Repairs and Advice

About Headlight Bulb

Exactly what are headlights? Headlights, or headlamps, are the primary source of forward facing light for your car. The earliest headlights were modified carriage lamps, fueled either by oil or acetylene. Since the late 19th century, headlights have been powered by electricity. Earlier vehicle models and classic cars initially used tungsten-based headlights, but most modern-day headlights are powered either by halogen bulbs, LED bulbs or metal-halide-based bulbs, often referred to as high-intensity discharge headlights or “xenon headlamps” due to the use of xenon gas within the headlight assembly. They are usually powered by the vehicle’s primary rechargeable battery. A few luxury vehicle models feature laser headlamps.

Different Types of Headlights

There are a few different types of headlights. One universal motor vehicle standard is the use of both high beams and low beams.

– High beams shine on a center path and are usually not used when other vehicles are on the road, especially with oncoming traffic.

– Low beams shine at a lower trajectory, which allows them to illuminate the road or path. They are the most commonly used headlights due to the lack of glare for oncoming traffic.

Some vehicles also feature various specialty lights, such as cornering lights or fog lights.

Cornering lights assist with turning in the dark.

Fog lights tend to be an optional extra set of lights that increase road visibility during intense fog events, especially at night. Some bulbs for fog lights are designed so the driver can see more down road by using a brighter bulb.

Older vehicles, as well as specific newer models, may feature multi-directional headlights.

– Multi direction headlights mean that the low beams and high beams are housed in one specific bulb assembly, though a large number of modern vehicles feature the beams as separate bulbs in a complex headlight assembly, usually with plexiglass covering the headlight unit.

Modern headlamps come in many varieties including incandescent, halogen, and LED bulbs.

– Traditional incandescent lights illuminate by running an electric current through a tungsten filament. The filament is the wire that runs horizontally across the middle of the bulb, and glows when it is lit. Tungsten can withstand high amounts of heat, allowing it to glow when the electrical current gets the filament as hot as 4,600 degrees Fahrenheit.

– Halogen: While tungsten can reach very high temperatures without catching fire, exposure to high heat can evaporate the filament, causing the bulb to darken as tungsten that has been removed from the filament through evaporation collects on the inside surface of the glass bulb. That’s where halogen comes in. Halogen headlights contain halogen gas that protects the tungsten filament by pressurizing the bulb and enhancing brightness at lower temperatures. Lower temperatures also make halogens glow with a more pleasant shade of light than conventional incandescent bulbs.

When Should You Change Your Headlights?

You may be wondering when you should change your headlights. You will need to replace headlights if:

– The headlight unit failed due to burnout

– There was physical damage from a collision or weather event

– You want to upgrade to a brighter or more reliable bulb type

In multi-bulb headlight assemblies, low beam bulbs are almost always replaced sooner than high beam bulbs, due to the frequency of use. In rare instances, the assembly may have a non-bulb issue with wiring, but most maintenance with these units revolve around replacement bulbs. Additionally, people who choose to use daytime running lights (or those who simply do not turn daytime running lights off) may find that low beams need to be replaced with more frequency than vehicles that only use low beams in night time and other low light conditions.

Thankfully, both high beam headlights and low beam headlights can usually be replaced outside of a professional service center, and usually at a very budget friendly price point. Access to the headlight assembly varies between different vehicle models. Most owner’s manuals feature instructions on replacing headlights, and video assistance can usually be found easily online.

What Headlights Do I Need?

Audiance Auto Parts makes finding the right parts easy. If you’re wondering, “What headlight bulbs do I need?” just enter your vehicle’s year, make, model, and engine up above, and we’ll find the parts that fit your vehicle. We also have a Sylvania bulb guide explaining the tech that sets their bulbs apart. Whether you’re looking for halogen bulbs or LED lights, low beams, or super-bright high beam lights, Audiance Auto Parts has what you need to see clearly.

Check out our headlight DIY articles:

How to adjust headlights

How to replace headlights

Whatever kind of bulbs you are looking for, Audiance Auto Parts has what you need to switch out your headlights. From Ford F-150 headlights to bulbs for a Honda Accord, Audiance Auto Parts has parts for virtually every major make and model. No matter what you drive, Audiance Auto Parts is a one stop shop for all your lighting needs. 

