID headlight bulbs have a cooler, blue-er color. HID headlights don’t only aim the light down onto the road to top it off. They spread the light everywhere, meaning that the headlights could blind other drivers coming your way.

2. Tinted Headlights

Tinted headlights are pretty common these days. You see them on many cars, and for many people, it’s simply a case of wanting their car to look a bit different from others.

One of the big problems with tinted headlights is that they do not give off enough light. This makes them a safety hazard. A police officer looking at your car from a distance may not be able to tell if your lights are on or not. This is a hazard to them and other drivers on the road. So, make sure you don’t just pick out any tinted headlight, but pick legal ones.

3. Projector Headlights

Projector headlights are another standard upgrade for cars. As the name suggests, these headlights allow you to project light in a particular direction. This can make it a lot easier to see things in front of you.

The main issue with projector headlights is that they can be too bright. They can also strain the driver’s eyes because the reflection is too strong.

4. Xenon HID Fogs

Fogs are a common upgrade for many people. They’re generally a bit safer than other headlights because they add another level of brightness. It’s also easier to see things at night when using fogs because the light is brighter and spreads across a wider area.

Like HID headlights, HIDs fogs can also be too bright. This is especially true at night. Lights that are too bright can cause safety hazards and result in a fine. It’s best to find a balance when it comes to light levels.

Conclusion

In the end, the most important thing to remember is that you should stick to road-legal headlights. Illegal headlights can cause many problems, and even if they are not technically breaking the law, they’re not particularly safe either. If you want to get legal headlights, you will need to do a lot of research to ensure the aftermarket headlight you pick is a road-legal one!

Kar Parts Direct is your one-stop-shop for all your aftermarket auto body part needs and more. If you are looking for aftermarket headlights, check out what we have for you!

Oct 31
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3 Warning Signs That Your Car’s Radiator Is About to Fail – What to Know

By Aftermarket

From the engine all the way to the wheels, there are various parts of a vehicle that individually play key roles in ensuring your safety while driving. Although it should go without saying that even the smallest parts of your car play important roles in ensuring functionality, there’s one component that is especially vital if you’re keen on driving smoothly and safely: the radiator. 

As one of the most essential parts of your car’s cooling system, the radiator is responsible for various crucial functions that ensure a safe and convenient experience, such as:

  • Engine cooling
  • Air conditioning functionality
  • Smoothness in the transition of gears
  • Seat heater temperatures

Based on the wide range of functions and features that a radiator is responsible for, having it break down would make for an especially inconvenient and troublesome experience. Fortunately, knowing when to get your radiator and its components fixed will help you avoid the inconvenient experience of having the entire system completely bog down while you’re in the middle of the road. This is possible even if you’re not necessarily a professional mechanic or radiator technician. 

Signs of potential failure

If you’re looking to keep your drives long, comfortable, and non-destructive, here are three signs to watch out for that your radiator is on the verge of failure:

1. An overheating engine

The first and foremost sign of a radiator problem is an overheating engine. In no case should your engine ever experience any form of overheating—which means that you should check your radiator once this problem arises.

Generally speaking, overheating engines are caused by a faulty thermostat that a radiator also depends on to gauge when exactly you should supply it with coolant or whether or not it’s doing its job of cooling the engine properly. In most cases, it is recommended that you stop driving right away and have a roadside service or tow truck bring your car to the nearest shop or mechanic to have the entire problem sorted out. 

2. Leaks after parking

Another obvious warning sign that’s something wrong with your radiator is if you have a pool of red, green, or yellow fluid under your car when you park. Leakage is mainly caused when any of the radiator’s plastic or metal components experience increasing degrees of cracking and start to release varying amounts of liquid. 

During instances of leakage, it is important to act fast and have the problem sorted out right away as coolant levels can become excessively low in a short amount of time. Such a circumstance can lead to failure in the radiator, engine, and other components in the overall system. 

3. Discolored fluid

As discussed in the previous part, the radiator coolant should only be red (or pink), yellow, or green. If your coolant or fluid is of any other color, then it’s safe to say that you’re experiencing a case of radiator fluid discoloration.

