Do You Want Fries With That?

With over 150,000 parts in our inventory, it's impossible to store them all in our warehouses.   That's why many of our inventoried parts stay on the vehicle until sold.  This is a cost-saving measure which helps us to maintain our low prices. The only down-side to this practice is that it delays shipping by a day or so in some cases. 

Since the part you order may still be on the vehicle, you may be able to request hardware and associated components that we normally don't send along with the primary part.  If you need mounting hardware (nuts, bolts, etc), you can always request them and we'll do our best to send them along at no additional charge if we have them.  Simply enter a note in the comments box during the ordering process and we'll do our best to send you the additional components.   We only ask that you don't count on receiving them.  If the item you order has already been removed from the vehicle, we will not have the hardware that once attached the part to the vehicle. 

Something to keep in mind:  We do not inventory every part found on a vehicle.  If the item is not in our inventory, we can not offer it for sale.  Components like interior and exterior trim are not offered for sale.  Other things you won't find in our inventory include carpeting, sun visor clips, sensors, audio speakers, tires and various  small plastic parts. 

Even with the exclusions above, you'll find most of what you're looking for within our extensive inventory of used and new parts.   Our entire inventory is online and searchable on the chuckandeddies.com website, while not everything is listed on our ebay store.   If you've searched our website and can't seem to find what you need, we're just a toll-free phone call away!  

--Bruce Zubee

Bruce is Director of Online Marketing and Operations at Chuck and Eddie's Auto Parts

Used Auto Parts - Not For Everyone

Purchasing used auto parts to replace failed or failing parts in your vehicle can save you a ton of money, but there are distinct differences between used and new parts. 

Chuck and Eddie's has been in the business of suppliying used parts to customers throughout the world since the 1940's. During this time we've save thousands of people an unbelievable amount of money.  We've also upset some people in the process.

Those first-time purchasers of used parts sometimes have an unrealistic idea of what they will be receiving.  Over the years, we've found that many folks interpret "good condition" as "like new".  There's a big difference. 

As an example, a front seat from a 2000 Ford Explorer in "good condition", will still show signs of 13 years of use and wear.   That's unavoidable.   It will have plenty of usefulness left to it, but it's not going to look "brand new". 

The same holds true for mechanical parts.   Moving parts will begin to wear after a period of time.  They'll still work, but the signs of wear are usually noticeable.  

Let's face it folks.   You're buying USED PARTS at a FRACTION of the cost of new.   In most cases, you will get a good, part that will serve you well but it will not be perfect. 

Here at Chuck and Eddie's we offer a very liberal six month warranty on every used part we sell.  Experience has taught us that a used part might test well but there's always a chance it might not last.  Our warranty period was designed to protect our customers in these cases. 

Another mistake some folks make while attempting to save  money, is self installation.  We encourage self installation  for folks that have mechanical ability, but it's not for everyone.  We've received returned parts from customers claiming the part never worked but it's been obvious upon inspection that a non-mechanical person attempted to install the part and in the process, broke it.  

When replacing parts, used or new, let a professional handle the installation.  It'll cost you a few bucks but it will save you lots of headaches.

So if you're new to the idea of used parts for your vehicle, be realistic.  Know that you're purchasing parts that have been USED.  Know that even though the description of a part indicates "good condition" it is still  a USED PART. 

Let's face it.  If you're looking for the perfect part, save yourself the disappointment and buy new. Over the years we've learned that some people will NOT be satisfied with a used auto part.

--Bruce Zubee

Bruce is Director of Marketing and Operations for Chuck and Eddie's Online Division. 

How Vehicle Brakes Work

Inertia or momentum, as described by Newton’s Law of Motion, is the tendency of an object to remain in its current state and resist change. It is measured by an object’s mass when stationary, its mass and velocity when in motion. How do these laws of physics relate to the average commuter? It’s simple. Engineers use algebraic formulas relating to the Law of Motion to design braking systems that will arrest the forward momentum of a 4, 000 pound vehicle traveling at 88 feet per second. Therefore, you have a reasonable expectation that your car will stop when you step on the brake pedal.

Keep in mind, however, that brakes are a wearable item, meaning that certain components of the braking system will wear out before the rest of the car. These components are:

• Brake Rotors - Brake rotors are flat steel discs mounted vertically to the vehicle’s axel. They are approximately nine to ten inches in diameter and one inch thick on most domestic, passenger vehicles. Many rotors are designed with vanes sandwiched between two friction surfaces. This is to dissipate excess heat when the brakes are actuated. Each manufacturer publishes the minimum rotor thickness designed for a particular vehicle. When rotors wear to this minimum, they need to be replaced. Ask your service professional to measure the rotor thickness each time your brakes are inspected.

• Brake Pads - Brake pads consist of friction material on a steel backing plate. The pads are mounted to the stationary brake caliper. When the brakes are actuated, the stationary pads clamp both side of the spinning rotor. This causes friction which in turn produces thermal energy, or heat. The frictions of the pads on the spinning rotors cause the rotors to slow which in turn slow the vehicle’s wheels. This friction and heat cause microscopic particles to be lost on both pads and rotors each time the brakes are actuated. Pads should be replaced when 75% to 80% of the friction material is worn away.

• Brake Fluid - Brake fluid is a misnomer for hydraulic oil especially formulated to be used in certain types of hydraulic brake systems. Hydraulic brake components consist mostly of steel. Brake fluid is hygroscopic. This means that all water molecules have been removed in order to prevent internal corrosion of the brake parts. However, this causes brake fluid to attract moisture. Over time the brake fluid will become saturated with water. This is the primary reason to periodically replace the brake fluid. Check the owner’s manual for the replacement schedule or have your service professional check for moisture or rust scale in the fluid.