About Windshield Wipers

It’s good to have the best in life, especially when it comes to wiper blades. A set of good windshield wipers make seeing the road ahead easy, even in a downpour. That’s because your blades are optimally designed to remove water and debris from your windshield to give you crystal-clear visibility in any driving conditions. These wipers are built to last with heavy-duty materials, so you can spend less time changing them out and rest easy knowing you can keep your windshield clean.

How Do Wiper Blades Work?

If you are wondering, “How do wiper blades work?”, then you should look into their materials and designs. You will notice three different types of wiper blades most commonly: conventional, beam, and hybrid blades. We would like to discuss their differences and how they work so you can pick the one that appeals to you.

Conventional wipers stick to the tried-and-true rubber blades on a metal frame, so they will work for most situations. However, beam blades are made out of only rubber so they can do a better job of bending around the windshield. As for the hybrid blade, it functions similarly to the beam blade, but it has a metal frame that makes it more versatile.

Each of these blades will function differently, so you can review the different types of connectors available to help you to pick something that will work for you. You can choose between hook style, clamp style, and pin style blades for your connectors.

Types of Wiper Blades

You will need to make a note of the different types of wiper blades that we offer at Audiance Auto Parts so you can find one that will work for your vehicle. For example, the wiper blades will be made out of different materials or design so you will need to consider your options to find one that you like.

– Conventional wiper blades were the most common blades for many years, featuring a rubber blade attached to a metal frame. They are pretty affordable, and they are typically replaced every six months.

– Beam wiper blades are built from a solid piece of rubber meaning they can better wrap around your windshield’s curvature. They cost more than traditional blades, but are more efficient at keeping your windshield clean and they last about twice as long.

– Hybrid wiper blades look a lot like beam blades at first glance, but feature a metal frame that is coated with rubber to provide similar all weather performance.

Among these three styles, there are even more variations with how the blade connects to the wiper arm. The three types of wiper blade connectors:

– Hook style blades or U shapes feature a rotating hook that wraps around a rounded end of the wiper arm.

– Clamp style blades have an opening that the arm is inserted into and clamps on the side to hold them in place.

– Pin style blades have a horizontal hole in the middle where a pin on the arm goes through to hold the wiper in place.

Signs of a Bad Windshield Wiper Blade

Driving without resilient and long-lasting wiper blades is detrimental to your windshield. There are many tell-tale signs that your faulty blades must be replaced immediately. Hardened or broken rubber causes streaks as the blades scrape against the windshield. If you see a flimsy mist after wiping, there might be rubbish or oil embedded on the rubber.

Make sure you inspect your blades and look for gashes, scruffy edges, or blemishes on the rubber. Don’t forget to check your rear wipers. You should also observe your blades’ wipe pattern. If you see a series of streaks, that indicates the rubber has bent too far. A defective blade also creates screeching, whacking or throbbing sounds when in use.

No matter what kind your vehicle uses, we can show you how to replace your wiper blades with our step-by-step guide.

Buy Windshield Wiper Blades that Fit Your Make and Model

Wondering which blades fit your vehicle? Let Audiance Auto Parts handle it, we make finding the right parts easy. Just enter your year, make, model, and engine up above and we’ll show you parts designed to give your car maximum visibility when it’s raining or snowing.

Our wiper blades hold up to water, rubble, salt, and sleet, resulting in a streak-free windshield. We have everything you need when it’s time to replace your wiper blades, and we feature products from brands like Bosch, Duralast, and Rain X.

So, whether you’re searching for the best wiper blades for Honda Accord sedans or a pair of Altima wiper blades, you’re certain to find the perfect match for your daily driver when you check out our wide variety. We have everything you need to save on your wiper blade replacement by doing it yourself. Stop by your local store and ask our staff for advice about replacing your blades or order online from Audiance Auto Parts today. 

About Spark Plug

Make rough idling, engine misfiring, or starting trouble a thing of the past with new spark plugs from Audiance Auto Parts. We carry plugs for virtually every make and model at any spark plug heat range. Buy online for free next day delivery or pick up your plugs in an Audiance Auto Parts near you.

Get your car running the way it used to with new copper, platinum, or iridium spark plugs from Audiance Auto Parts. We carry the best brands at the right price—brands like ACDelco, Bosch, Denso, E3, Motorcraft, NGK, and more.

