Auto Parts Warehouse

Auto Parts and the People Who Love Them

2006-09-01T06:48:00.000-07:00

Without sounding overly dramatic, there are some people who actually love their auto parts and accessories. I guess the word “love” is too easily applied in this situation, but it does show the devotion some people have for those aftermarket parts and supplies, which enable them to customize their vehicles. Thousands of parts are out there for the buying so let’s look at some of the most popular ones favored by motorists like you.

If it is more power you want, then replacing or modifying your car’s central processing unit chip is one way to get more bangs out of your engine. Drivers are turning to jet chips and Hypertech tuners to improve acceleration and squeeze out more horsepower. A great way to put the performance back into your engine!

Another horsepower boost can be attained by swapping out your throwaway air filter with a reusable, performance kn air filter. Your engine breathes better resulting in horsepower gains as well as improved fuel mileage. Great for the environment too.

Owners of Toyota’s Solara and Camry are turning to the aftermarket parts bin too. Quality Toyota headers improve engine performance and give the engine bay that sports car look.

If bugs bother your car, you can swat them away with bug deflectors. Protecting your hood and windshield, bug shields is a must in many areas of the country over run by flying insects.

Of course, to bring out more power for your engine, you can always turn to a premium Pacesetter Exhaust system. With Pacesetter you get an all-aluminized, mandrel bent larger-than-stock tubing and fully welded high performance muffler for more power and a better look. Pacesetter produces the widest selection of exhaust systems of any manufacturer, so your model is likely covered. Enthusiasts turn to Pacesetter for a wide variety of other products too including Shorty headers, Monza premium exhaust tips, and TFX performance Kat-back systems.

When it comes to brake rotors, powerslot rotors is the brand favored by most drivers. With over 1,000 fitments, a Powerslot rotor can be used for virtually any vehicle, foreign or domestic.

No vehicle should be driven without floor mats, and nifty floor mats look great and keep your automotive carpet clean. Featuring “catch-all” technology, its raised lip edges make a big difference and will help keep dirt and moisture in its place.

Your Wrangler, Wagoneer, or Cherokee is a classic Jeep product. When it comes time to maintaining your trail rated vehicle, select a genuine Jeep Catalytic Converter to keep emissions down and your exhaust system working at its finest. Lots of choices for Jeep motorists: visit the Auto Parts Warehouse for the best selection of Jeep parts and accessories.

Even quality Jaguar Parts don’t have to cost you a mint. Shop the Auto Parts Warehouse, the price and inventory leader.

Yes, auto parts are greatly loved for a number of reasons. Get them for less and have more money left over to buy those accessories you really want. Shop the Auto Parts Warehouse for the best prices, the widest inventory, and for the best service.

Braking, Power and Acceleration!

2006-07-26T08:42:00.000-07:00

There are basically two forces involved with automotive movement: acceleration and braking. Think about it: you cannot have one without the other; they go together or your car fails to go altogether. There is a dynamic that is common to the two and that is power. Yes, you need power to accelerate and you need power to stop. No, I am not talking simply about human power rather the force behind the force. Not sure what I mean? Well, read on and have at it!

When a car is designed by a manufacturer, the automaker determines the amount of power it will need to get the job done. Engine size, transmission, curb weight, height, width, and aerodynamics are some of the contributing factors to just how a car achieves full power. Even so, automakers routinely build their vehicles for the average driver so power is controlled or curbed by that realization.

So, what can you do to achieve more power? Specifically, more power for the brakes, the exhaust, the engine, etc? Well, fortunately you have options in the form of “performance” parts developed by parts manufacturers for your specific make/model to help your vehicle achieve full power. Yes, factory installed parts can be a drain on your engine, but products such as a AEM Cold Air Intake or Dodge Cold Air Intake can bring out more power. A cold air intake gives your engine the food that it wants: colder and denser air. Hot air works as a drag on engine power, but cold air is the “piece de resistance” that your engine craves.

