It would not hurt to buy spare auto parts and accessories for your car especially if you love tinkering with it and would like to make improvements on how the car looks. However, it still takes money to buy anything so it is best to purchase auto parts & accessories that are original and covered with warranty. These will ensure you that you will get your money’s worth. There are several auto parts, engine parts and auto accessories you have to learn about especially if it is your first time to buy and own a car. Knowledge on these items will aid you in times of vehicular problems, will let you know whether something has to be replaced or fixed and you will know which items will look good on your car.

There are several auto parts, which are the components of automobiles, that you have to know about such as the:

* air filter – the device in your car that removes dust, pollen, mold and bacteria from the inside of the vehicle.
* alternator – the part of your car which is used to charge the battery and power your car’s electric system. It converts mechanical energy into electrical when the engine starts running.
* brake – an important auto part because this is the device used for slowing or stopping your car
* carburetor – the device in your car that blends air and fuel for the internal combustion engine
* clutch – the device used for rotating shafts
* distributor – the device in the ignition system that directs the high voltage from the ignition coil to the spark plugs in the correct firing order
* spark plug – an electrical device used in cars to ignite compressed aerosol gasoline

Another important component in your car that you have to learn the basics is the engine. The engine of your car is the part responsible for starting and running the vehicle. There are four stages involved in a 4-stroke combustion engine cycle and these include:

* Induction
* Compression
* Ignition
* Emission

There are also different engine types for different vehicles and these include:

* Gas turbine
* Piston
* Jet
* Rocket engine
* Steam engine
* Stirling engine
* Twingle
* Rotary
* Free-piston
* Swing-piston
* Orbital
* Quasiturbine

Auto accessories on the other hand, are add-ons that can make your car look good and even run better. Some of the auto accessories that are often purchased from auto shops are:

* Anti-fog
* Armrest
* Bicycle carrier
* Body kit
* Car alarm
* Child safety lock
* Cigar lighter receptacle
* Cup holder
* Custom wheels
* Hardtop
* Headrest
* Molded carpet
* Power door locks
* Power seat
* Power steering
* Power windows
* Sunroof
* Audio and visual entertainment devices
* Automotive navigation systems