Here at Audiance Auto Parts we make finding the right parts easy. If you find yourself wondering, “What spark plugs do I need?” simply enter your vehicle’s year, make, model, and engine at the top of this page, and we’ll find the right plugs for your vehicle. If you need Honda Civic spark plugs, just input your Civic’s information, and we’ll find parts that fit.

Spark plugs are crucial to your vehicle. Understanding them is crucial to vehicle maintenance. Learn more with our helpful guides below:

Spark plug buyer’s guide

Bad spark plug symptoms

How to change your spark plugs

Which makes and models do you have Spark Plugs available for?

We carry every major make and model. Whether you drive a Ford F-150 or a Smart Car, we have the parts for your vehicle. Audiance Auto Parts is the best place to buy any parts you need for a tune-up.

Why should I replace my spark plugs?

The spark plug is possibly the most integral component of the spark-ignition combustion engine. Each one sits at the top of a cylinder head in your engine to combust fuel-air mixture and fire up your vehicle. Combustion occurs through the transfer of electrons across the spark gap.

The gap is the space between the curved L-shape of the ground electrode and the center electrode that runs through the center of the plug. As electrical current is supplied to the plug by the ignition coil or the magneto, a voltage difference builds up between the two electrodes.

Once the voltage is high enough, the current ionizes the gases in the fuel-air mixture, allowing the spark to travel across the gap from the center electrode to the ground electrode. The spark reaches temperatures around 60,000 Kelvin (That’s over 100,000 degrees Fahrenheit!)—hot enough to combust the fuel-air mixture.

Every time the plug sparks, some metal is removed from the electrode. This eventually wears out the spark plug. Plugs last right about 30,000 miles, and it is recommended to change them every 20-40,000 miles.

Do I have bad spark plugs?

Signs of bad plugs can be stalling, trouble starting, and engine misfires. Misfires lead to increased emissions, wasted gas, and reduced power—they can even overheat your catalytic converter. If your engine is misfiring, there is a good chance it’s time for new plugs. Don’t put your car at risk for more severe damage down the road. Buy online or stop by your local Audiance Auto Parts today.

About Air Filter

Keep your engine protected with a new engine air filter from Audiance Auto Parts. We have great deals on filters that are custom built for your vehicle from dependable brands like FRAM, K&N, and STP. Give your engine a breath of fresh air. Get free next day delivery or pick up your air filter in an Audiance Auto Parts near you today.

Your air filter stops debris that comes in through your air intake before it reaches the throttle body or, in some cases, the carburetor. It can stop your engine from filling up with muck, dirt, and dust, but a dirty air filter restricts airflow to the engine, causing a rich air/fuel mixture. When your car runs rich, it burns more fuel and gives off more emissions. If you’ve ever looked at the air filter while changing it, you know just how much dirt it stops—and how dirty it gets. The filter keeps all that muck out of your engine, but a dirty one can clog up your engine’s airflow. Without sufficient airflow, your engine’s fuel air mixture runs rich with too much gasoline.

Signs of a dirty car air filter include poor gas mileage, higher emissions, engine misfires, unusual engine sounds, and trouble starting. These problems only get worse as it gets dirtier and older. In extreme cases black smoke or even flames can come from your vehicle’s exhaust pipe because of the rich air mixture. If you’re driving with a dirty engine air filter, it’s time for a replacement. This kind of replacement is an easy job for any DIYer. If you don’t know how, check out our guide on how to change your engine’s air filter, so you can confidently do the job right. After you’re done, you’ll likely notice your engine running better as it is able to get enough clean air through the intake.

Protect your car from damage down the road with a new air filter from Audiance Auto Parts. We carry the best brands, so if you’re looking for a K&N air filter, or any other major brand, you can drive confidently on the road ahead.

Whether you’re looking for a Toyota Camry air filter, or a filter for any other major automobile, we have what you need. Shop by your vehicle’s year, make, and model to find the right air filter for you on Audiance Auto Parts.com, or come to a store near you.

About Oil Filter

Keep your ride smooth with a new engine oil filter from Audiance Auto Parts. We have the right price on the best oil filters from Bosch, FRAM, STP, and more. Shop Audiance Auto Parts.com for the filter that fits your vehicle. Get free next day delivery or pick up your parts today at an Audiance Auto Parts near you.

