Every modern vehicle comes standard with an air conditioning system. This intricate mechanism is made up of many different components that all work in unison to do one job - provide cold air inside the cabin.
A/C units rely on a liquid known as refrigerant to make warm air cooler. Designed to transform the liquid into a gas, this process absorbs humidity and heat which leave only cool, dry air. The system is also responsible for controlling the pressure of the air.
While the A/C is the cooling and dehumidification element, it also requires a special filter. Created to eliminate particles and pollutants, it stops external contaminants from entering the car.
Next, the compressor serves as the power behind the unit. It the pressure into two sections. One is for low, and the other is for high. Mounted to the front of the automobile’s engine, it is moved by a serpentine belt.
The condenser is another element you should know about. It helps reduce the temperature of the refrigerant without dropping the air pressure. Positioned at the front behind the grille, it works like a radiator and uses a fan to force air movement.
If you require a multi-purpose U-Nut for your Ford vehicle, then you can have found the right piece!
Formally titled as a Fog Lamp Assembly U-Nut, this component works for many different parts on 41 models. Used to keep the elements in place, it is compatible with the following parts:
If you live in BC and need to stash your ford vehicle in storage while you travel, then you have come to the right place. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a good idea to just park your car and leave for a month. Vehicles are designed to be driven, and a lot of problems can arise if the proper steps are not taken to preserve them while you are gone.
First, you need to fill up the gas tank. While this is something you may not have thought of, it stops condensation from building up during its stationary period. You should also add a fuel stabilizing agent and go for a spin to distribute the mixture throughout the engine components.
Next, you would wash and wax the vehicle to protect the finish. Shielding it with a car cover (even if it is inside a garage) is another good idea. You can also put a vapor barrier underneath it. A 4-mil polyethylene drop cloth is recommended. Just lay it on the floor and park on top of it.
Don’t forget to disengage the parking brake to prevent corrosion. If you’re going to be gone for a really long time, you may also want to take off the wheels and raise the vehicle onto jack stands. Finally, disconnect the battery and plug the tailpipe with a rag.
If you have ever needed maintenance or repairs done to your Ford vehicle, then you have probably been asked by a mechanic if you prefer OEM or aftermarket accessories. If this question is confusing, then keep reading to find out the difference between the two terms.
Aftermarket accessories are pieces of equipment that are not included in the vehicle when it leaves the factory. Typically purchased as auto body shops or used car dealerships, these third-arty elements have been reverse engineered from the original piece. They are typically cheaper than OEM parts; however, they do not last as long. They also do not always fit properly since they are not crafted using factory specifications. This can lead to malfunctions and even significant damage to the vehicle down the road.
OEM stands for “Original Equipment Manufacturerâ€. This means that these pieces were made by the brand’s factory. They are precise replicas of the parts that need repair. When you replace a broken or worn down element with an OEM part, it will be as if it was never damaged or changed. It is as close to new as you can get.
This small piece is designed to hold a spare tire in place in its mounted position. Found in the rear compartment, it is often called a hold down, vehicle lifting jack but, or washer. It comes with a 12-month manufacturer warranty and is guaranteed to fit. Compatible with over 61 different vehicles, this element fit the following:
One of the most common maintenance procedures that everyone knows about is a good old fashion oil change. Swapping out the dirty solution and filter for new ones is something that typically gets down once or twice a year depending on how often you drive your vehicle. However, did you know that your record-keeping skills can help with that?
The first thing you should do when you buy a vehicle (new or used) is to find a reputable insurance company to work with. This doesn’t necessarily mean the most expensive plan, but shopping around before you decide can be very beneficial.
One thing that can help you with maintenance and insurance is your ability to keep a thorough auto log. This can be something as simple as a pad of paper and a pen kept in your glovebox. You should write down the date of your gas station visits along with the mileage. Over time, if you notice that the numbers are getting worse, then can indicate an issue that your mechanic should be notified of. It will also help you keep track of how often you need to get your oil changed.
If you are just getting started learning about muscle cars and racing, then you may have heard the term “aerodynamic drag†before. Simply put, this is the force that is exerted by air moving in the opposite direction of the vehicle. In other words, it is what pulls the automobile back instead of propelling it forward.
With any type of sports vehicle, this is detrimental to its performance. Not only does it slow the car down, but it can also significantly lower the overall fuel economy. Luckily, the iconic Ford Mustang can be fitted with various exterior accessories to reduce its effect.
First, the raised blade style rear decklid spoiler is the most popular option. This particular piece is an angular sweep design that accentuates the lines of the Mustang. Crafted from lightweight, rigid acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), it can be painted to match your model.
Another option is a bumper extension also sometimes called a diffuser. This is meant to replace the factory-installed lower rear fascia, and it adds a more aggressive look to the car. Valance panels can also be added for improved aerodynamics.
If you own a Ford Ranger pickup from 1995 to 2009, then it may be time to get some replacement pieces for the braking system.
This backing plate is designed for the 10 brake system, and it fits the rear drum unit on the left. Please keep in mind that this component is for the trucks that do not have the off-roading package. It is compatible with the following trim levels:
If you own a Ford vehicle that does not have push-button start technology, then you are using a key inside the ignition. While it is something you may not even think about, maintaining this piece of equipment is important to prevent damage over time.
The ignition housing unit is designed to intake a key. While it is sturdy and well-built, too much weight pulling down on the ignition slot can cause a malfunction later on. This is why it is recommended to lighten your keychain.
While it can be fun to add on personalized decorations and a dozen other keys, the excessive weight combined with the bouncing motion of driving can wear down the tumblers inside the ignition component. This will lead to a switch failure, which will result in the piece needing to be replaced entirely.
To preserve the life of your ignition switch, you can keep your car key separate from your others. One easy way to do this is to get a key ring clip with only your vehicle key on it. This will enable you to detach it from the conglomerate of keys when you get ready to leave. You can easily reattach it when you arrive at your destination to keep every metal piece together.
The suspension system on any vehicle is designed to increase friction between the tires and the road while absorbing the energy generated for a smoother ride. Connected to the wheels, it helps make the experience inside the cabin more comfortable by insulating the cockpit from impacts.
There are two main components to a suspension mechanism - springs and shocks. The springs control the overall height and load, and the shocks dampen any kinetic energy as the tires rotate over the pavement.
More often than not, the suspension system also includes an anti-sway bar. This allows movement shifts between the wheels and the steering column. In other words, it stabilizes the car and keeps it on the correct path.
Most models have two different suspension systems - one in the front and another in the back. These can be either independent (operating separately from the front/rear axle) or dependent (bound by the axle motion).
Aside from making the experience inside the vehicle more enjoyable, the job of any suspension unit is to prolong the life expectancy of other elements. It cuts down on wear and tear that is generally taken on by rough roads or potholes.