In cases of radiator fluid discoloration, the main culprit can be a radiator that’s filled with sludge and deposits as a result of fluid build-up that had occurred over time. Once you spot that your fluid is discolored (another telltale sign is that it’s much thicker than it should be), give your local mechanic or shop a call right away to schedule a radiator flush that will have everything like new. 

Final words

Any sign of your radiator experiencing problems to proper function should always be taken seriously to avoid costly and inconvenient problems in the future when using your car.

If you’re in need of a reputable aftermarket auto body parts provider in Los Angeles that can handle all your radiator-related needs with high-quality parts and components for a variety of makes and models, get in touch with Kar Parts today! We’re happy to help.

Oct 31
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3 Reasons Why Your Radiator Might Be Overheating – What to Know

By Aftermarket

No matter how many times you’ve experienced it, there’s no denying that an overheating radiator can become troublesome real fast if you aren’t careful enough with the situation. Fortunately, avoiding a catastrophic engine failure situation can be easily avoided if you brush up on spots to watch out for and act on once your radiator overheats.

Why does a radiator overheat in the first place?

As your engine continues to power your car from point A to point B, it experiences quite a bit of heat as it works from 1500 rpm at idle to 8000 rpm before you change gears. This constant change is what creates much heat under the hood.

The radiator, in this particular temperature-related situation, is responsible for ensuring that water flows through the canals in the engine block to keep everything cool. Unfortunately, there are some situations wherein the radiator itself works against the important task of keeping your engine cool and puts it in a perilous situation instead.

In spite of the fact that a malfunctioning car radiator and an overheating engine can be quite nightmarish to think about, there are some signs to watch out for to prevent disaster from happening. Below are three causes that often lead to an overheating radiator:

1. Clogged internals due to debris

One of the most common causes for overheating radiators is clogging that’s due to various debris that blocks the internals from moving water to and from the engine itself.

Generally speaking, clogged radiators are caused by all sorts of debris that stem from elements that a car is exposed to, such as dirt, stones, dead insects, and leaves. No matter how small or big they may be, they can easily accumulate over time and block the radiator’s airflow. The best way to spot a clogged radiator is to open the radiator cap itself (when the car is cool, of course) and check the color of your fluid and watch out for any signs of discoloration that is caused by floating dirt.

2. Low coolant levels

Another common cause of overheating radiators is the lack of a proper level of coolant that helps the radiator itself performs its cooling functions as effectively as possible with every trip.

Without a sufficient level of coolant, your radiator will be starved of the necessary liquids it needs to cycle cooling to the engine and back. Such low levels will then result in a rather quick buildup of heat that leads to overheating itself. When it comes to root causes, a lack of coolant can be traced back to various causes, such as negligence, a head gasket leak, holes in your system, and heater-core-related issues.

3. A radiator cap that isn’t screwed on properly

It might sound absurd at first, but a radiator cap that isn’t screwed on properly is also another common cause of overheating radiators.

When your radiator cap isn’t screwed on properly, the pressure from your engine and the radiator’s own cooling or cycling activities can cause your coolant to leak out and pre-emptively run out of liquid to keep everything cool. By making sure that the radiator cap is screwed on properly after you fill-up the radiator with liquid, you can save your engine from overheating and save yourself thousands of dollars as well!

Conclusion

Beating the common problem of an overheating radiator is a task that entails watching out for the right signs and acting on any potential problems as soon as possible. Should you discover that your overheating radiator is linked to part-related issues, however, then wait no further and source out the required aftermarket auto body parts.

If you’re looking for aftermarket auto body parts in Los Angeles, get in touch with us to see how we can help.

Oct 31
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What You Need to Know When Replacing Your Car’s Headlights – Our Guide

By Aftermarket

For some people, car maintenance can be an incredibly confusing topic. Even something as minor as replacing headlights can be too much for some to handle. That’s why in this guide, we’re breaking it down to the essentials. If you’re a car owner and need a little help finding the best headlights for you, you’ve come to the right place!

To begin, let’s talk about some of the options you have available.