If you’ve ever wondered, “What oil filter do I need?” then wonder no more. Audiance Auto Parts makes finding the right filter easy. Just enter your vehicle’s year, make, model, and engine at the top of this page. Whether you need a Honda Civic oil filter or one for any other car, we’ll find the right fit for you.

Before cars came equipped with oil filters, oil changes were frequent as engine combustion contaminants quickly mucked up the motor oil. A crucial part of routine maintenance, it is now recommended to change your filter every time you change your oil. It used to be time for a change every 5,000 miles, but now there are many types of oil filters, including extended life oil filters which can last 10,000 miles or more. New filters ensure filtering efficiency to keep your oil clean and your engine properly lubricated.

Bad oil filter symptoms can include dirty exhaust, low oil pressure from oil leaking, or metallic sounds and sputtering from the engine. These symptoms only get worse as the oil filter gets older. Don’t set yourself up for engine damage down the road, get the parts you need today.

On the outside, the oil filter looks like a metal can with a sealing gasket on top to hold the filter flush to the engine’s mating surface. Oil is taken from the engine to pass through the filter media. The media is the part inside the filter which looks like paper. In fact, media were traditionally made of paper and often still are, although some filters now use synthetic filter media which are better for trapping small contaminants over more miles. Check out this article to learn everything you need to know about oil filters

Full flow filters contain primary media which stops particles as small as 25 microns, and lower oil flow filters also include a secondary media capable of stopping particles between 5-10 microns. Oil enters through the series of small holes just inside the sealing gasket. After soaking through the media, the oil leaves through the big hole at the center of the filter’s top.

No matter what you drive, Audiance Auto Parts has the right parts. When it’s time to switch out your oil filter, stop by Audiance Auto Parts. We have everything you need for the road ahead. 

About Brake Rotor

Brake rotors are among the most durable parts in your car. However, over time, due to the stress of daily driving, brake rotors wear out. Learn the different types of brake discs and rotors here.

What Is a Brake Rotor?

One question that crops up often among drivers is “What is a brake rotor?” Most people know the basic parts of the car–the brakes, the gas pedal, the hood–but not the nitty-gritty. On most modern car designs, the front and rear brakes are made up of multiple parts: a rotor and a pad. The rotors are circular discs connected to each wheel. They are designed to convert kinetic energy from the turning motion into thermal energy.

How Does a Brake Disc Work?

The pad tightens on the rotor when you press on the brake pedal. Pressure is subsequently exerted on the fluid in the master cylinder, which activates the caliper housing in both pads. The result is friction, which transforms the forward momentum of the vehicle into heat. The heat produced is dispersed from the rotor and pad to the air around the wheel, slowing down the rotation of the wheels and the car’s movement.

Types of Brake Discs

Since the brakes are among the crucial systems in a vehicle, they require special care. The care includes understanding the components of the braking system and the various types of brake discs. These types have changed over time as a result of changing vehicle sizes, weights, and models. Here are the various types of brake discs.

A flat brake disc is the basic brake disc. The disc is flat, smooth, made from iron, and fixed to the rotating axle spindle. It is mostly used for smaller vehicles due to their low weight. The discs are affordable to replace.

A vented brake disc is made with a vented design to dissipate the excess heat produced when braking. The disc is used for vehicles with too much load. When braking, the pad produces a lot of friction, and as the heat increases, the disc needs to vent away the heat to prevent damage on the wheel. The disc has gaps that help in releasing the extra heat.

Drilled rotors have holes that help heat dissipate to keep the discs cool. Drilled discs provide an escape route for waste, heat, and gasses. Additionally, because they have holes, there’s less material, making them lighter. However, they tend to need to be replaced more frequently.

Signs Your Brake Disc is in Bad Shape

If you notice the following signs, make an effort to replace your discs:

– Squealing noise when braking

– Warning light on the dashboard

– Your car pulls to one side

– The car vibrates as you brake

– A visual check indicates something wrong with the brakes

When to Replace Your Brake Disc

There is no interval for replacing your brake discs since the duration depends on your car and your driving style. Your car’s brake discs can last up to nearly 50,000 miles. However, the duration can be as low as about 20,000 miles. Your driving style, brake quality, and environment can make your brakes last longer.