Other parts that can fuel acceleration include air filters, headers, and exhaust systems including the catalytic converter. On the braking side, Brake Rotors, pads, calipers, and centerforce clutches can impact just how you stop your vehicle. Performance versions of these parts can shorten the braking cycle and keep you and your passengers safe.

Of course, shopping for quality parts and accessories such as BMW Auto Parts or Honda Civic Parts is best achieved by shopping by brand. Yes, when it comes to the performance parts that you want and need, the name brands deliver. Bosal, Borla, Injen, and Volant deliver unlike generic brands that can only deliver on price. For instance when it comes to quality performance catalytic converters then brands such as Bosal, Magnaflow, Catco, and Walker deliver as promised.

So, for power you want performance in your car’s acceleration and performance in your car’s braking system. Oh, yes, you also want performance looking parts such as hood scoops, auto Ventshade, and spoilers. Throw in a little bling bling and your ride truly rocks!

Cheap Chinese Cars to Flood the Market

2006-07-11T06:41:00.000-07:00

As early as 2007 the first wave of low priced Chinese cars will be imported to the US, forever changing the automobile landscape. If you thought the arrival of Japanese cars during the 1960s changed things, just you wait until China gets a toehold here. GM, Ford, and Chrysler aren’t the only companies that should be concerned. Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Hyundai have plenty to worry about too. Please read on to learn just how much the U.S. automobile market will be changed by the introduction of bargain basement priced cars from China.

I mentioned in a previous article the pending entry of a line of vehicles from China under the Chery banner. Already GM has taken Chery to court over the name [GM won] as it has been suggested that the Chery name is too close to the Chevy name. In the scheme of things this is a small matter as it is the car that will make the difference, not the name.

So, why the big concern for the US auto industry? Chiefly, due to the low prices the cars will be sold at. Remember, many of China’s citizens make less than one dollar per hour in the manufacturing sector, thus it will not be impossible for “Chery” to distribute cars for as low as $6995, the price that has been touted by the automobile press for the past year.

As you may know, there is only one car sold for less than ten thousand dollars at the moment and it is a Daewoo import sold as the Chevy Aveo. Even at this price the car is stripped of all creature comforts. The Chinese “QQ”, as it is currently called, will likely be sold with more standard features even at the rock bottom price. Thus, even a fully equipped model would retail for much less than ten thousand dollars!

Don’t think for one moment that the current players in the American market aren’t concerned. Yes, GM, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler have the most to lose – this is their territory – but so do Nissan, Honda, Toyota, and Hyundai – who all have a significant stake here and count on the U.S. automobile market to produce a good part of their overall profits.

The unasked question is this: will American consumers accept Chinese cars? They will if quality is good. Presently, Chinese built cars are considered to be amongst the poorest quality cars in the world. Shoddy components, terrible fit and finish, and poorly cloned technology, are some of the complaints aired. However, 20 years after Hyundai made its debut in the U.S., no one is calling Hyundai cars “junk” anymore. The cars that show up here from China may have initial quality problems, but the low prices could offset that concern especially if an extended warranty is included.
Time is running out on the U.S. auto industry. GM and Ford are both ailing and another big hit could wreak havoc on the two automakers. Still, the anticipated imports from China may be what will be needed to wake them up as well as to light a fire under their Asian competitors. Stay tuned, as key changes are certainly on the way!

2006 Mitsubishi Raider: A Rebadged Dakota

2006-06-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

Mitsubishi has a new pickup truck in its fold and it isn’t what you think it is. Long an importer of small cars and trucks, Mitsubishi has tapped into its relationship with DaimlerChrysler by taking the existing Dodge Dakota and give it a makeover. What Mitsubishi has done isn’t all that unusual as automakers across the globe are borrowing vehicles from other manufacturers to fill important gaps in their line ups. Let’s take a look at the “new” Raider as well as some other vehicles noted for borrowing from the competition.

The Mitsubishi Raider goes where no Mitsubishi truck has gone before: into the midsize truck category, unlike preceding models that have shown up on American shores. Previously, the Raider name was “fastened” to a compact SUV imported for Dodge from Japan during the late 1980s. That particular Raider made a brief appearance in the US and the name is generally forgotten except by auto enthusiasts.

