Information
Last Updated: 1.25.2019
Contact: [email protected]
🎵”O, O, O, O’Reilly!”🎵 O’Reilly Auto Parts is having us rewrite part descriptions for different makes and models of vehicles. O’Reilly has provided us with example descriptions that they want us to rewrite in a similar fashion for the different makes and models of cars designated. They hate fluff and filler, so these need to be very general and to the point, while following their do’s and dont’s section.
Target Audience: Anyone looking to replace an auto part.
Tone/Voice: Professional, conversational (see examples)
Word Count: 100-124 words
Instructions:
Step 1. Look at the Make/Model Part Description Example tab prior to writing to see the example description for the part you are writing about (i.e – brake rotors).
Step 2. Use the specific part example and rewrite it (be sure to follow the format formula below and basically rewrite the example with the new make and model of car. It’s ok if some sentences are very similar to the example, there are only so many ways you can explain what a part does.)
Step 3. Include the Make/Model [located in column D] in the first sentence of the description (e.g. The brake rotors on your Chevrolet Silverado are the surface which your brake pads press against…). Only use the Make/Model once in the description.
Step 4. – Make sure to review the do’s and don’t section. They don’t want any filler in these, they should be simple, to the point, and general. They are very picky about these things, so make sure to look this over carefully!
Make/Model Part Description Format Formula: Follow the following format for each make/model part description, leaving a blank line between each (see example): Please write your entire block’s worth of descriptions in one Word document separated by lines (see make/model part description examples).
[Part Name] found in Column E – [Make/Model Name] found in Column D
[Description Content – using whichever header/statements that apply to the specific part type – as follows]
Hard Part – Non-performance
Statement 1: What the part does
Statement 2: What happens if the part fails?
Statement 3: O’R Selection/Quality
Hard Part – Performance
Statement 1: What the part does
Statement 2: Benefits of the performance part
Statement 2: O’R Selection/Quality
Do’s and Don’ts:
- Avoid terms like “affordable, cost-effective, low price, good for your wallet”, etc.
- Avoid “we believe” statements
- Avoid saying the part is “important” or using “important language” at all in the description.
- No change intervals for fluids/filters. Instead, use “check your owner’s manual” or “your manufacturer specifies” statements
- For performance/racing parts, no diagnostic/symptom related verbiage is needed.
- Before adding/confirming that we have a “wide selection” of a part type, select a vehicle for that part type to see how many options we actually have.
- For part types with primarily private label brands, saying we carry “the top-rated brands in the industry” or things like that are inaccurate. If it includes national brands, this would be a good statement
- Unless it’s a consistently located part, avoid stating locations of items on the car (transmission dipstick tube is not always at the firewall near the back of the engine, can be in a couple of other places or the car may not have a serviceable transmission)
- For tools that service specific parts, some diagnostic information can be valuable. However, trying to diagnose something wrong with the current tools someone owns is unnecessary. When writing tool part types, let’s assume they’ve never bought one of these tools before instead of that they’re replacing something they’ve lost or broken.
When writing any of these descriptions, here are some simple steps you can take to quickly get some information to help you write:
Since you want to start the description out with some of the reasons why you would want to replace the part, it’s important to quickly do a Google search and find out what causes that part to fail. For example, if my product name is brake pads, I would Google “Signs that your brake pads are bad” or “What causes brake pads to go bad?” Doing a simple search gets me some quick information that hearing noise or squeaking is a classic sign it’s time to replace your brakes. I also quickly learn that when brakes are worn, they then transfer the heat to your rotors, which can cause rotors to go bad if you don’t replace your brakes right away. This is more than enough information to start writing my short category description that would look something like this:
If you hear noise or feel your vehicle pulling when you apply the brakes, your brake pads most likely need replacing. O’Reilly Auto Parts offers a wide variety of brake shoes made from different friction materials to customize to your style of driving. All of the brands that O’Reilly Auto Parts carries are known for their outstanding quality, consistent performance, long brake pad life and affordability. Save on brake pad costs by replacing your shoes with any of the following options that will work with your vehicle.
- Write all of the descriptions in your block in one Word Document.