How to Change Your Brake Discs

Whether you’re looking to replace your stock quality rotors, or you want to boost your brake system’s power, Audiance Auto Parts has all the parts you need to do-it-yourself and save on your brake rotor replacement cost. If you’ve never changed rotors before, check out our DIY brake job guide.

Restore your vehicle’s braking power with new rotors from Audiance Auto Parts. Whether you need BMW 650i brake rotors, or rotors for any other major vehicle, we have the rotors you are looking for. If you need something like a brake rotor tool or any other tools or parts for your job, we have that too. Our wide selection of auto parts and our Loan-A-Tool program make changing your own brake rotors easier than ever. Your local Audiance Auto Parts has everything you need to do the job right. 

About Engine Oil

Few chemicals are more crucial to your car’s performance than oil. Your engine’s lubrication system reduces friction and protects your vehicle. Over time, exposure to engine heat and exhaust gases wears out the oil. Protect your engine when you start your next oil change at Audiance Auto Parts. We carry all major weights and compositions from all the best motor oil brands, so no matter what you drive, we have what it takes to do the job right.

Changing your oil regularly is the best way to keep a vehicle’s engine running smoothly and for a long time. Browse our selection of conventional and synthetic motor oil to find great deals. You can filter by brand, container, or SAE oil weight by using Narrow Your Results.

What Kind of Oil Does My Car Need?

We have the right price on motor oil for your vehicle. Consult your owner’s manual or simply enter your vehicle’s information at the top of this page. Whatever you drive, we have the conventional motor oils, high mileage oils, and blend or full synthetic motor oils to cover every major make and model’s needs.

What Does Oil Weight Mean?

Oil weight is a measurement viscosity. It is a term assigned by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to specify how well a given oil flows at an engine’s operating temperature. Higher weighted oils are thicker and flow more slowly than lower weights.

Most oils have two weights that are separated by a “w,” like 5w30. That’s because cold weather changes how oil flows. In this case it would flow like a 5 weight at the time of a cold startup, and then flow like a 30 weight once the engine finished warming up to 210 degrees Fahrenheit.

What Types of Motor Oil Does Audiance Auto Parts Carry?

– Conventional motor oil is a mixture of base oil and additives that lubricates, cleans, and protects the engine. This was long the standard kind of oil in most vehicles, but has become less common as synthetic oils have gotten better

– Synthetic motor oils are either full synthetic oils or synthetic blends. Both come from a more complex refinement process than conventional options, which have more impurities due to their crude oil content. Full synthetics and synthetic blends better protect your engine and help improve performance

– High mileage motor oils are made to provide extra protection as the engine ages and more wear accumulates. They should generally be used with vehicles that have more than 75,000 miles on the odometer

You can learn more about the difference between conventional and synthetic oil here.

We carry different categories of each type of oil for gas engines, diesel motors, racing, motorcycles, marine applications, and more.

How Often to Change Oil?

Generally, you should change conventional oil every 3,000 miles or every 3 months. Synthetic oils have increased this the oil change interval for most vehicles to anywhere between 5,000 and 15,000 miles. Some only need to be changed once a year.

Signs it may be time to change your oil include smoky exhaust, low oil levels, and more engine noise, particularly when idling. If it’s time, check out our oil change guide.

What is Motor Oil?

Motor oil consists of a base oil that is mixed with additives and detergents that lubricate and clean your engine.

Engine oil creates a separating film that lubricates moving parts to reduce friction, helping your car run more efficiently. Friction turns useful energy into heat, wearing your engine and making it work harder.

Car or truck, diesel or gasoline, we have the best brands and products for gas engines or diesel trucks. Buy online for free next day delivery or pick up your oil at an Audiance Auto Parts near you today.

About Car Battery

Get a dependable car battery from Audiance Auto Parts. With proven tough coverage from Duralast, premium performance from Optima and Odyssey, and economical buys from Valucraft, Audiance Auto Parts has the right car batteries you need to stay on the road.

Proven tough Duralast batteries fit most modern makes and models, for everyday driving and performance. They are perfect car batteries for Honda Civic or Ford Mustang battery replacement. Backed with a two-year nationwide warranty, you can drive confidently with rugged Duralast dependability.