So, what is there to know about the Raider that separates it from the Dodge? Actually, not all that much. The Raider’s front fascia is all Mitsubishi but beyond that you are driving a Dodge. Perhaps what does make the Raider different is what isn’t included: the Dakota’s long truck, its high output V8, and its ABS, which is restricted to a top of the line model only. Still, the Dakota with its 3.7L V6 or 4.7L V8 is a capable truck and the Raider will likely shine against the competition which includes the Dakota and Toyota’s Tacoma.

In addition to the Raider, which other vehicles on American highways are not what they seem to be? Quite a few! For starters both the Isuzu Ascender and Saab 9-7X borrow heavily from GM’s midsize SUVs: the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, and Buick Rainier. Isuzu’s other offering, the i-Series pick up truck, is also sold as the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon.

Chevrolet’s Aveo, America’s low price leader is based on a Daewoo model, while the Pontiac Vibe is jointly built on a California assembly line that produces the Toyota Matrix.

Through the years, Chrysler was an importer of Mitsubishi automobiles to fill gaps in their line up. The Plymouth Champ and Colt, and the Dodge Colt, Challenger, Avenger, Stealth, and Conquest all came out of a long term relationship between the two automakers. Even today, the Chrysler Sebring convertible is based on a Mitsubishi model that is built in Illinois.
Yes, the Raider looks like it will be a competitor for Mitsubishi. However, like so many cars borrowed or transplanted from competitors, there are some styles and accessory limitations that may make you want to consider the Dakota instead.

Saturn and Opel Tie the Knot

2006-05-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

General Motor’s Saturn and Opel divisions are reportedly drawing just a bit closer to each other. Ever since the Opel Vectra-inspired Saturn L Series hit the U.S. market in the late 1990s, Saturn has looked at its European cousin for further inspiration on new models. Apparently, Saturn is keeping a good thing going by tapping Opel for several upcoming models. Let’s take a look at what just may be driving down the pike over the next few years.

Auto critics are quick to note that the Saturn L Series was a failure. The car never met GM sales expectations and it had difficulty competing in the crowded midsize car market. Based on the Opel Vectra, the L Series – available in sedan and wagon -- was only the second line of cars built to wear the Saturn nameplate. The model was retired after the 2004 model year as GM elected to go with American inspired models instead.

Although Saturn’s first foray into the Opel parts pin was not a success, the division has continued to study Opel’s line up for additional model ideas. Instead of relying on copies of other stateside GM models, the thought that Opel might be able to help once again has been growing for some time.

Enter the Saturn Aura.

Based once again on the Vectra, the new Aura will depart sharply from the L Series in style as well as options. For starters, the Aura will borrow from a new generation Vectra, not on the car that was based on 1990s technology. In addition, the Aura will likely be slightly larger and heavier then its predecessor and come equipped with GM’s heralded 3.6L twin cam V6 paired with a 6 speed manual transmission. Talk about European influence!

In addition, the Aura will be pushed slightly up market from the L Series and compete against midsize leaders the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Early reports indicate that the car will come equipped with leather seats, backlit instrument panel lighting, illuminated door handles and various other features that show much more attention to detail than what was featured on the L Series.

GM will be building the car on its Epsilon platform, currently home to the Chevy Malibu Maxx and Pontiac G6. The styling cues are all Opel making the car a true Opel-GM hybrid in the practical sense.

As of this writing, the Aura is set to debut in late 2006 as a 2007 model. As with the L Series, the automaker has high hopes that the car will meet sales expectations. Judging by the design, attention to detail, and engineering, the Aura should sell as expected and give new energy to Saturn.

I can’t wait to see what Opel has next for Saturn!