Three Types of Car Headlights

Below are the three types of headlights you can choose from:

  1. Halogen: The most common type of headlight, halogen lights can be found on the majority of cars on the road.
  2. LED: Using LED technology, these headlights are known for their energy efficiency and unbeatable lifespans.
  3. HID: Short for High-Intensity Discharge, HID lights are also called Xenon lights due to the special gas used in its design. They are many times brighter than halogen lights but also much more expensive.

Which type of headlight should you buy?

It really depends on your needs and preferences, but we’ve provided a quick comparison between the three types for easy reference below.

Halogen

LED

HID

Brightness

1,500 lumens

From 4,000 to 12,000 lumens

3,000 lumens

Color Temperature

3,000K (yellowish hue)

6,000K (slightly bluish hue)

8,000K (bluish hue)

Expected Lifespan

1,000 hours

25,000 hours

5,000 hours

As you can see, the differences between the three are rather significant. LEDs appear to provide the most flexibility in terms of brightness and are incredibly long-lived. They also sit in the middle of the color temperature range, producing a natural, near-white color.

Some other key factors include price and street legality. Halogens are the least expensive, while LEDs and HIDs can fetch hefty sums. Also, HIDs are banned on roads in some countries, so be sure to find out if you can use them on your streets beforehand.

Also, keep in mind that while most cars are equipped to handle any of the three types, be sure to check the manual for compatibility. Some models may require a special kit for HID bulbs, and you’ll need to hire a professional to install them properly.

How often should you change headlights?

The expected lifespans indicated above should provide some idea, but it will ultimately depend on the manufacturer and your usage. High-quality headlights purchased from a reputable brand may last longer than the expected lifespan, even with constant use.

When you notice that one or both of your headlights aren’t as bright as they normally are, it’s time to replace them immediately. After all, you don’t want to be out driving in the dark only to have your headlights suddenly go out on you.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know the ins and outs of car headlights, you should be able to make better decisions when you go and buy new ones. Whether you’re in the market to replace old, faulty ones or just looking for a quick upgrade, we hope this guide helps in finding the perfect aftermarket headlights for your car.

If you are looking for direct auto body parts in Los Angeles, get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help.

Oct 31
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Car aftermarket headlights

What You Should Know About Aftermarket Headlights Before Buying

By Aftermarket

Aftermarket head lights are becoming increasingly popular with car owners who want to enhance the look of their vehicle, improve their visibility during night driving, or replace an old set of headlights that are beginning to wear out. Whatever your reason for replacing your car’s factory-installed auto headlights, knowing how to find quality aftermarket auto headlight kits at the right price can make all the difference between enjoying your new lights and regretting your purchase. Here’s everything you need to know about buying the best replacement headlight assembly—from the most reliable brands to what features you should look for in your new lights.

What are aftermarket headlights?

Aftermarket describes any product that isn’t an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) but works with it. An aftermarket product, in this case, a headlight, is made by a different company than your car’s maker; you may often see references to them as replacement headlights. They shouldn’t be confused with headlight bulbs. Every aftermarket headlight assembly has three components: a lamp holder, lenses, and reflectors to do its job effectively. Bulbs usually aren’t included in these categories because they are replaced much more frequently than other headlight components. So why do people and auto body shops often choose aftermarket over OEM? They’re usually less expensive than OEM parts and are just as reliable.  

Why should I get these as replacements for my vehicle?

Replacing your car’s stock automatic headlights with aftermarket versions can be a good idea for two main reasons: one, they tend to offer more functionality than standard-issue headlights, and two, they can help you customize your car according to your tastes. It’s also worth noting that replacing your headlights with aftermarket ones is an upgrade for any vehicle. Don’t let anybody tell you differently! However, certain cars will benefit more from aftermarket parts than others. If your current headlights don’t work correctly or aren’t very powerful (which happens a lot), it might be time to think about a change and switch to aftermarket headlights. If you do decide to replace your vehicle’s stock headlights with new aftermarket ones, remember to compare prices and reviews online so that you can get high-quality parts without breaking the bank.

Are aftermarket headlights legal to buy in the USA?

Aftermarket headlights are becoming more popular to buy. But are they legal? That’s a good question, and it could depend on your jurisdiction. The best way to find out if aftermarket automatic headlight kits are legal in your area is to check local laws where you live because the rules governing this often change. Some states have regulations for aftermarket headlights. For instance, California has strict regulations that require headlights to be marked with the manufacturer’s name. If you buy your headlights from another state, they may be illegal.