Which Kind of Car Battery Should I Buy?

Knowing how to choose a good car battery is probably one of the most important things you can do for your car. You want to make sure that it runs smoothly so that you can get years of use out of it.

Go with a Duralast Gold or Platinum Battery for premium performance and extra power for high-energy consumption vehicles. Duralast Gold and Platinum Batteries carry three-year nationwide warranties. For extreme or specialty performance, Audiance Auto Parts carries Odyssey performance batteries and Optima AGM batteries. For an auto battery replacement at the lowest price, Valucraft batteries can get you back on the road with the lowest impact on your wallet. We also have Econocraft batteries with prices starting at $69.99.

Make sure that you choose the right size battery. When you need to buy a new car battery, make sure that you choose the one that’s the perfect fit and type for your specific car. Car batteries are available in a lot of different sizes and types, so you need to choose one that works with your particular car’s make and model.

Why Should I Change my Battery?

Car batteries wear out over time, and extremely hot or cold weather can speed up a good battery’s demise. The cold is commonly thought of as a killer of batteries, but that’s because the it takes more exertion. Typically these batteries lose strength before the winter, and then finally fail when trying to start up the engine in the cold.

How Does a Car Battery Work?

A battery is one of the most important parts of your car. Without it, a car cannot move at all. The battery works by taking an electric current and using it to power the motor to start the engine, which then gets the car going.

The cathode and anode are the respective positively and negatively charged sides of the battery, and the electrolyte is a buffer between the two. The chemical reactions inside cause a buildup of electrons in the anode. Just like magnets, these similarly charged particles repel one another, but are blocked from moving to the other side of the battery by the electrolyte. That means that negatively charged particles need to travel through something external to the battery to circumvent the electrolyte and reach the cathode, where particles carry a positive charge.

That’s where your car comes in. Your vehicle’s electrical system provides a path for electrons to travel when the positive and negative terminals are hooked up, and this travel provides electrical current to your vehicle.

You can learn more about how car batteries work and how you can work on them from out helpful guides below:

How to tell if your car’s battery is dead

What to do if your battery is dead

How to jump your car’s battery

How to Identify a Faulty Battery There are several ways that you can figure out how to identify a faulty battery. Check its age. The bottom line is that older batteries have many more issues than younger batteries and are more likely to fail. If your battery has been in your car for several years, it’s probably best to make the assumption that it needs to be changed. Batteries wear down over time due to things like multiple cycles of discharging. They can also break down over time if they’re constantly exposed to extreme temperatures or temperature changes.

Another sign that it’s time to get a new battery is if the battery is slow to start. This means that when you get into the car and turn the key, the engine doesn’t turn over. It could also make a strange sound before it finally does turn over.

How Long Does an Auto Battery Last?

Most people ask, “How long does an auto battery last?” because they want to be prepared ahead of time. In general, car batteries last anywhere from three to five years. There are several factors that will determine how long your battery will last.

If you drive in extreme temperatures, the exposure to those temps will have a huge impact on the life of the battery. If you’re constantly on the road taking the car for long trips, that’s another thing that could affect your battery’s lifespan. If your alternator and drive belt are starting to break down, those are additional issues that could shorten your battery’s life span.

You may have reached the five-year point with no issues. This is because many of the latest batteries are designed to work right up until the point that they fail. This means that you’re unlikely to get a lot of warning signs before the battery dies. This could be particularly bad if you’re nowhere near help.

Most batteries last 3-5 years. If your battery is 4 years old or older, your car or truck battery is at risk. If you’re worried, Audiance Auto Parts offers free battery testing and charging service to check out your current battery. We’ll even take care of the old one with battery recycling. When it’s time for a replacement, we’ve got the right battery to get you back on the road. It’s safe to assume that after five years you need to get a new battery. 

About Brake Pads

Restore your ride’s stopping power with new brake pads from Audiance Auto Parts. We carry genuine OE parts, better than OE parts from Brembo and Duralast, and economical options from Valucraft. Buy online for free shipping with next day delivery or pick up your parts today at an Audiance Auto Parts near you.

What Are Brake Pads?