Custom Outfitting Your Jeep

2006-04-27T10:45:00.000-07:00

There is something about a Jeep that is like no other vehicle. True to its advertising campaign, there is only one Jeep, with many SUVs only pretending to be able to match Jeep’s durability and trail rated capabilities. Like any vehicle owner, customizing your Jeep to look and run the way that you want it to perform is important for you. From replacement parts, to performance parts, to all the popular accessories, there is something for every Jeep owner including what I am about to show to you!

One great thing about a popular brand and respected vehicle is the long list of parts and accessories that are available for the product. Vendors know that Jeep has a strong and loyal following, therefore the products developed for Jeep owners is simply immense including:

Cargo Keepers – Owners of Jeep Wranglers have an abundant supply of Jeep accessories from which to choose. One of my favorites is a seven-inch deep cargo keeper designed to hold everything in place as you mount up hills and crash through thick brush. Available in two sizes, Covercraft Kargo Keepers are durable and fit the cargo area of your Wrangler precisely.

Running Boards – If you ordered your Jeep Liberty without running boards, you can install a set yourself. I like the black anodized, tubular shaped boards developed by Deflecta Shield. Molded step pads and molded mud flaps and end caps protect passengers and vehicle alike. They are made of corrosion free aluminum materials for top durability.

Cargo Liners – When it comes to cargo liners for your Jeep Grand Cherokee, there are many choices for you. One of the best looking and functioning ones include a Weathertech cargo liner. Available in tan, black, or grey, a Weathertech cargo liner comes with a raised lip to keep spills in its place. Designed for an exact fit for your cargo area too.

Nerf Bars – One of the sportiest looking parts on any Jeep is a nerf bar. I have seen ones designed for the all-new Jeep Commander and they are simply cool. Easy to install too: they just bolt right on. Add in a Jeep grille guard and you have one heck of a great looking vehicle. Two very inexpensive accessories that can change the appearance of your vehicle quickly.

Some people like to add “body armor” to their Jeeps as well. Running along the bottom sides of a Jeep, body armor gives your Jeep a custom look and can offer it additional protection when pounding your way through gulleys or navigating marshes. For that matter, tail light covers and guards as well as head light covers can be useful too. Your Jeep is certainly trail rated, but any added protection to the exterior can certainly be help!

Even owners of older model Jeeps can usually find something custom made for the make and model year of their Jeep. From the Jeep Commando to the Gladiator to even the earliest Wranglers, there is just about everything that you need to give your Jeep a custom look. Shop the Auto Parts Warehouse for the best selection of Jeep parts at the lowest prices.

Lexus’ Luxurious Line Up

2006-04-07T08:24:00.000-07:00

Back during the 1980s, Toyota Motor Company was faced with a bit of a dilemma: their cars were making great strides in both quality and reliability, but their share of the market was somewhat limited by their then current offerings. Beyond the Corolla, Camry, Celica, Supra, Cressida, and a pick up truck, Toyota offered nothing for customers to go to once their tastes went toward something luxurious. Unlike GM, which could bump Chevy owners up to a Buick or a Cadillac, no Toyota on American streets save for the Cressida could compete against BMW, Mercedes, or Cadillac. Until the Lexus, that is.

The Lexus brand was born out of Toyota’s awareness that a separate, distinct line of cars had to be created in order to compete against other luxury makes. Unlike in Japan, where luxury Toyota models abound, the American market was perceived as not ready for a Toyota to compete against Mercedes, however surveys showed that consumers would accept a brand specially created to do battle with luxury marquees. By 1990 the first Lexus cars hit American streets, many were thinly disguised Toyotas, but they quickly won praise from auto critics and were snapped up by consumers. Importantly, Toyota could now produce a line of cars that increased their bottom line.

Today, Lexus is the car by which all others are judged. Indeed, Mercedes was quickly overtaken in the battle for the hearts and minds of many luxury car owners. For 2006, Lexus offers a total of nine models including:

Sedans: The LS, GS, IS, and ES are all sedans and they are priced from the low 30s to the upper 50s. The LS is the flagship of the sedans with V8 power, 6 speed automatic transmission, and luxury appointments galore.

