Aftermarket

It’s one thing to own a car; it’s another to maintain it. When your vehicle is hitting the road almost every day, it is subjected to wear and tear fast. Minor issues may soon arise, even major ones that need to be addressed immediately. That’s why getting your car serviced from time to time is imperative.

When it boils down to getting your car serviced or repaired, finding the best car maintenance professional can make a difference. Here are five practical tips when you’re on the lookout for a car repair expert:

1. Ask for proper certification

There’s a huge difference between a mechanic and someone with proper certification. The first can get your auto repair done as usual; the latter will ensure that your car is in top shape and working condition. You can expect from a certified car professional to have undergone proper training and earned substantial knowledge about cars. Make sure to check for the certification if you must.

2. Conduct physical examination and test for competency

If you have a few prospects, why not have them conduct a physical examination? While you’re at it, test for the competency. For instance, you can give a small job and see how the professional will pull off the work. From there, you can gauge his qualifications, ability to work, and overall efficiency. If you’re happy with the result, you might eventually get your car completely serviced.

3. Check the specific services offered

When it comes to auto maintenance and repair, there is a wide range of services being offered. That is because a car consists of various parts and components. Some car professionals are experts who can tackle different car services. Others are specialized in particular areas. That given, you have to check what specific problem your car has and what specific service you need. From there, you’ll be able to decide on the right car expert for you.

4. Check other specialized skills or services

In line with the services being provided, you may as well check other specialized services that they offer. See what added skills your car professional can possibly perform. Apart from changing oil, fixing tires, or repairing the brake system, you may want a professional who can handle things, such as overhauling, wheel alignment, and similar works. These may be actual auto services that your car needs. Make sure to ask and see if they can deliver.

5. Go beyond aesthetics and look for functionality

At this point, you have to go beyond the aesthetics. Just because the auto shop looks promising, and it sells car parts and components, it doesn’t mean you can rely on it totally. Know that when it comes to getting your car serviced or repaired, it’s about functionality. You may want to get the best car expert who can ensure the overall functionality of your vehicle.

Conclusion

When it comes to getting your car serviced, it’s easy to search online or drop by the nearest auto shop without giving it much thought. What many car owners fail to realize is the fact that the car repair expert can contribute to the performance, efficiency, and longevity of your car. Follow some of the practical tips mentioned above and choose the best car repair expert for the good of your much-valued vehicle. Additionally, get quality auto parts to ensure further the effectiveness of the car repair or maintenance service.

We are your one-stop-shop for all your aftermarket auto body parts needs in Los Angeles. Get in touch with us to view our products.

Vehicles aren’t a necessity, but they provide everyone a superior convenience compared to public transportation. Your vehicle requires routine maintenance from time to time, and it is crucial to use factory equivalent parts every time a part gets replaced during repair. Original equipment manufacturer or OEM parts increase the chances of getting the best outcome because they are produced by the automaker or a partner factory as replicas found in new vehicles.

Inexpensive replacement parts are available on the internet with a simple click, but it can cause severe damage to your vehicle in the long run. To keep your vehicle in its best condition, head to your nearby auto service center to buy OEM parts for your car if needed.

In this article, you’ll discover several vital points that make quality OEM replacements parts worth the buy.

Safest Option As Guaranteed by the Manufacturer

Unofficial auto parts producers do not hold the same level of responsibility as the first automakers or their partners in terms of the safety quality of their products. You can purchase cheaper parts for your vehicle, but it may not be strong enough. Because of that, aftermarket parts have a short life span because they can breakdown and possibly cause an accident. Please purchase factory auto parts to replace defective parts to keep you and your passengers safe.

Made with Quality in Mind

The materials used in cheaper spare parts are not the same as their factory counterparts, so they break faster than OEM products. Low-quality parts have poor performance and can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, which makes it more expensive in the long run.

New vehicles are produced to meet ridiculous amounts of consumer and government regulations as mandated by law. If your car needs repair or maintenance, OEM parts ensure your vehicle passes these standards. On the other hand, the spare parts that have prices that are too good to true fail quickly, which makes your car unpredictable. You’re back with the same problem, but you just spent money on something that just promptly broke. 

Correct-Fit Auto Parts

One problem with cheaper alternatives is the instances that do not fit properly. Producers of aftermarket spare parts create models that are versatile for a variety of vehicles. Because of that, you may have to modify a part of your car to make it fit properly. Using OEM parts lessens the hassle gives you pieces that will fit right away without any trouble. You will undoubtedly waste your time with cheap parts, and OEM parts make the repair much faster and smoother.

If you want to maintain your vehicle’s best performance and integral safety features, tell the mechanics to use quality replacement parts during repair or maintenance. With OEM parts to replace your car, it will look good as new because high-quality replacements are set to meet industry standards. It’s easy to buy auto body parts near you, but make sure you’re scrutinizing every detail. After all, the safety of your car, family, and wellbeing are directly affected by the quality of the spare parts you use.

If you need to procure aftermarket parts for your vehicle in Los Angeles, get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help.

