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Summary
  • Some vehicle parts are best replaced in pairs for optimum performance and safety.
  • These parts include headlights, tail lights, and mirrors. Brake components like discs, pads, and calipers are usually replaced in pairs.
  • Other parts to replace in pairs include wiper blades, oxygen sensors, and running boards.

Is your car looking a little worse for wear? Or do you know someone who’s been saving up for ages to fix their ride? Show them some love this Valentine’s Day and shower them with the parts they need (and deserve!).

Before you stock up, keep in mind that for some parts, it’s absolutely essential to replace them in pairs for optimum performance and safety. Other parts are available in sets or kits to take out any guesswork and save you a little money and time. That way, you can spend more quality time with that special someone… Wink wink.

Check out our guide on buying parts in pairs below:

Headlights

couple standing in front of headlights

Even if only one of your headlights has burnt out or been damaged in a collision, we strongly recommend that you replace both to ensure even, equally improved lighting. In cases where only one headlight has gone out, the other will probably go out sooner rather than later, so it’s best to get both at once.

And even if your headlights are working properly, you might want to replace them both if you have an older vehicle and the lenses are starting to get yellow or hazy. Headlights that are clean and clear make a huge difference when you’re driving at night or in foggy weather. Plus, installing a sleek new set of headlights is an easy way to freshen up your front end (and impress your date).

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Tail Lights

pair of tail lights

Got a broken tail light? Don’t get a fix-it ticket. Take care of it today so you can make sure you’re safely seen when you’re on the road at night.

If both of your tail lights are damaged or you’re doing an upgrade, we carry tail lights in sets of two so you can replace both at the same time. These sets are also a great option if you simply want to ensure an even look as well as performance.

If you decide to repair only one tail light (and part it from its soulmate *sniff*), make sure you order the correct side (i.e. driver or passenger, as well as outer or inner).

Mirrors

smiling couple reflected in side mirror

If someone’s swiped right on your car (not in a good way) and left one of your mirrors hanging off, make sure you replace it right away. While you’re at it, you might want to go ahead and replace both of your mirrors, especially if you’re doing an upgrade. Many of our side mirrors are available in sets of two for your convenience.

If you’re only replacing one mirror, make sure you order whichever side you need (i.e. driver or passenger side). Also take note of any other features that are specific to your vehicle (e.g. heated or non-heated, manual or power folding, with or without memory, signals, puddle lights, etc.).

Brake Discs, Pads, and Calipers

powerstop brake upgrade kit

Thinking of taking that special someone on a scenic drive? When you’re driving along the coast and taking in that gorgeous sunset, squealing brakes don’t make for the most romantic soundtrack. Before you set off on your adventure, make sure you check your brakes so worn-out pads don’t spoil the mood.

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If it’s time to replace your brake pads, you may even want to consider replacing your rotors, too, to ensure optimum stopping performance. Power Stop offers premium brake discs or brake pads in 2-wheel or 4-wheel sets, as well as brake disc and pad kits or brake disc and caliper kits if you need to do a full brake job.

Wiper Blades

love note tucked under wiper blade

Has your partner’s windshield been getting streaky? Worn-out wiper blades might be the culprit. Even if only one of them is badly damaged, it’s best to go ahead and replace both. Otherwise, the other blade is bound to wear out before the new one.

Surprise your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day by installing a fresh set of wiper blades for them. Don’t forget to leave a love note underneath! D’aww.

Oxygen Sensors

, Better Together: A Guide to Buying Parts in Pairs

If one of your oxygen sensors has gone bad, we highly recommend that you replace it along with its mate, as it’s best to replace O2 sensors in pairs (i.e. both upstream and downstream, or both before and after catalytic converter). You may even want to consider replacing all of your sensors at once. Either of these options can help to ensure an even air-fuel ratio and overall balance in your engine management system. If you decide to go either of these routes, we offer oxygen sensors in handy sets of two or four.

Running Boards

couple at beach with white truck

Going on a weekend trip with friends or family for Valentine’s Day? Make sure the gang climbs in and out of your rig safely with a stylish set of running boards. Check out our selection from Westin, Luverne, Aries, and more.

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Besides this list, there are many other parts that should be bought in pairs or kits. If you’re not sure about you need, feel free to reach out and we’ll be happy to help!

Get the Right Replacement ABS Control Module for Your Vehicle

A faulty ABS control module is one of the more severe causes of the C0045 code. Until you replace the malfunctioning computer, minimize other ABS issues by not driving your vehicle. Instead of waiting for the ABS control module to fail outright, order a new part from CarParts.com.

Enjoy effortless shopping for ABS control modules online with CarParts.com. Gone are the days of waiting at the back of a long line at the counter–now, you can order a replacement part on your mobile phone. Simply plug your vehicle’s details into our website’s built-in vehicle selector to find the products that fit your car or truck. Our strategically located warehouses deliver your new part to your doorstep within several business days. We exclusively source our ABS control modules from trusted manufacturers, ensuring you get a high-quality part that delivers long-lasting performance.

Keep your vehicle’s ABS running smoothly by replacing any malfunctioning part, including its control module. Check out our selection of ABS control modules and other brake parts today!

About The Author
Written By Associate Manager, Marketing & Communications at CarParts.com

Jacqui Fauni is a contributing writer and editor for In the Garage, specializing in features, guides, and both product and lifestyle content. With over 10 years of experience in copywriting—five of which have been in the automotive industry—and a BA in English and Psychology from UC Berkeley, Jacqui is passionate about community-building and helping to make parts knowledge and the automotive space as a whole more accessible to everyday drivers. As an old soul, she’d pick cruising down the coast in a classic car over a day at the track anytime.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.

Aries AscentStep Running Board Kit Rebate
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