Convertible: The SC is Lexus’ ragtop entry and it features 2+2 seating. Powered by a V8, the SC is no slouch as its engine produces 288hp and its rear wheels power the car.

SUVs: A big part of the Lexus line up is its four SUVs. New for 2006 is the RX Hybrid, the first luxury SUV on the market. This SUV joins the regular RX and two big SUVs, the GX and the LX.

Curiously, Lexus currently does not offer a coupe in the line up. With a Jaguar offering the XK coupe, and with Cadillac expanding their “V” series, that is likely to change. However, don’t hold your breathe for a luxury minivan or for a Lexus pick up truck as Toyota isn’t likely to mess with success and confuse the issue.
In all, the Lexus brand has matured considerably ever since the ES250 and LS400 went on sale in 1989. Most cars look and perform like true luxury cars and the accolades the brand has received over the years are both welcome and warranted. Truly, Lexus is the benchmark by which all other luxury cars must be judged.

Volkswagen Ragster Concept: Will It See the Light of Day?

2006-03-17T06:31:00.000-08:00

If you have ever been to an auto show you probably have enjoyed the many concept vehicles on display. Many of these cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans never make it to the production line, instead they are featured as a way for automakers to gauge consumer reaction as well as to display the company’s engineering and marketing expertise. Still, for those cars that do make it to the assembly line it can be quite a feat once all the feedback from consumers has been determined, expenses from company accountants tabulated, and a marketing campaign set in place. For Volkswagen one car that I hope makes it to the assembly line is the Ragster, a specialized version of the Beetle convertible.

So, what exactly sets the Ragster apart from the atypical Beetle convertible? In one word: much. When I first saw pictures of the Ragster I immediately knew that it was a Beetle. However, its lines pointed more to the original Beetle than to the current model. Not that there is anything inherently wrong with the current design, but the original Beetle is a less of a “hump car” than the arch shaped current model. The Ragster, in effect, borrows styling cues from the original Beetle giving it a combined new/old look. I wish I had a picture to better describe the car, but I don’t. So, please take my word on it, otherwise visit Volkswagen’s site and click on concept cars for a better look.

The roofline looks more original Beetle-like as it drops the arched design for a tapered look [the A pillars have been shortened slightly], akin to the first Beetles. Add in a double racing stripe from the front bumper running straight up the hood to the windshield, new bumpers, trim, head lights and tail lights, and the look is definitely sporty. Reportedly, the concept car features special sporty style bucket seats to round out the sport appearance package. With the inclusion of sport style outside mirrors, the Ragster has a distinctive look certain to please.

The Ragster was shown at various auto shows around the world during 2005 to critical acclaim. Although consumer interest is strong, no decision has been made by the German automaker whether the Ragster will be produced or not. Some have speculated that the redone roofline would be too costly of an undertaking to produce a car at a price that compares favorably with the current Beetle convertible, while others have suggested that a limited production Beetle could sustain a higher price level particularly with fans of the venerable nameplate.

As with so many decisions made by car company administrators, consumer sentiment is sometimes overlooked. In the case of the Ragster, Volkswagen has a winner on its hands. Whether the automaker realizes it or not remains to be seen. In the meantime, your choice remains the current Beetle. Ho hum.

Mopar Madness: Future Models!

2006-01-11T08:23:00.000-08:00

The demeanor of Chrysler fans has changed remarkably over the past five years. Back in 2000, Chrysler supporters were angry about the then newly forged Daimler-Chrysler relationship, believing that the U.S. automaker received the short end of the stick. Plymouth was gone, German management practices clashed with American business styles, and the overall profitability of the new alliance was at stake. Finally, key management changes were made and a more responsive working relationship between the German and American divisions helped to patch up many of the problems. Since then, DaimlerChrysler has introduced one hit vehicle after another that has helped assuage the pain and bring back the pride. If you like what DaimlerChrysler has done so far for Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep then hold onto your hat: what will be coming down the pike is certain to give you a strong case of Mopar madness!