Similarly, if you buy your headlights online or from other vendors, they may not be certified for use in your state. If you’re unsure of the laws in your state, check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles. Also, consider using one of the online services that offer to check your vehicle for compliance with local regulations. When in doubt, the DMV and DOT should be your go-to resources.

Things to consider before choosing new replacement headlights for your vehicle 

  1. Make sure that your new headlights are bright enough for your area (i.e., high beams vs. low beams) 
  2. Don’t forget safety considerations – do you need extra beams? 
  3. Can you install them yourself, and will it be quick and easy?
  4. Consider whether or not it’s easier to go with standard halogen bulbs or something more exotic like xenon lights, which produce brighter light with less energy consumption. 
  5. Don’t forget about warranty information – what does it cover and what is left out. 
  6. Do some research on aftermarket brands in your region to see who has a good reputation in customer service and product quality. Talk to friends or relatives that have recently had their headlights replaced, as well as check online reviews before making a final decision.

Need high-quality aftermarket headlights? We’ve got you covered! Buy from us to save time and money!

Are you looking for superior-quality aftermarket headlights? Then look no further; we are here to help. With over 15 years of experience in the aftermarket auto parts industry, we can assure you that our products are of the highest quality with the best prices suitable for every pocket. We at Karparts Direct are one of the Los Angeles auto parts stores offering various aftermarket headlights in different sizes and designs to meet your requirements. Call us today or send us an email for a fast quote!

Oct 30
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car vehicle radiator

4 Parts to Check If the Car’s Cooling Fan Isn’t Working – Our Guide

By Aftermarket

Your car’s cooling fan may look a little insignificant, and you may overlook it most of the time. Keep in mind that automotive fans, however, play an important role in your vehicle. It essentially cools the radiator, which prevents overheating. 

For this reason, you must fix your radiator fan immediately if you notice an issue arising. Not attending to it may lead to severe damage that can be costly. The good thing is that a few common cooling fan problems have an easy fix. All it takes is to check some important parts or components and do the needful.

How the car’s cooling fan works

As mentioned, the car’s fan cools the radiator by drawing the air in and over the radiator, which cools the coolant that flows through the engine. However, know that you can still operate your vehicle without a cooling fan. At that point, the air will still flow in via the radiator shroud when the fan no longer works. However, the flow rate and air temperature will depend on the vehicle’s speed. On an empty road, the airflow will be sufficient for the car to remain cool. In heavy traffic, however, chances are that the airflow may be restricted, which can result in the following: overheating and head gasket failure. 

Below are four things to check when your car’s cooling system isn’t optimal.

1. Fan wiring

The first part to check is the fan wiring when the fan isn’t working. Start by unplugging the positive and negative feed wires (should put out approximately 12 volts DC). Then, check to see if there’s current available with a voltmeter. If not, look at the wires and the fan relay under the car’s hood. If there’s a voltage from the radiator fan main relay, the fan may be faulty and must be replaced.

2. Temperature sensor

The sensor reads the system’s temperature and determines when to turn the fan on. If it isn’t functioning properly, chances are that the fan won’t turn on, and the vehicle may overheat as a result. That said, check the sensor found in the thermostat cover. Do so by disconnecting the wiring from the sensor and touching them together. If the fan starts, it only means that the sensor needs replacement.

3. Coolant level

Apart from the temperature sensor, the coolant level needs to be checked and assessed as well. Look at the reservoir and make sure it is marked within the minimum and maximum levels. The levels should be at or near the maximum mark to prevent engine overheating.

4. Fan clutch

The fan clutch shouldn’t be ignored as well, as it keeps the fan on the engine and helps it turn. Chances are that the springs within the fan clutch may corrode or wear out over time. If all other parts seem to be working normally, then the fan’s failure is most likely caused by the clutch. If it indeed is the culprit, it should be replaced immediately.

Regular car inspection, including on the cooling fan, is paramount to the vehicle’s lifespan. If the cooling fan stops working, make sure to check the parts mentioned above. If it’s already old, cracked, and dry, it is vital that you replace it immediately. 