Brake pads are attached to your wheel, with each one on either side of the wheel. When you press the brake in your car, the brake pads are pushed toward the wheel to apply friction to stop the car.

When the brake pads push against the wheel to get it to stop, the friction will rub the pads and cause them to wear down. It won’t be immediate, but the brakes will eventually need to be replaced once their efficiency drops and they become thinner. In short, brake pads allow you to stop your car and they need to be replaced after a while.

Why Change Your Brake Pads?

If your car won’t stop as fast as it used to, or if it’s been driven ~40,000 miles since your last brake job, it’s likely time to change your pads. Stop confidently with new brake pads from Audiance Auto Parts. We carry a variety of pads that meet or exceed OE performance. Learn about the different types with our brake pad buyer’s guide. Boost your vehicle’s stopping power while saving on your brake pad replacement cost with free next day shipping or pick them up in an Audiance Auto Parts near you today.

How Often Should Brake Pads Be Replaced?

Changing brake pads is a crucial part of routine maintenance for your vehicle. If they aren’t properly maintained, they can’t bring your car to a stop with the friction generated by the pads coming into contact with the rotors. This friction also wears on the surface of your pads, reducing the thickness of the friction material which touches the rotors when the pedals are pressed. Worn brake pads struggle to stop your car, and they can even damage your rotors. Put a stop to damage down the road with new brake pads from Audiance Auto Parts. If you’re not sure how, check out this guide to changing brake pads and rotors.

Signs of Bad Brake Pads

Signs of bad brake pads include squealing, pulsing in the brake pedal, and a dash warning light. Any of these symptoms should be addressed immediately with an inspection of your vehicle’s brake system to ensure that you can stop safely. If you’re inspecting brake pads, look for a smooth, level friction surface. A friction surface that is not level will not make consistent contact with the rotor, costing you stopping power.

How to Check Your Brake Pads

It’s important to replace your brake pads as needed, but you also shouldn’t replace them too soon or you will end up wasting money. This means you’ll need to know how to check your brake pads to see if they need to be replaced. You can check by listening and paying attention to the brake or by looking at the brake pads.

First, you need to listen to your brakes to see if they’re starting to go bad. If they start to squeak when you use the brake, it might be time to check them out. Many pads include wear indicators which touch the rotors and create a sound when the pad material is too thin. That said, some brake pads can be a bit squeaky normally, like high performance brake pads on car that’s being driven slowly, so do some research on your specific equipment to learn service intervals and signs to look out for. You should also pay attention and see if you need to step on your brake harder to get your car to stop, or it seems like stopping is taking longer.

You can also check your brake pads by taking the wheels off of your car. Keep in mind that you will have front and rear brake pads on your car. Remove the wheels and look at the pads. If they look thin, then you will need to replace them. Make sure that you check all of your wheels to be on the safe side.

Types of Brake Pads that Audiance Auto Parts Carries

We carry all kinds of carbon fiber, ceramic brake pads, and more. We are a one stop shop where you can get pads and brake grease, or anything else for your next brake job. Whether you need affordable brake pads with standard performance, Duralast Gold brake pads with a limited lifetime warranty, or Duralast Elite pads for longer lasting safe stops, or anything in-between, Audiance Auto Parts has what it takes to do the job right.

Brake pads are important parts of your car that should be replaced immediately if they start to wear down. If you don’t replace them as needed, then you could end up damaging your wheel, which will cost you even more money later on. Luckily, we offer plenty of brake pads at Audiance Auto Parts to help you find the right ones based on what you need.

How to Change Your Oil

Follow these simple steps and you’ll do the job right and for much cheaper.

The idea of performing maintenance, even a relatively simple task such as an oil change, may seem daunting, if not downright impossible. However, changing your own oil can be more convenient and less expensive than taking your vehicle to a local express lube shop. We’ll show you how to do it correctly, safely, and affordably in the following short video clips. You might even find working on your car is fun — much as we do.

If you’re unsure what kind of oil you should use or how often you should change it, refer to the technical specifications or service section of your owner’s manual. In this six-step video guide, we will walk you through a standard oil change—in this case on an Acura TSX, but the process is virtually identical whether you drive a Hyundai, Hummer, or anything else.

