C & J Auto Parts

4 Mechanical Car Parts to Buy Used Instead of New

Buying used auto parts offers a range of advantages. The first advantage is the difference in price. A new, original equipment manufacturer part usually comes at a high cost, even compared to new aftermarket parts. The same part bought used will generally cost less than either of these options. This gives you the advantage of having high quality at a good price.

Used auto parts most often come from vehicles that were involved in an accident, and classified as a total loss. This is great for anyone buying used parts due to the way insurance works. A vehicle is declared a total loss when an insurance company determines that the cost of repair outweighs the current market value of the vehicle. This is common because of the cost of auto body work. The end result is many vehicles in great condition going to junkyards due to body damage in just one area. This leaves an array of original manufacturer parts still in good condition. Here are four parts that can serve particularly well when purchased used:

Starters

Starters are located where the engine meets the transmission on a vehicle. This is one of the most protected areas on a vehicle, and because of this starters are usually left in perfect condition after an accident.

Alternators

Alternators are generally connected to the actual engine of a vehicle. This leaves most alternators protected during accidents. This is also one part that will save you a lot when bought used, as new alternators are very costly.

Air Compressors

Air compressors are also attached to the engine, which means they are often well protected in an accident. They are also generally found in good condition because air conditioning is usually only used in the summer.

Power-Steering Pumps

Power steering pumps are very simple in design, and therefore do not wear out quickly. Similar to the alternator and air compressor, the power steering pump is generally attached to the engine.

You can find all of these auto parts in Chicago at C & J Auto Parts. Contact us online or give us a call at (877) 370-6341.

How To Save Money Buying Car Parts

Used auto parts offer a great solution to saving money without sacrificing quality. The way in which vehicles become salvaged leaves most of the vehicle is great condition. If the front fender and hood of a car are damaged, there is no reason to let the rest go to waste—especially if it is a brand-new vehicle.

If you have never been to a junkyard or purchased used auto parts, then the idea may seem foreign. It’s actually easy and a good salvage shop will be more than willing to help you find the parts you need. In fact, you do not even need to go in to a junkyard—used part requests can be made over the phone or online. Check out this video for a look at a junkyard and all the types of parts and services they provide.

C & J Auto Parts has been specializing in used auto parts in Chicago for years. Call us at (877) 370-6341 or reach us online for more information.

Essential Car Maintenance Procedures You Can Do Yourself

Working on your car at home is easy with the vast amount of information on the internet, and with new and used auto parts available locally. There are a number of procedures of varying difficulty that can be done right in your own garage or driveway. Here is a look at a few examples:

Oil Changes

Changing a vehicle’s motor oil is the most commonly performed maintenance procedure. The frequency that the oil should be changed and the type of motor oil that should be used for a vehicle can be found in the owner’s manual, online, or from the dealer.

Filter Changes

Generally, the air filter should be changed every 12,000 miles. The fuel filter should be changed around the same interval, and is usually found on the underside of the vehicle. Fuel filter replacement is more complicated than air filter replacement, and extreme caution should be taken when working around gasoline.

Belt Replacement

If your timing belt is installed wrong when it is changed, it can mess up the entire engine. When comparing different belts, the alternator best would be the best choice to make, partially because they are the easiest to install on most cars. However, many of the newer vehicles have one belt that performs all functions.

Brake Replacement

Most modern vehicles utilize disc-brakes, which consist of a rotor and brake pad. Brakes pads wear out faster than the rotor, but they are also easier to replace. Always buy high-quality brake components, and don’t forget to order wear sensors if the vehicle needs them.

Fluid Flushes

Aside from motor oil, most vehicles use transmission fluid, brake fluid, power-steering fluid, and coolant. All of these are generally easy to change except for transmission fluid. Modern vehicles often use sealed transmissions which require the fluid to be pumped in.

Spark Plugs

The most important aspect of changing spark plugs is using the correct plugs, making sure the “gap” is properly measured, and tightening them to the correct torque setting. Some spark plug manufacturers gap the spark plug for you, but it is wise to double check to make sure it is correct.  A good practice is to lightly coat the threads with petroleum jelly when installing the new ones.

C & J Auto Parts stocks new and used auto parts in Chicago for a wide variety of vehicles. Give us a call at (877) 370-6341 for more information.

Learn More About Your Car!

Staying aware of how your vehicle runs will help you notice small issues before they become big ones. You’ll also be able to see the benefits that regular maintenance creates. Keeping your automobile running strong is easy with the variety of new and used auto parts in Chicago that are available. Check out some ways to keep your vehicle in top shape: 

• The first step to improving fuel economy and increasing vehicle longevity is refining your driving habits. Take a look at some advice the U.S. Department of Energy has on better driving.
• Detailing your vehicle and keeping it clean is good for performance and also the vehicle’s body.
• Oil changes are among the most commonly performed maintenance items and are a key part of owning a vehicle. They sustain good gas mileage and keep your engine running well.
• Fuel pumps are among the many auto parts that you can buy used. Learn how to install a used fuel pump from AutoMD.com.

C & J Auto Parts has great new and used auto parts for keeping every type of automobile in great shape. Check for parts online or give us a call at (877) 370-6341.

iPhone App: Car Care

Tracking changes in your fuel economy can tell you a lot, such as whether your car is having any trouble or if your new routes are saving you on gas. Now there is an easy way to keep track of all that and more:

Car Care is an iPhone application that lets you easily track your fuel economy. With support for multiple vehicles and easy picture identification, you can track all of your vehicles at once. It shows averages, detailed graphs, and statistics to show you what changes affect fuel economy. The app also has reminders for things like oil changes and tire replacement.

Find out what kind of improvement some new or used auto parts in Chicago from C & J Auto Parts can have on your fuel economy. Call (877) 370-6341 for more information.