DaimlerChrysler has produced one hit vehicle after another. Starting with the Chrysler PT Cruiser and going all the through to the Dodge Charger, the cars wearing the Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler nameplates have each been well received. Please read on for pending changes, certain to excite the hearts of Mopar fans everywhere:

Dodge: A follow up to the Charger may be the Challenger, a vehicle that will be displayed as a concept car at auto shows throughout 2006. If all goes well, a retro looking Challenger [heavily based on the 1970s era sport coupe] will debut as a 2009 model. Before that time, look for the Dodge Caliber to find its way to Dodge showrooms in 2006, it will be a crossover vehicle that will replace the Neon. Finally, the Dodge Nitro, the brand’s version of the Jeep Liberty, is also set to bow in 2006.

Jeep: Following up on the heels of the all new seven-passenger Commander, the Compass will take Jeep to a place where it has never been before: crossover vehicles. The Compass will not be trailed rated however, instead Jeep hopes to capture a piece of the market it heretofore has missed and has been dominated by the likes of the Ford Escape and Toyota Highlander.

Chrysler: Rumors are circulating that a slightly larger version of the 300 might be introduced and pushed up market. Code named “Imperial” the proposed car would evoke styling cues from past Imperials while incorporating some of the latest Mercedes technology. Reportedly, the car must pass expected Mercedes objections, as it will compete against Cadillac, Lincoln, and even Mercedes. Even if the project should not be approved, upcoming changes with the Sebring are certain to fire the passions of even the most staid aficionado.

The DaimlerChrysler marriage got off to a rough start, but much like human marriages it has evolved and thrived. The American offspring have been its pride and joy and even new Mercedes models are reflecting the energy of the new relationship German-American alliance.
Mopar madness...catch your case of it today!

What Guys Really Want For Christmas!

2005-11-23T12:48:00.000-08:00

Okay, ladies: listen up! I am here to tell you what men want for Christmas. It isn’t cologne and it isn’t some awful looking tie. Please! It could be NFL playoff tickets, but we know that prices for them are through the roof. Instead, us guys want stuff that is both useful and practical something we won’t pretend to like and hide away in our closets, but stuff that we will use all the time. I’ve made a list to make it easy on you, as I know how hard it can be for us guys to communicate to our gals.
1. NFL Tickets!!! No, wait! You can go to eBay and get “discounted” tickets for a mid-January meeting between the Giants and some other team for a lot less than what you’ll pay through a neighborhood scalper. How many fans do you think will put up with ten degree Meadowlands cold on a January day to see the Giants? Oh, yeah, I forgot: plenty. Tickets are likely to go for one or two thousand a piece!
2. Hockey Time. More down to earth in price are NHL hockey tickets. Heck, the toothless boys sat out the season last year and everyone is chomping at the bit to see them play. With no strike on the horizon, your guy is likely to be able to see a complete game. All that bloodletting and head bashing for a song! For grins, get him Stanley Cup tickets. Nothing beats watching a hockey game in June when it is 93 degrees outside!
3. To The Islands! No, not Staten Island and certainly not Long Island. A January or February trip to a warmer climate will be both reasonably priced and fun. Just don’t pick a place that was trashed by one of the 23 tropical systems that attacked the Caribbean, the Americas and the Gulf Coast this year. No telling what amenities is in place! One rule: have the grandparents come to your house to watch the kid. Junior getting the flu is no reason for you not to go! [Blush!]
4. Get Tools. Yes, if your man enjoys tinkering around the house, get him an electric saw, a power drill, or anything else that he can use to fix that darn, lose railing in the family room! [Wink, wink] If you aren’t sure what to get him, a gift certificate will do. Sounds tacky? Well, it certainly beats a “thanks, dear” when he opens up his gift and finds a water pump inside!
5. Stuff For His Truck. What a guy really wants is something for his truck. Nah let him get his own gun rack and ammo; I’m talking about a cold air intake or a performance chip. Something that brings power to the ole pick up! What am I saying? Get him something that he can really use that will bring a smile to his face. Performance exhaust systems, Altezza lights, roof rails, side window vents, fog lights, truck liners, step rails, brake dust shields, hitches, alloy wheels, a set of new tires, head light covers, hood protectors, and an engine pulley are some of the items that are sure to be hot this Christmas. He’ll be happy and he will think you know something about his truck – hey, you are the one who wants him to talk with you, right?
Still not sure? Then ask. Chances are I already mentioned something that he wants. If you are low on cash a set of new truck mats will suffice, but please let him pick the color. Some how Summer Rose floor mats just don’t match his Silverado’s interior!