- For Category Descriptions: Save the Word document as “O-Reilly – ID# Range” for the block you did. (For example, “O-Reilly – 21-25.docx”)
- For Make/Model Part Type Descriptions: Save the Word document as “O-Reilly – Part Description” for the block you did. (For example, “O’Reilly – Brake Pads”)
- Submit each finished block to [email protected] with “O’Reilly Auto Parts” in the subject line of your email.
*these descriptions were provided to us from O’Reilly themselves, so your rewritten description should be incredibly similar to these descriptions, and it’s ok it some of your sentences etc. are very similar as we understand there are only so many ways to explain what a part does in a simple way.
Air Filter – Ford F150 (following example is not specific to this vehicle, this is just to show the example header)
Your air filter removes dirt, dust and other debris from the air entering your engine. Over time, these contaminants may block the air from entering your engine. There are a number of warning signs that your air filter needs to be replaced. If your engine is misfiring, if you hear unusual engine sounds or if there’s a smell of gasoline when starting your car, these all may be signs that it’s time to replace your air filter. A new air filter can improve your vehicle’s performance and fuel economy, and your owner’s manual will indicate how often it should be changed. O’Reilly Auto Parts carries air filter options for most vehicles.
Alternator – BMW 3 Series (following example is not specific to this vehicle, this is just to show the example header)
The alternator creates electrical power to be used by the engine and accessories. It also charges the battery to assure there will be enough power to start the vehicle. Like all rotating parts, the bearings in an alternator will eventually fail. If you notice that your headlights dim or your battery won’t stay fully charged, it may be time to replace your alternator or other associated parts. You can also have your alternator tested at O’Reilly Auto Parts to assure that it needs to be replaced. If you need a replacement alternator, check out our options for the right one to fit your vehicle.
Belt – Serpentine Type – Honda Accord (same as previous)
Your oil filter removes debris from your oil before it is fed to the rest of the engine. A drop in oil pressure, sudden changes in oil consumption, or metallic sounds from the engine compartment may indicate your oil filter needs to be replaced. When you perform an oil change, make sure and change the filter for a complete repair. O’Reilly Auto Parts carries oil filter options, including filters specifically designed for use with synthetic oil. Oil change intervals may vary. Check your owner’s manual for the right type of oil and filter needed for your car, as well as how often they should be changed. Take a look at the options to find the best oil filter for your vehicle.
Brake Pads
Brake pads are the friction component of your braking system. They press into the rotors to slow your wheels when braking. If you notice squealing or grinding when braking, it may be time to replace your brake pads. Other symptoms of failing brake pads include your car shaking or pulsing when you brake. To perform a full brake service, it is best to replace your brake rotors and pads at the same time. O’Reilly Auto Parts carries quality replacement brake pads and rotors for a complete repair. Check out our options and find the best brake pads for your car.
Brake Rotors
Your brake rotors are the surface which your brake pads press against to stop your vehicle in a disc brake system. When rotors wear down, you may notice that your car shudders when braking, or noises like squeals or grinding from your brakes. Brake rotors can warp, develop “hot spots”, and wear down with age. Worn brake pads can also cause grooves in the rotors, so they should be resurfaced or replaced when brake pads are replaced. Regular brake pad and brake rotor service ensures safe and smooth stopping. O’Reilly Auto Parts provides replacement brake rotors and pads that match OE quality. See our selection of replacement brake rotors to fit your car.
Coolant Temperature Sensor / Sender / Switch
The coolant temperature sensor feeds your temperature gauge and ECU information about the temperature of the coolant in the engine. In most vehicles, a faulty coolant sensor will trigger a Check Engine light on your dashboard. But if your engine is frequently overheating or using more gas than usual, it‘s time to check on your coolant sensor. You may also notice that the temperature gauge isn’t working, or black smoke from the exhaust pipe. At O’Reilly Auto Parts, we offer sensors and switches for many vehicles. Browse our stock to find the right parts for your repair.