When it comes to taking the DIY route in fixing your car, you will need to purchase automotive parts and components and install them yourself. When looking for car parts and components, however, you will want to make sure that you get quality parts at the lowest price possible.

For this reason, you might go straight to car dealers or an automotive aftermarket to look at your available choices. Know that seeking for car parts and components at a lower price from an automotive aftermarket is a viable option. However, you need to invest in a reputable source to ensure that you obtain only quality parts and components.

That said, here are three practical tips in buying parts and components from an automotive aftermarket.

1. Strike a balance between quality parts and the best prices

When looking for automotive parts and components, you have to look into two crucial factors – quality parts and reasonable prices.

Quality parts: You need to ensure that car parts and components have no underlying defects, whether water pumps, alternators, CV axles, power steering pumps, or starters. They ought to be in working condition and are best suited for your car type.

Best prices: You have to shop around to find the best prices for car parts and components. However, make sure that you don’t compare parts that won’t be usable for your car. You also have to go for affordable prices and get exactly what you pay for.

Ultimately, aim to strike a balance between quality parts and reasonable prices when making a purchase decision.

2. Never order parts from unknown sellers or sources

When it comes to ordering parts and components from an automotive aftermarket, do not make transactions with unknown sellers or sources at all costs. When dealing with parts suppliers, make sure to check the following:

Their contact number
Their complete address
Their site’s return policy

In the end, it’s better to be wary than sorry, particularly when it comes to dealing with an automotive aftermarket supplier.

3. Check the reputation and credibility of auction sites

Auction sites such as E-bay may be your best bet for finding parts and components. Before you purchase, however, make sure to check the reputation and credibility of your prospective sites. When using an auction site, factor in the following:

Its timely delivery
Its exact parts described in the listing
Its customer service rating
Its condition as stated by the seller, in terms of items.

Because of these factors, you have to do a little research online and check for customer reviews. When all aspects check out, only then can you take the plunge.

Final words

Dealing with a supplier in an automotive market for your car parts and components can be a bit tricky. However, it can be easier if you take the right steps and make the right decisions. Make sure to follow the practical tips outlined above so that you will be guided accordingly and make the right automotive part selection and purchase decision for your vehicle’s needs.

If you’re looking for an alternator or any other aftermarket auto body parts in Los Angeles, check out our wide range of selections and place your order right away.

Driving a car is an experience that entails having to ask oneself all sorts of questions daily. Every car comes with its own set of unique nooks and crannies that require varying degrees of attention and proper working knowledge.

One of the questions that you probably have in mind is: How long will my alternator last?

The main reason the question of alternator lifespans has become important in recent years is that more drivers find themselves in a frightening situation wherein they hear a clicking sound when turning their cars on. However, the main culprit isn’t as frightening as you might expect: it’s your alternator.

By knowing your alternator’s lifespan, you can save yourself from a bad situation and prevent any problems from occurring at the most inconvenient of times. Instead of having to drive out in fear of ending up as a sitting duck in the middle of the freeway and putting yourself in danger, knowing how long your alternator will last can prevent that.

To answer the main question at hand, a good-quality alternator is expected to last you anywhere between 100,000 and 150,000 miles.

It is worth noting, however, that the 100,000 to 150,000 mark won’t always apply as there are some cases wherein alternators can go out long before they get to those numbers. As easy as it may be to spot an alternator problem, taking the initiative to prevent it from happening in the first place is an entirely different story.

To prevent yourself from getting stuck in the middle of nowhere with a dead alternator, let’s first brush up on everything that you need to know about the situation:

How can you spot a dying alternator before it catches you off-guard?

There are different ways to spot the signs that your alternator is about to meet its end. However, the DEAD method has been proven to be the most reliable approach. If you’ve come to grow quite concerned over the health of your car’s alternator, here are the main signs to watch out for:

D – Dimming headlights that continue to weaken over time until your alternator completely goes out
E – Electrical issues, such as flickering lights on your dashboard or radio malfunctions
A – Abnormal noises when you start up your car
D – Dead battery and a stalling engine that fails to keep the flow of power consistent when you hit the throttle—also known as the signs that immediate replacement is needed

Can I prevent my alternator from going kaput and prolong its life?

Generally speaking, there’s no way that you can effectively lengthen the lifespan of your alternator’s lifespan as each of them is bound to expire upon reaching 100,000 to 150,000 miles. The best way to save yourself from the inconvenience of a busted alternator, however, is to use the DEAD method above and swap your worn-out alternator with a replacement from a reputable supplier, such as Kar Parts.

Final thoughts

Dealing with a dead or dying alternator can often prove to be one of the most inconvenient experiences when driving a car. Nonetheless, by taking the right steps toward identifying the warning signs of a dying alternator, you can save yourself a lot of trouble and time at an instant.

If you’re looking for an alternator or any other aftermarket auto body parts in Los Angeles, check out our wide range of selections and place your order right away.

The taillights are a part of the lighting system of a vehicle that is attached to the rear part of a vehicle. They come in pairs – both left and right, having different types and various functions.

