Essential Car Parts You Should Know About

 Have you ever been panicked by the sight of a check engine light or a due for maintenance warning sign? While we advise that you need not panic, we at Toyota of Orlando understand why you would. Upon taking your vehicle into the shop what you thought was a simple oil change could easily turn into a huge expense. But, we believe that knowledge is power and that you can circumvent the panic and distrust by knowing what's what under your car's hood. 

At Toyota of Orlando we pride ourselves on our auto service technicians and their honesty to every guest. Unfortunately you might not always be able to acquire our car care services and need to make do with other auto mechanics. To make sure you get the service you need, check out these common car parts and their functions so you know what's going on when you check engine light illuminates. 

Common Car Parts You Should Know About

1) Camshaft

Your engine works by using a variety of valves to regulate the flow of fuel mixture during the ignition process. This ensures that your engine doesn't catch fire and that the right amount of fuel is ignited when necessary. This Orlando car part does not typically need to be replaced, but they can be damaged if your vehicle is low on oil. 

2) Heater Core

While we don't often need to use the heating function of our cars here in Orlando, but you can thank your heater core for the occasional winter day when you need warmth. This car part operates similarly to a car radiator and sits behind the dashboard. 

3) Power Window Switch

Unless you're a 90s kid, you might not remember using crank windows too fondly. Luckily, the power window switch car part is there to help you out. Unfortunately, this car part can run into issues when plagued by dust and dirt or it can break when aged. 

4) Wiper Motor

In the rainy Orlando area, we can't emphasize enough how important it is to use your windshield wipers. However, you can't use your wipers without the crucial auto part, the wiper motor. If this part stops working you can kiss your clear view goodbye. 

5) Axle/CV Shaft

This auto part takes power from the differential and distributes it to the driving wheels. This car part is encased in something like a rubber boot that might need to be replaced every so often. These are often needed to be replaced before the shafts themselves. 

6) Mass Airflow Sensor

Your engine, while I giant mass of metal and fire, is also a perfect example of balance and timing at work. Your mass airflow sensor is an integral auto part that operates the flow of air into your Orlando Toyota engine to allow your engine to create power. 

7) Shock Absorbers

Without your shock absorbers there to cushion the blow, driving would be terribly uncomfortable. This Orlando car part acts as a barrier between the imperfections of the road and your vehicle. Because of the amount of punishment they take these auto parts will often need to be replaced. 

8) Ignition Coil

Your ignition coil send voltage to the spark plugs which creates the spark needed for combustion to occur and power your vehicle. This car part can wear out over time and will need to be replaced to avoid misfires or bad startups. 

9) Muffler

Without something to quiet the sound of your vehicle's engine, you'd get pretty annoyed rather quickly by the sound. That's where your Orlando Toyota muffler comes in. This car part quiets the sound of your car engine. 

10) A/C Compressor

Without your compressor, your A/C wouldn't work properly and keep you cool during the warmer times in Orlando. If you're having issues with your a/c, you'll likely need to have the compressor checked. 

Still have questions on these car parts and others you should know about? Reach out to us at Toyota of Orlando at 3575 Vineland Road or by chatting with us online!