Your ability to commute safely day in and day out is literally riding on the condition of your car’s brakes. All highway systems and accompanying traffic laws are designed on the premise that vehicles can stop at certain points. Without this ability our roadways would be dangerously chaotic. Have your car’s brakes checked often. A good rule-of-thumb is to perform a visual brake inspection each time the tires are rotated, or every 5,000 miles.

Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Torque Converters

If manual cars use clutch, automatic cars use torque converters. A torque converter is a fluid coupling mechanism that allows the engine to spin independently from the transmission. Torque means power in the automobile's dictionary. Torque converter then is literally a power converter.

There are four different torque converter parts: pump, turbine, stator, and transmission fluid. The transmission fluid provides the converter the high performance power to do its job for fluid coupling. The pump acts as a centrifuge. It works pretty much like a washing machine. As the pump spins, the transmission fluid is flung to the torque converter's outer part. As the transmission fluid is flung outside, a vacuum is created at the center which further draws more fluid toward it. The turbine, on the other hand, causes the fluid to change direction, which in turn also causes the turbine to spin. Now if the transmission fluid hits the pump, it would cause the engine to slow down, thus wasting energy. To prevent this, a typical torque converter has stator. It redirects the transmission fluid so it does not hit the torque converter pumps. The stator dramatically increases the efficiency of any torque converter.

Working together, these four torque converter parts ensure that the torque converter function well. There are five specific functions that converters do. It provides multiple torque or power generated by the engine. It works like a clutch that transmits engine torque. It absorbs vibration of the vehicle's engine, smooths out the engine's rotation, and drives oil out of the hydraulic control system.

Like the other parts of any vehicle, these torque converter parts are also prone to wear and tear. However big or small, any damage on them means the owner of the vehicle is in for some torque repair. Do not forget to check that everything is well lubricated so that the converters move smoothly. For instance, as what we have stated awhile ago, the turbine is an essential component of the transmission torque converter. It is what connects the input shaft when the torque converter is mounted to the transmission. Normally damage to this part ensues a replacement of the whole transmission torque converter.

Another common problem is stator clutch seizure. Stator clutch seizure happens when the blades of the stator become locked together preventing it from rotating during the coupling phase. This trouble is usually resolved through either complete torque rebuild or re-installation of your torque converter.

One of the minor but vital parts of converters is the torque converter clutch. It acts an electronic clutch that engages the engine and the powertrain or the part that generates power and delivers it to the road surface. The torque converter clutch is also known as a lock up converter. It slips and makes idle the car so it does not move. However, it never completely engages the way manual transmission car clutch can. Little slips cause inefficiency. Expect that manual transmission cars have higher performance level and better mileage than automatic ones.

Car Wheels - Keep Clean, Keep Safe

Do you have alloy car wheels installed in your car? Well if this is the case then you will have to be very careful with the maintenance of these wheels. You need to take proper care of your wheels as they are very important for proper running of your car. Here are certain important points that you need to remember for cleaning of the alloy car wheels.

Initially you will have to make sure that you pre rinse the wheels with the help of a fine shower. This will help in removing all dust particles and debris from it.

You will also find tar strains on some of the wheels which will also be cleaned with the special tar remover which is available in the market. Make sure that you perform this activity with a soft cloth preferably cotton.

After this you need to make sure that you buy a wheel cleaner which is easily available in the market. Get a bucket full of warm water and add the cleaner in it. Make sure that you use the cleaner only. Keep in mind to follow the steps mentioned in the manual of the cleaning solution.

You can also opt for sponge cleaning. By dipping a sponge in soapy water you can wash the car wheels very well. This will not only clean all the dust but will also make it shine. It is important for you to rub it in a very systematic way and gentle way too, so that there are no scars on the car. Do not forget to change the water after it becomes dirty or else instead of cleaning the car you might make it dirtier. In order to dry your wheels you can use chamois.

Last but not the least ay to clean the car wheels is by using the special alloy wheel wax available in the market. This is a special kind of wax that not only helps one to clean the car wheels but along with it also helps the wheels to shine and look smarter and richer. This wax is made in a way that it protects the car wheels from the dust particles and also the moisture to enter. This is why you will find most of the users prefer using wheel wax to keep it clean.

These are certain cleaning tips that you need to keep in your mind for the safety of your car wheels

Chuck and Eddies Auto Parts Online Video

Chuck and Eddie's Goes Mobile!

Chuck and Eddie's Auto Parts continues to be a major technology leader within the auto recycling industry.  We've just launched a mobile website with fully functional shopping capabilities.  This means customers can scan our entire inventory right from their smart phone and shop for parts from anywhere!   Log on to www.chuckandeddies.com from your smart phone and the mobile site will automatically be displayed.

Mechanics love our mobile site because they can order parts while they're in the process of diagnosing a vehicle in the garage.  Do-it-yourselfers also enjoy the convenience of buying online wherever they might be. 

To compliment our mobile website, we've also developed a mobile app for all IOS (Apple) and Andriod devices.  The app incorporates the same shopping feature as our mobile site, and also contains some other useful tools.  One big advantage of downloading our app is a great money saving feature.  We will "push" messages to your device about special offers available ONLY to those who have the ChuckandEddies.com Mobile App.  This, alone is reason enough to have our app on your device.

Our apps will be updated with new features as time goes on.  We've just finished our first upgrade which will allow customers to send photos of parts they need directly to our Parts Specialists.   This feature will be available only for IOS devices.  

We hope you will find these new tools useful.   Here at ChuckandEddies.com, we're working hard to make parts purchasing easy and cost effective.