Symptoms of Bad or Failing Stabilizer Bar Links

The responsibility of keeping your car stable and handling smoothly under diverse driving conditions falls on the stabilizer, or sway bar as it's often referred to as. This mechanical unit is attached to the body of the vehicle by way of a body mount with stabilizer bar bushings and the stabilizer bar links, which attach to the lower control arm of the front suspension and have bushings along the link for protection and to ensure a smooth ride.

When the stabilizer bar links are starting to wear out, the symptoms can range from barely noticeable to significant, and if you don't have your stabilizer bar links replaced, can result ... Read more

Throwback Thursday: 1986 Bluebird

Th1986 sedan is the original Bluebird. Although it had a catchy name, it was far from being any close to what image "Bluebird" may have sparked. Aerodynamically challenged and equipped with a range of engines delivering power outputs of 84 hp and 102 hp, the sedan was not exactly a top choice for an everyday car. The most powerful engine strapped to the Bluebird's chassis was a 1.8-liter gasoline turbocharged unit that delivered a maximum 135 hp at 6000 revs.

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How Much Power Does the AC Draw From the Engine?

Most cars these days come with air conditioning as a standard feature – gone are the days when it was an expensive extra (for most of us, anyway). The HVAC system is an important accessory, and helps you stay cool in the car when it gets hot outside. However, the AC is powered by your engine – the serpentine belt that runs your alternator, water pump, power steering pump and other accessories also turns the pulley for the AC compressor/clutch.

How the air conditioning system affects the engine

Because the system is powered by your engine, it pulls energy from it during operation, which can have an effect on e... Read more

Throwback Thursday: 1978 Datsun 510 station wagon.

Two- and four-door sedans and a four-door wagon were staples of the 510 series cars, which offered gas mileage generally between 25 and 35 mpg, great reliability, many interchangeable parts and attractive sticker prices. The wagon was discontinued in 1972, but returned in 1978, when a hatchback was also offered.

The unit-body 510s had independent front suspension and four-link coil rear suspensions, except the wagon, which had leaf springs in back. Sedans and hatchbacks had reclining front bucket seats, and all models had fold-down rear seats, carpeted cargo areas, tinted glass, electric rear defrosters, side window defoggers, t... Read more

How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

You’ve seen it every day this week, and you’re pretty sure it was like that last week too. When you pulled into your parking stall, the car beside you has its spare tire on. That little compact spare tire, or donut, looks like it’s seen better days. Isn’t there a rule for how far you can drive on a spare tire?

Types of spare tires

Compact, or space-saver tires, known as donuts
Full-size spare tires
A donut is a rudimentary tire, with very little tread or sipes in the tread. It is often undersized in both height and width and is mounted on a basic steel rim.

A full-size spare tire... Read more

5 Signs Your Car Isn't Shifting Correctly

If your car is not shifting properly, you could end up with very expensive transmission repairs. So, how do you know if your car isn’t shifting the way it should? Watch for these signs to avoid serious transmission trouble. Warning light comes on: A warning light alone doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a shifting problem, but if you notice it along with any of the symptoms that follow, you should get it checked out. Car is shifting hard: The car feels as if it’s reluctant to shift gears the way it usually does, or isn’t shifting smoothly. You might notice a clunking or thudding sound when the car shifts gears, or has difficulty ... Read more

CarpartsNigeria Nigeria Quick Site Training

 

CarPartsNigeria.com is one of the leading online car and truck parts and accessories stores in continental Africa. We have a complete selection of high-quality parts for a wide range of new and used vehicle makes and models - offered at the lowest prices. There are millions of inventoried parts in the CarPartNigeria.com database (online & Offline), and the search is quick and simple.

Why is auto parts shopping a challenge in Africa? If the search for the correct replacement and aftermarket vehicle parts and accessories is already giving you headaches, it's time you stop looking elsewhere—--- Try CarPartsNigeri... Read more

Throwback Thursday: Volkswagen Polo Mk1 (86)

The first-generation Polo, a rebadged version of the Audi 50, was introduced in 1975 and was produced until October 1981. By 1979, 500,000 Polos were produced worldwide. It shared the internal designation Typ 86 with the Audi 50.

The differences between the Audi and Volkswagen models were minor, with the Polo being cheaper and much more basic. The two cars were initially sold alongside each other, but the Audi 50 never sold as well, and was withdrawn in 1978. The Polo was manufactured at the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg.

In 1977, the Derby saloon was released, which was simply a Polo, identical to the hatchback from the... Read more

5 Car Parts Potholes Can Damage

Potholes are road imperfections that occur when soil compacted beneath pavement becomes weakened or displaced. Roads are particularly likely to form potholes in winter and spring months, when ice and lots of running water disrupt the base layers under the pavement. As cars drive over these weak spots, the pavement deforms, cracks, and chips away, leaving a hole in the road surface. Potholes start small, but grow as traffic hits them, potentially becoming deep or large enough to damage a car.
Over 80% of roads are rated as being in poor condition and are often riddled with potholes. Feeling the jolt from hitting a pothole - and the ... Read more

How Do You Know When Your Transmission Fluid Needs to Be Changed?

Transmission oil or fluid is a vital part of your vehicle’s performance, as it lubricates the various components and inner surfaces of the transmission system to prevent wear over time. Although you rarely need to change transmission fluid other than every 30,000 miles or every other year as a preventative measure, there are instances where you may need a transmission fluid flush more frequently. Promptly consult a mechanic if you notice any of the following symptoms in your vehicle that can indicate it’s time for a transmission fluid change:

Grinding or squealing noises while shifting: These noises aren’t just... Read more