Keep in mind that the cooling fan is one of your vehicle’s most vital parts. Without it, your engine will overheat very quickly and spoil it as a result.

If you are looking for direct auto body parts in Los Angeles, get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help.

Mar 17
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Do Aftermarket Car Parts Have the Same Quality as OEM Parts?

By Aftermarket, OEM

When you go to the dealer for a car repair, you’ll almost always get parts from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). On the other hand, visiting an independent car repair shop will give you a choice between OEM and aftermarket parts. 

Picking between these parts requires careful consideration of the benefits and drawbacks of each option.

OEM Parts

The same manufacturer who made the original part also makes the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) vehicle parts. Many car and truck companies offer several tiers of the parts, including the highest quality ones that only they make.

These parts carry a warranty, usually for twelve months or 12,000 to 50,000 miles, and vehicle owners can purchase them directly from the manufacturer or a car dealer. OEM parts are designed to fit the vehicle, and the car’s computer system recognizes them automatically.

Aftermarket Parts

Aftermarket car body parts serve to fit a number of vehicles and are not made by the same car manufacturer. For example, a different manufacturer or a company that reverse-engineered a part that the car uses can make these parts. 

These are usually less expensive than OEM parts, and some aftermarket parts are quite similar to OEM parts in appearance, fit, and function. However, you need to be careful about scrutinizing the quality of aftermarket parts as it varies widely. 

A study commissioned by the Department of Transportation found that nearly half of all recalls were for aftermarket parts in some cases. In other words, aftermarket parts are not always a good choice for your car. 

Some examples of aftermarket parts include:

  • Brake shoes
  • Sensors
  • Alternators
  • Belts and hoses
  • Headlight bulbs
  • Air filters
  • Valvetrain components
  • Drive axles
  • Fuel pumps

What Makes Aftermarket Parts Different?

Several factors make aftermarket parts different from OEM parts. Aftermarket parts are not always designed to fit the vehicle. Auto manufacturers often use parts designed to fit a wide range of cars, which results in problems if the aftermarket part doesn’t fit your specific vehicle. 

In addition, aftermarket part manufacturers don’t have to go through the rigorous testing that OEM parts must pass to be certified as safe and legal for use.

For these reasons, aftermarket parts are not always as safe as OEM parts, and they are not always made of high-quality materials. Sometimes, aftermarket parts don’t last as long as the original parts.

How to Choose between OEM and Aftermarket Parts

If you are faced with choosing between an aftermarket and OEM part, you must weigh the quality and cost of the parts and decide whether it is worth the gamble to select an aftermarket option. You can do this by considering a few things:

  • Look into the Warranty

OEM parts usually come with a warranty. As long as it is within the warranty period, you can get the part replaced if it is defective. 

For example, if your alternator breaks, you can get a new one from the manufacturer under warranty. On the other hand, aftermarket parts usually do not carry a warranty. If you receive a part that doesn’t work, you have no recourse for a refund or replacement.

  • Consider the Difference in Quality

OEM parts usually have higher quality than aftermarket parts. In some cases, aftermarket parts are as high quality as OEM parts. In general, however, it makes sense to choose OEM parts unless you have a specific reason to go with aftermarket ones.

How to Know if Parts Are OEM or Aftermarket

Unfortunately, there are no reliable ways to distinguish between OEM and aftermarket parts. In some cases, the parts are labeled as either OEM or aftermarket. For example, aftermarket fuel pumps are often marked on the box. However, in other circumstances, there is no way to tell what you are getting.

Conclusion

In most situations, it is best to go with OEM parts. This can help you ensure that the part will fit your vehicle and last for a long time. On the other hand, you can also opt for aftermarket car parts because of their benefits. In this case, make sure you choose a supplier with reliable service and an outstanding reputation. If you need aftermarket auto body parts in Los Angeles, go to Kar Parts Direct. We are your one-stop-shop for CAPA and aftermarket body parts. Check out our products today!

Mar 04
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Car bumper - rear-end collision

Why a Car Bumper Replacement is Necessary After a Rear-End Collision

By Aftermarket

Why a Car Bumper Replacement is Necessary After a Collision

If you were recently in a collision, your car’s bumper might have incurred some form of damage, and you’re wondering if you should fix it or replace it. Consider the following reasons why you should replace your bumper rather than fix it.

