Encyclopedia
Your car has hundreds of components, from the headlights to the tailpipe. Click on a system to learn more about its functions and parts, and what to do if they start to go bad.
Engine
An engine is a complex mechanical device that converts one form of energy into another. The combustion process that runs inside an engine turns the chemical energy of fuel into kinetic energy, pushing the pistons down.
A-F
- Air Filter For Diesel Engines
- Balance Shaft
- Balance Shaft Belt
- Camshaft
- Camshaft Actuator
- Camshaft Position Sensor
- Carburetor
- Connecting Rod
- Coolant
- Coolant Additive for Diesel Engines
- Coolant Expansion Tank
- Cooling Fan Clutch
- Cooling Fan Motor
- Cooling Fan Operation
- Crankcase
- Crankshaft
- Crankshaft Pulley
- Crankshaft Seal
- Cylinder Head
- Diesel Engine Oil
- Diesel Fuel Filter
- Diesel Fuel Injector
- Diesel Fuel Pump
- Diesel Injection Pump
- Diesel Oil Filter
- Distributor
- Drive Belt/Fan Belt
- Drive Belt Idler Pulley
- Drive Belt Tensioner
- Drive Belt Tensioner Pulley
- Electronic Throttle Unit
- Engine Block
- Engine Control Unit
- Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
- Engine Cooling System
- Engine Cylinder
- Engine Oil
- Engine (System Overview)
- Engine Valve
- Flex Plate
- Flywheel
- Fuel Filter
- Fuel Injector
- Fuel Injector Seals
- Fuel Pressure Regulator
- Fuel Pump
- Fuel System
G-M
- Glow Plug
- Head Gasket
- Hose Clamps
- How to Tell if Your Engine's Air Filter Is Dirty
- IAC Valve
- Idle Air Bypass Kit
- Idle Speed Control Motor
- Ignition Cap and Rotor
- Ignition Coil
- Ignition Module
- Ignition System
- Lower Radiator Hose
- MAP Sensor
- Mass Airflow Sensor
- Motor (Engine) Mount
N-Z
- Oil Cooler
- Oil Drain Plug Gasket
- Oil Filter
- Oil Pan
- Oil Pan Gasket
- Oil Pressure Sensor
- Oil Pump
- PCV Filter
- PCV Hose
- PCV Valve
- Piston
- Piston Pin
- Piston Rings
- Platinum/Iridium Spark Plug
- Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System
- Radiator
- Radiator Cap
- Radiator Fan
- Rear Main Seal
- Spark Plug
- Spark Plug Wires
- Supercharger
- Thermostat
- Thermostat Gasket
- Throttle Body
- Timing Belt
- Timing Belt Idler
- Timing Belt Tensioner
- Timing Chain
- Timing Chain Tensioner
- Timing Cover
- Timing Cover Gasket
- Turbocharger
- Turbo Hose
- Upper Radiator Hose
- Vacuum Pump
- Valve Cover
- Valve Cover Gasket Set
- Water Pump
- Water Pump Gasket
Drivetrain
A drivetrain is a complex arrangement of vehicle parts and components, including an engine, transmission, drive axles and differentials, which work together to deliver power and torque generated by the engine to the drive wheels.
A-F
- Automatic Transmission Fluid
- Clutch
- Clutch Cable
- Clutch Disc
- Clutch Master Cylinder
- Clutch Pilot Bearing
- Clutch Pressure Plate
- Clutch Release Bearing
- Clutch Safety Switch
- Clutch Slave Cylinder
- CV Half Shaft Assembly
- Differential
- Drive Shaft
- Drivetrain
G-M
N-Z
Electrical and Lights
An electrical system is a general term that describes all electronic devices and systems found in the vehicle that consume electrical power to function.
A-F
- Alternator
- Battery
- Battery Cable
- Door Window Motor
- Door Window Regulator
- Electrical and Lights
- Fuse Box
G-M
- Gasket Sealer
- Headlight
- Headlight Bulb
- Hybrid Battery Control Module
- Ignition Lock Cylinder
- Ignition Switch
N-Z
Exhaust and Emissions
The exhaust system is what makes your driving comfortable and free from an extremely loud sound and poisonous fumes inside the cabin.
A-F
- Air Pump
- Air Pump Check Valve
- Canister Purge Valve
- Canister Vent Valve
- Catalytic Converter
- Charcoal Canister
- EGR Cooler
- EGR Position Sensor
- EGR Temperature Sensor
- EGR Vacuum Solenoid
- EGR Valve
- Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) System
- Evaporative Leak Detection Pump
- Exhaust and Emissions
- Exhaust Down Pipe
- Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System
- Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Gasket
- Exhaust Manifold
- Exhaust Manifold Gasket
- Exhaust Tailpipe
- Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor
G-M
- Gaskets
- How the Exhaust System Works
- Intake Manifold
- Intake Manifold Control Runner
- Intake Manifold Gasket
- Knock Sensor
- Muffler
N-Z
Heating and Air Conditioning
The HVAC system, which stands for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, serves to create and maintain your own microclimate inside the passenger compartment.
A-F
- AC/Heater Control Module
- Air Conditioner (A/C) Relay
- Air Conditioning Accumulator/Receiver-Drier
- Air Conditioning Compressor
- Air Conditioning Condenser
- Air Conditioning Dryer
- Air Conditioning Evaporator
- Air Conditioning Hose
- Air Conditioning Refrigerant
- Cabin Air Filter
- Expansion Valve
G-M
- Heater Blower Motor
- Heater Blower Motor Resistor
- Heater Control Valve
- Heater Core
- Heater Hose
- Heating and Air Conditioning
Suspension and Steering
Suspension and steering systems perform two different jobs, but share several components with each other. They are two related systems, which allow you to keep your vehicle under control, so you can enjoy your ride.
A-F
- Active Suspension
- Ball Joint
- Control Arm
- Control Arm Bushing
- CV Half Shaft Boot Kit
- Front Coil Spring
- Front Shock Absorber
- Front Sway Bar
G-M
N-Z
- Power Steering
- Power Steering Fluid
- Power Steering Pressure Hose
- Power Steering Pump
- Rear Coil Spring
- Rear Shock Absorber
- Rear Sway Bar
- Rear Trailing Arm
- Steering Column
- Steering Intermediate Shaft
- Steering Rack And Pinion
- Steering Rack Boot
- Steering Rack Bushings
- Strut Bearing
- Struts
- Suspension and Steering
- Suspension Knuckle
- Sway Bar Bushing
- Sway Bar End Link Rear
- Sway Bar End Links
- Tie Rod End
- Wheel Bearing