Remember the days where you would walk down the grocery store aisle and spot your favorite snack on sale for $0.50? You wouldn’t think twice, and yes of course, you would buy it. These days are a little different. In order to buy cheap items online, you usually need to pay for shipping. To qualify for free shipping, you have to buy more than $49 worth of parts. The problem arises because if we buy the cheap parts individually, you’re never going to buy $49 worth of them. On the flip side, when you make a different purchase over your threshold, you simply forget what you needed.
Why do I mention this? Because in my personal experience, cheap parts that need replacement, never seem to be fixed because I’m too thrifty to pay for shipping. When I really need a part, I end up buying $49.01 worth of car parts plus random replacements oil filters. For your benefit, here’s a list of cheap parts to toss into your next online shopping basket because the only time you need them, is when you really need them.
Note that most items in this list are less than $5.00 and all are under $10.00
1. Oil filler cap gasket
These gaskets are generally forgotten, leading to vacuum leaks and oil leaks, all because of a seal that’s hardened after being left on the engine too long.
2. Transmission Shift Linkage bushings
If you have a sloppy automatic transmission linkage bushing, replacing these will make a world of difference. True story: I bought replacements not long after I just replaced the original bushings because I was afraid I’d have to pay full price next time I needed them.
3. Oil Dipstick O-ring
Same reason to change these as your oil filler cap o-ring. Again, this is usually a cheap, but neglected part.
4. Distributor Cap Rotor
For under $10, if you need to replace your rotor, there’s no better time to do it than now. The job is easy enough to do in a few hours with basic hand tools.
5. Flame Trap Hoses and/or gaskets
Yes, your flame trap has gaskets. Take care of this system because leaks can creep up, causing random drive-ability issues.
6. Mann Oil Filter and Crush washer
The go-to oil filter for RWD Bricks, the Mann W917. You’ll always need an oil filter, so go ahead and buy one for yourself. Be sure to pick up a crush washer while you’re at it.
7. Transmission Mount
This is a cheap and easy-enough fix that can be done in a jiffy. You may just be surprised how much of a change you’ll feel after changing your transmission mount.
8. Secondary Cooling Fan temperature sensor seal
As I found out recently, spares are always in short supply when you need them the most.
9. License Plate Bulb
Because…why not? They’ll need replacement eventually.
10. Washer reservoir cap
Hasn’t your tether been missing for a while? Treat yourself to a washer reservoir cap that stays connected to your car.
If you’re like me, your brake pedal pad is well worn, all the way down to the metal. Spend a fer dollars and upgrade your car. Its amazing the difference between braking on a rubber pad versus bare metal.
The next time you’re shopping at FCP, take a look at this quick list, and pick up a few items. Trust me, they’re worth every penny, literally.
