Car parts—a bonnet-to-boot guide

• air filter: keeps dust and other airborne particles out of the car's engine. Changing the air filter, which is available from car parts suppliers, will improve the engine's life and performance.
• car battery: supplies the electric charge to start your car and power electrical functions such as the headlights, dashboard display and car stereo. Different types and sizes of battery are available from car parts suppliers.
• driveshaft: also known as the cardan shaft, it's a rod which takes power from the engine to the wheels. It's easy to get a replacement driveshaft, used or new, at a local car parts dealer, or online.
• exhaust pipe: routes gases from the engine out of the rear of the vehicle. Like most car parts, exhaust pipes should be inspected regularly to keep your car safe.
• immobiliser: an electronic security device which stops a car starting, to deter thieves. Mandatory in all new UK cars, add-on immobilisers can be bought from local car parts companies, or online.
• hydraulic or electric power steering: fitted as standard in most new cars to help the driver turn the wheels more easily. Like many car parts, power steering units can be reconditioned, or bought used and new.
• radiator: pumps water and antifreeze through the engine to stop it overheating.
• spark plug: an electrical device that makes the car run by igniting fuel and air in the engine.
• tachometer: a car part that measures the working speed of the engine in revolutions per minute and warns the driver when the engine is working too hard. Analogue and digital tachometers are available from car parts suppliers.

If you've got an imported, classic or vintage car with hard-to-replace car parts, you may want a specialist car parts and accessories supplier. There are thousands nationwide, and it's often easy to find what you need online.

And while you're looking for the right car parts, there are plenty of car accessories you can get to soup up your vehicle too—from wipers to styling lights, safety and security devices, sound systems, sat navs and even guidance systems that locate a parking space.