Mercedes: A Sea of Satisfaction

2005-11-23T12:13:00.000-08:00

The Mercedes name is one of the most heralded of all the current production vehicles on the planet. For over a century, Mercedes has produced some of the finest cars, trucks, buses, SUVs, and vans and to this day the marquee continues to reap positive press for every single offering in its expanding fleet. Let’s take a look at Mercedes and their current worldwide line up of high quality vehicles.

For starters, the Mercedes name in the US is quite what you would expect in to find in Europe. In North America, Mercedes is a luxury brand and nothing less. In Europe Mercedes is a builder of luxury cars but they also build vehicles for common folks too. Yes, indeed, just about everyone can afford a Mercedes. Businesses like Mercedes too for their great line of freight hauling trucks.

Just what are the basic Mercedes offered? Well, as I mentioned they are cars that are not sold in the US…yet. The A Series, the most basic offering of them all, is a compact 3 or 5 door hatchback roughly the size of a Chevy Aveo. The next size up is an additional line of little haulers, the B Series. Take a look once and take a look again…no, that isn’t a Pontiac Vibe or Toyota Matrix you are seeing, rather you are looking at a B Series.

So, do you need more room than one of these tiny tot people haulers? If so, Mercedes would love to place you in their Vito, vans that can carry up to nine passengers or haul a lot of stuff around town. Voted the Van Of The Year in 2005, the Vito is roughly the size of a Toyota Sienna.

Beyond these models, most of the rest of Mercedes line up is familiar to American and Canadian drivers as this includes the cars, which are currently imported to the US. From the C Series – an entry-level luxury sedan -- to the M Series – Mercedes’ off road vehicle – all the way up to the SLR – Mercedes gull wing door rocket ship costing just under a half of a million dollars, Mercedes covers the entire market.

As of this writing, Mercedes parent company – DaimlerChrysler – is deciding whether smaller and less costly Mercedes should make their appearance in North America. With German rival BMW planning to bring their compact 1 Series to the US, DaimlerChrysler is exploring whether bringing a low cost Mercedes to the market would dilute or reinforce the Mercedes name. The idea, of course, is to open the Mercedes market up to the average citizen who, in turn, just may step up to more luxurious offerings down the line.
Personally, I am not sure if the cars should wear the Mercedes name or another name instead. As mentioned previously the Mercedes name means “luxury” in North America and anything smaller than the “baby Mercedes” C Series could irretrievably change all that. They are scratching their heads in Stuttgart but the decision must soon be made.

Tip: Find Car Parts Online

2005-11-04T06:58:00.000-08:00

Tired of hunting store after store for the right part? You can waste days hunting scrap yards and part stores, and even then, you may not find what you need. With the internet as pervasive as it is, more part suppliers, retailers, and collectors are selling their wares online.
Some of the more advanced online shops allow you to search by application, make and model, or manufacturer for auto parts and discount car parts. Fill your virtual cart up with everything from air filters to complete engines, and never leave your garage.

Tip: The Telltale Signs of Failing Brake Pads

2005-11-04T06:41:00.000-08:00

So we all hate going to the mechanic - we don't want to hear the bad news, but with brakes and automotive brake pads, you really can't skimp on the service. Here is how you tell if your brake pads are starting to fail. Wear indicators begin with a high pitched sqealing sound. This is really when you should go in for a check of the brake pads, or consider changing them out yourself.