Their primary role of the taillights is for the safety of the drivers on the road. The red lights on the back are indicators of driving functions. They serve to prevent confusion among drivers on the road and alert other motorists of your intents. These lights signal braking, turning, and the shape and position of the vehicle. You can also illuminate the hazard lights in case of an emergency situation.

Unfortunately, many drivers fail to check both the front lights and taillights of a vehicle until they fail or and an accident occurs. That said, pay particular attention to your car’s tail lights as well. Below are three practical tips on how to check and fix your vehicle’s taillights. Keep on reading to find out more.

1. Testing your taillights

Testing the tail lights of your car is imperative before you begin your journey. To do this, you need a helper to see whether or not the lights are working. The best time to do this is at night when it’s much easier to see.

Make sure the tail lights brighten and remain on for two occasions: (1) when you step on the brakes, and (2) when the headlights are illuminated. Furthermore, you have to perform a visual check of the tails lights themselves to see any cracks, dry rotted seals, and leaks. Be wary of oxidation as it’s challenging to correct and requires replacements. All these steps are crucial in maintaining the long-term value of your car and of your safety on the road.

2. Replacing taillight bulbs

It should go without saying that you should replace your tail light bulbs if they are no longer working. Know that removing the bulbs is relatively simple and easy. All you have to do is to unclip the electrical pigtail wiring and carefully remove it from the bulb. The bulb automatically twists, and you can simply remove it from the metal contact housing.

Take note, however, that you should not touch the new bulbs with your bare hands. This is because the natural oils on your skin can create hotspots when the bulb is on, which can significantly reduce the lifespan of the tail light bulbs of your vehicle.

3. Replacing taillight assemblies

The tail light assembly is the group of lights mounted on the rear-end of your vehicle. The fittings for the tail light assemblies are usually concealed behind the trunk interior material liner. You will have to lift the trunk interior material liner, expose a couple of nuts, and remove them so that you can have access to the assembly. When all the retaining nuts are removed, the old assembly should pop right out. Then, you can have the new assembly positioned into place.

Ultimately, it is perilous to overlook the maintenance of your vehicle’s taillights. Follow the practical tips outlined above on how to test your tail lights, and replace the light bulbs and the assemblies. If you are looking for aftermarket auto body parts in Los Angeles, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

Safety on the road is always a top priority for you and the other drivers on the road. As much as possible, you don’t want to bump into other vehicles or get your car collided due to poor visibility. It can be all the more problematic at night, during a rainstorm, in a foggy area, or other poor weather conditions. That’s why, apart from all other safety measures, you’ll do what it takes to keep your vehicle as visible as possible, even in unlikely situations.

That said, below are five practical tips on how you can keep your vehicle’s visibility better at night. Keep on reading to find out more.

Keep your vehicle clean at all times

Know that keeping your vehicle clean is helps to improve its visibility. In fact, the colors of the vehicle’s parts and components can even impact its visibility. Apart from this, however, you will want to make sure that there’s no obstruction to the vehicle’s lights. That said, keep your headlights, brake lights, and taillight as clean as possible, so it’s easy for other drivers to spot your vehicle at night. Make sure to remove mud, leaves, or snow from the lights before driving. Also, remember to remove ice and snow from the windows so that you can see pedestrians and other vehicles while you’re driving.

Examine the lights on your vehicle.

Apart from cleaning the vehicle’s lights, it is vital to ensure they are correctly positioned. For one, aiming the headlights in the proper angles gives optimal visibility. This is why you must make sure to check online information or booklet instructions on how to do so. If not, you can seek help from a knowledgeable friend. If you notice that your vehicle’s lights are burned out, replace them immediately for the best visibility at night.

Install a backup camera

Another vital step is to have a backup camera installed in your vehicle, which helps you see better while driving. It is all the more useful when you have a larger vehicle that makes it difficult to see obstacles on the roads, such as pedestrians or smaller vehicles. You should know how to use the backup camera efficiently, so make sure to practice driving the vehicle in a parking lot before driving on a busy street.

Drive safely in foggy conditions

Know that driving in foggy conditions at night can be dangerous. During such circumstances, your visibility will undoubtedly decline, making it difficult to navigate on the road, and leading to possible danger. For this reason, you must know how to drive safely in foggy conditions. In foggy conditions, remember to decrease your driving speed significantly. If you cannot use your vehicle’s fog or driving lights, use your vehicle’s headlights on the low beam instead.

Enhance your visual acuity

It’s vital to improve your visual acuity while driving, particularly if you have sight issues. For instance, if you have eye problems, make sure to wear your eyeglasses or contact lenses to help you see better when driving. If you start having difficulty seeing at night, then visit an optometrist for an eye examination.

Keeping your vehicle highly visible is one step to foster safety while traveling on the road. As suggested above, it’s best to keep your vehicle clean, examine its lights, install a backup camera, drive safely in foggy conditions, and enhance your visual acuity. All these steps will make a difference in keeping you safe on the road, especially during the night.

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