  1. Cracks and Dents Impair the Structural Integrity of the Bumper

If an accident damaged or dented your bumper, the damage might appear to be minor. However, even minor cracks and dents can compromise the bumper’s structural integrity.

When the bumper is damaged, it is no longer a solid component capable of withstanding collision. Even if you repair the bumper, it will no longer be as strong as it once was.

If another accident occurs, the bumper will not be able to absorb the impact. This failure to absorb the force may cause additional damage to your vehicle’s body.

  1. Damaged Hooks Make the Bumper Unstable

The bumper contains a lot of hardware that enables it to stay connected to your car. These hardware pieces include brackets, fasteners, and clips.

If any hardware is missing or damaged, the bumper could become loose and unstable, affecting the car’s aerodynamic efficiency.

If the bumper becomes loose, it could potentially come off while driving. When this happens, the bumper will serve as a hazard, so you would have to replace it.

  1. Cracked and Dented Bumpers Are Unsightly

Damaged bumpers look unsightly. If you choose to fix the bumper instead of replacing it, it may be difficult to repair it to its original condition because the repair may look uneven.

Cracks and dents make the bumper challenging to paint, and if you paint it, the repair will be noticeable. If you have scratches on the bumper, you would likely need to repaint the bumper for a uniform finish.

  1. Repaired Bumpers May Affect Your Car’s Value

Even if you use the best paint and materials, you cannot repair a damaged bumper to its original condition.

When you decide to sell your car after being damaged in a collision, the repaired bumper will hurt your car’s resale value. When potential buyers notice the repair, they may view the damage as an indication of other issues with the car.

  1. The Bumper Damage Might Compromise Future Insurance Claims

Suppose you decide to repair your damaged bumper instead of replacing it. In that case, you should know that the repair might affect your ability to get your car fixed or replaced if the bumper sustains additional damage in another collision.

The insurance company may not completely cover the cost of repairing your bumper because the damage was pre-existing. This means that you would have to pay for the repair yourself. The insurance company will conduct a thorough inspection of your car to determine whether the damage was done in the collision that generated your claim.

If the insurance company finds that the damage was pre-existing, you may have to pay higher deductibles and bear other costs to increase the amount you pay for your claim.

Conclusion

A car’s bumper provides essential protection to a car’s radiator, engine, and other sensitive components. After a collision, your car’s bumper may look fine, even though it is severely damaged.

If you are the one who caused the damage, you have to pay for the damages. Otherwise, your insurance company will likely not cover the damage. If you are in an auto accident and the damage was not your fault, the other party is responsible for the cost of repairs.

Get quality aftermarket auto body parts in Los Angeles at Kar Parts Direct. We have been in the industry for over 15 years. Our one-stop shop has everything you need for your car. Get in touch with us!

Feb 24
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What Should You Check on Your Car After a Collision

By Aftermarket

When your vehicle undergoes a collision, you need to make sure that everything is going okay with every part of your car. Even if you don’t think it has significant damage, you could end up with further problems, costs, and risks if you don’t make sure everything is in good condition.

Thankfully, you can easily get collision replacement parts to get your vehicle back in working order. You just have to make sure that you check on every crucial component so that you don’t miss anything. Read up on the parts you should check after an incident.

The Hood

When your car undergoes a collision, you can expect that you might have some problems with the hood. This is because the hood will bear the brunt of the impact when your car gets hit by another vehicle.

You should check to see if the hood has dents or if any parts of it are missing. Even if it doesn’t look like that big of a deal, there could be more extensive problems, like a malfunctioning hood safety catch.

The Doors

Your doors are a crucial component of your vehicle. In fact, your doors are the first line of defense in protecting you, your passengers, and your vehicle from harm. So, they must be in good working order.

To check on your doors, you need to make sure that they function smoothly when you go to open or close them. They need to open and close all the way, they shouldn’t stick, and they should be held firmly in place.

While you are checking on the doors, make sure to check the locks and latches to make sure that they are working correctly.