After the squealing comes the grinding, and we all know that grinding sounds are not a harbinger of good times. The grinding may be damaging your rotors because your brake pads are on their last thin threads. If you ignore this for much longer, your wheels may lock up and ultimately fall off because of the damage you are causing. Take our advice, when the sqealing begins, hop online for your brake pads, or call your mechanic and don't wait or the costs will mount!

Catalytic Converter

2005-10-24T13:18:00.000-07:00

There are four ways for you to determine whether your catalytic converter needs replacing or not:
1. Busted or rusted out converter body or end tubes.
2. Small pieces of substrate in other areas of the exhaust system.
3. No rattle in a pellitized converter (If the converter does not rattle, the pellets may have melted together or fallen out).
4. A rattle in a monolithic converter (A rattle in this kind of converter indicates the substrate has separated.)
Replacement of your catalytic converter is a procedure that can be done by professionals such as through your dealer’s service department, through a muffler shop, or by a local garage. If you are handy, you can do the work yourself and save money on parts as well as on labor costs.
Only purchase a catalytic converter that meets or exceeds your vehicle’s OEM specifications. Online retailers, including Auto Parts Warehouse, carry a huge selection of Jeep and Ford catalytic converters as well as converters for most other cars.

2005-10-24T13:04:00.000-07:00

Wind deflectors, also known as bug deflectors, are showing up on more vehicles across North America. Installed horizontally across the front most section of your vehicle's hood, deflectors are noted with accomplishing several things when the vehicle is driven down the road:
Bugs are deflected away from the hood as well as the windshield of the car. This prevents harmful and even dangerous splatter from accumulating on the hood of your car or on your windshield. If you ever have driven in the southern US, you know exactly what I mean: the insect population can dirty up your windshield faster than your wipers can remove bug splatter. This is especially true when driving at dusk. That can spell disaster when you absolutely, positively need clear vision.
Debris on roads and passing vehicles is knocked away. Have you ever driven down the interstate and seen a rock bouncing along the road toward your vehicle, taking aim at your windshield? A properly installed shield will deflect small objects and send them to the side or up and over the roof of your car before serious damage can occur. Your inexpensive wind deflector just saved you the hundreds of dollars it would have cost you to have your windshield replaced. Factor in the time lost, too!
When selecting a wind deflector, choose one that is made of premium-grade acrylic to ensure that it will last and be strong enough to deflect small objects. Most bug shields come in smoke or clear colors, the latter allowing you to paint your deflector whatever color you want.
Top brands of wind deflectors are those produced by Lund, Deflecta and Bugflecta. Shop online through a reputable wholesaler, such a Auto Parts Warehouse, to find the widest selection of bug deflectors available at the lowest prices.

Running Boards

2005-10-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

There are two types of running boards on the market: Those that come with lights, and those that do not. Which type you choose will depend partly on your personal tastes, but lighted running boards can be useful especially if you park in dark areas – if you have a remote starter for your truck all of your lights can be turned on, including your running board lights, before you get to your vehicle. Running boards are a safety bonus and add an aesthetic value to your vehicle.
Running boards can be made from a variety of materials depending on the model selected. They include:
Heavy duty polymer materials
Rugged ABS molded board
Heavy duty aluminum
Durable fiberglass
Chrome or diamond plated
Light kits are typically sold separately and can be positioned anywhere along the board and wired to come on when your door opens. Lights are very bright, long lasting, and kits usually include four sets of lights, two for each board.
You can save money on high quality running boards by ordering directly from an online wholesaler such as Auto Parts Warehouse. The best brands on the market include Lund, Westin, and Dee Zee. Shop and compare to find the set that is right for you.

Corvette Z06: Something wicked

2005-10-19T12:15:00.000-07:00

The latest high performance 'Vette cranks it all the way up to... Yikes

Help finding parts

2005-10-19T10:42:00.000-07:00

Auto Parts Warehouse is a great site to get help with finding parts for your car. With an online catalog and 24 hour live help, you will have no problems getting the air filter or radiator you need for many makes and models. Not to mention they match and beat competive pricing. Check them out!!!!