Before you even start this process, consult your owner’s manual (or the trusty internet) to determine exactly how much oil you will need to replace what you drain. And you’ll also need an oil filter. So you’ll be making a trip to an auto-parts store or a big-box retail outlet to get what you need. While you’re there, you’ll want to pick up an oil-filter wrench and the proper size wrench for your oil drain plug if you don’t already have those. And you’ll want some gloves to keep your hands clean; old-fashioned latex medical gloves work fine. Now you’re ready to go. Follow these steps to change your own oil:

Step 1: Jack It Up, Open It Up

First, you’ll want to lift the car high enough to give yourself room to work under it. Whether you use a hoist, ramps, or jack stands, make sure you are being absolutely safe. Never work under a car that is held up only by a floor jack. We raised our subject vehicle on the lift in the Car and Driver test garage, so you could see what we were doing. Most modern cars are fitted with a plastic under tray to both improve aerodynamics and protect vital components on the underside of the engine. In order to access the oil pan and oil filter on the TSX, the cover needs to be removed; most under trays are held on with a mixture of bolts, screws, or plastic clips that can be unfastened with basic hand tools. Before step two, be sure to examine the area for oil leaks. If any are found, consider having your vehicle inspected by a mechanic.

Step 2: Unplug It, Drain It

Situate your oil receptacle—five-gallon bucket, oil drain pan (available at an auto-parts store), oil reservoir, or any other sizable liquid-holding container—in such a way that the oil will drain into it without getting all over the ground or otherwise making a mess. Remember, there will be a lot of oil: Most cars have at least a gallon in their crankcase, and some a lot more. Remove the drain plug by loosening it (counterclockwise) with the proper wrench and unscrewing it. Hold on to the drain plug as you remove it; the oil will start pouring out as you pull it away from the oil pan. Allow the engine to drain for five minutes or until the flow of oil has slowed to a trickle.

Step 3: Off With the Old Filter

Find the oil filter. It’s the softball-sized cylindrical component screwed onto the engine (though some engines have a housing that you slip a filter cartridge into). Using your hand or an oil-filter wrench (you’ll likely need the latter), loosen the oil filter (turn counterclockwise) enough that the oil starts to come out of the top and drip down into your receptacle. Wait until the flow subsides and finish removing the filter. Before installing your new filter, be sure to verify that the old oil-filter gasket—a thin rubber O-ring—wasn’t left behind. This is particularly important; if the old gasket is not removed, the new filter won’t seal properly, which typically ends with all of your new, fresh oil leaking onto the ground within minutes of startup, potentially starving the engine of oil and leading to catastrophe. It is good practice to wipe down any oil-covered surfaces before you replace the drain plug and oil filter.

Step 4: Drain Plug in, Filter On

Replace the drain plug and tighten it until it’s snug, but not too much: Overtightening can cause damage to the oil pan and drain plug. Put some effort into tightening it, but not all of your strength. Some manufacturers have a torque spec that you can follow, using a torque wrench. In any case, do not try to rip off the head of the drain plug. Certain vehicles use a washer behind the drain plug that must be replaced when you reinstall the plug (check your owner’s manual to see if this washer needs to be replaced). Next, take your new oil filter and apply a light coating of oil (from a dab on the end of your finger) all around the rubber gasket on the top of the filter. This will help create a proper seal as you tighten the filter. The same rule applies when installing the filter: Don’t screw too hard, but rather turn it until it’s “hand tight” and then just a bit more, so it’s snug.

Step 5: Fill It Back Up with Oil

Once you have replaced the oil filter and drain plug, reinstall your undertray and lower the car back to the ground. Open the hood and remove the oil cap, which should have an oil-can symbol on it. Using a funnel, fill the engine with the manufacturer’s indicated volume of oil.

Step 6: Check the Oil Level, Check for Leaks

Finally, after waiting a few minutes for the oil to settle into the pan, use the dipstick to verify that your oil is at the proper level. Checking your oil is simple: Pull the dipstick from its tube, wipe away all oil with a paper towel, reinsert the dipstick, remove the dipstick, and confirm that the oil is lined up with the full marking on the tip of the dipstick. Finally, start the vehicle and let it idle and warm up; check for leaks under the vehicle and around the oil filter.

Congratulations! You’ve changed your oil and saved a bunch of money. Now, doesn’t that feel great?