The Bumpers

Your bumper is one of the first things that can get hit if you suffer a collision. If it gets hit, then you won’t have as much protection for your radiator. If that starts to not work properly, your engine and air conditioning unit can start malfunctioning. If your vehicle has a hitch, you might want to make sure that it is in good condition as well.

The Fender

Your fenders are designed to protect your car’s paint job. If you have a fender that is dented, you will want to get the dent fixed so that you can prevent rust from forming. You will also want to make sure that your hub caps are not missing.

The fender will be the second part of your vehicle to take the brunt of impact after your bumper. Aside from safety reasons, it can be aesthetically unpleasant and will just expand.

The Headlights

Before you drive away after a collision, you will want to make sure that your headlights are in good working order. They will play a crucial role in keeping you and everyone else safe on the road.

Aside from legal requirements, your headlights are essential in helping you navigate the roads as you drive. So, make sure that every light is working and that the glass cover has no cracks.

The Steering Wheel

You should make sure that your steering wheel isn’t loose. This can make it harder to get a good grip. It can also make it more difficult to turn your vehicle and control it while driving.

If the collision triggered your airbags, you should also get them replaced right away. You also want to get the mechanism checked to see if it needs repairs.

Conclusion

If you have already had a collision incident, then it is important that you know how to thoroughly check on your car. If you need aftermarket auto body parts, a professional can help you find the right fit and do the installation.

Kar Parts Direct is your one-stop shop for all your collision replacement parts. Contact us today to get a quote!

Feb 17
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Everything You need to Know About Aftermarket Car Parts

By Aftermarket

If you’re looking for some inexpensive car parts, why not try aftermarket parts? Many people don’t understand the difference between stock and aftermarket parts. In this post, you’ll understand the differences between the two and the advantages of aftermarket parts.

What are Aftermarket Car Parts?

Aftermarket parts are any non-original car parts you install onto your vehicle. This can include aftermarket brakes, air filters, tires, shocks, and many more. These parts are often cheaper than the stock parts and often available in a wider selection of styles and colors.

Aftermarket parts are popular for a variety of reasons. Some people simply prefer the style of aftermarket parts or the fact that there are more options available. Others buy aftermarket parts because they cost less than the stock parts.

OEM vs. Genuine Parts

There are a few terms when it comes to aftermarket and OEM parts. The first is OEM, which stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. This refers to the original parts or components that came with the car.

Aftermarket parts are known as “genuine” parts because the same manufacturers often produce them as the OEM parts. Genuine parts are a popular choice for many people, as they often save them a significant amount of money. If you are looking for quality, cost-effective, genuine parts are for you.

The Advantages of Aftermarket Parts

There are several advantages to using aftermarket parts.

  • Availability

First and foremost, aftermarket parts are available almost anywhere. They are much more readily available than the original parts that came with the vehicle. If the car manufacturer doesn’t produce a particular car part, you are out of luck. However, you can find that exact part on the internet or at your local auto parts store.

  • Quality & Performance

Many aftermarket parts are just as durable and functional as the OEM parts. However, they are often much more affordable than the OEM parts.

Just because the part is cheaper doesn’t mean it’s not as good. Many aftermarket parts are comparable to the OEM parts in quality and performance.

  • Safety

Aftermarket parts are usually just as safe as the OEM parts. Most aftermarket parts are made with the same materials as the OEM parts. This means that they are durable and will protect the vehicle from damage.

The same manufacturers produce many aftermarket parts as the original parts. This means that they meet the same standards of quality and safety.

  • Design

Many aftermarket parts are produced in different styles and colors than the OEM parts. If you don’t like the look of the stock parts, you should consider aftermarket parts.

Many aftermarket parts are available in a variety of styles and designs. This can include different colors and styles of air conditioning vents, transmission knobs, and much more.

The Bottomline

Aftermarket parts are a great choice for those looking to save money on car parts. Many of these parts are produced by the same companies as the OEM parts, which means that they are just as good. If you are looking for affordability and design, aftermarket parts are a great choice.

Get quality aftermarket auto body parts in Los Angeles at Kar Parts Direct. We have been in the industry for over 15 years. Our one-stop shop has everything you need for your car. Get in touch with us!

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