Engine Coolant / Antifreeze – Vehicle Specific
Engine coolant or antifreeze keeps your engine running cool and helps deter corrosion and freezing inside your engine. If your vehicle is low on coolant, your car’s temperature gauge might start reading higher than it usually does, or you might notice a drop in your fuel mileage. Your interior heating system may not work as it should, or might just have noticed a leak on the ground under your vehicle. If the level is low enough, this can trigger a temperature warning light on your dash. Your owner’s manual should include information on the proper coolant to use in your vehicle. Visit O’Reilly Auto Parts for the right antifreeze for your car, truck or SUV.
Fuel Filter / Water Separator
The fuel filter catches debris and sediment between your fuel pump and your engine. This filter can clog over time, and may cause problems with fuel delivery. A lack of fuel can cause your engine to run lean, or not run at all. This can be especially noticeable when climbing hills or accelerating. Keeping a clean fuel filter in your car can reduce damage to your fuel injectors and help keep your car running at its best. Visit O’Reilly Auto Parts and check out our fuel filter options for your vehicle.
Motor Oil – Vehicle Specific
Oil keeps the components inside your engine moving freely and keeps metal parts from damaging one another. Fresh oil can extend the life of your engine by keeping its internal components cool and lubricated. Low oil may trigger your oil pressure light, and if not addressed, could permanently damage your engine. Your manufacturer will specify the oil change interval and oil type and weight for your specific vehicle. When you need to change your oil, O’Reilly Auto Parts carries a variety of motor oils to match your manufacturer’s recommendation. Take a look at the options that will work for your vehicle.
Oil Filter
Your oil filter removes debris from your oil before it is fed to the rest of the engine. A drop in oil pressure, sudden changes in oil consumption, or metallic sounds from the engine compartment may indicate your oil filter needs to be replaced. When you perform an oil change, make sure and change the filter for a complete repair. O’Reilly Auto Parts carries oil filter options, including filters specifically designed for use with synthetic oil. Oil change intervals may vary. Check your owner’s manual for the right type of oil and filter needed for your car, as well as how often they should be changed. Take a look at the options to find the best oil filter for your vehicle.
Oxygen / Air-Fuel Ratio Sensor
Your oxygen sensor, also known as an O2 sensor, monitors the amount of oxygen in your exhaust. It sends these readings to the ECU to calculate the appropriate air/fuel ratio to run the engine efficiently. A decrease in fuel efficiency, poor engine performance, stalling, hesitation or a rough idle are signs that your oxygen sensor may have failed. There are usually multiple oxygen sensors on the vehicle, and it can be difficult to diagnose which one may be at fault. In many cases, this may require a professional technician. If you’re ready to replace one of your oxygen sensors, visit O’Reilly Auto Parts. We carry the right oxygen sensors to fit most applications.
Radiator / Coolant Recovery Cap
Your radiator cap controls the pressure inside your cooling system. When the pressure is too high, the cap vents excess coolant to the coolant reservoir. If your cap isn’t venting, this causes excess pressure in the cooling system, and can cause leaks or a collapsed radiator hose. A cap that is no longer sealing could also cause a leak. At operating temperature, coolant can evaporate from the open system. Any time there is a coolant leak, there is a possibility of the engine overheating. Check your coolant cap for signs of wear. If you need a new radiator cap or coolant reservoir cap, visit O’Reilly Auto Parts. We carry radiator caps to fit most applications.
Spark Plug
Your spark plugs deliver the spark needed to combust the fuel in your cylinders. They can wear down over time, and can also be contaminated by fuel and oil. This can hinder their ability to create a spark. When your engine is misfiring or your vehicle has difficulty starting, these are signs your spark plugs might need to be replaced. A complete tune-up includes spark plugs, spark plug wires, and any needed replacement components in the ignition system. O’Reilly Auto Parts carries a variety of spark plugs to fit most cars, trucks and SUVs.
Thermostat Housing / Water Outlet
The thermostat housing or water outlet allows coolant to flow back to the radiator. If it leaks, you can lose coolant and your engine could overheat. This could also point to problems with your thermostat itself. When you replace your thermostat, make sure and check the condition of your water outlet and replace your thermostat housing gasket. O’Reilly Auto Parts carries a selection of thermostat housings and gaskets. Check out our selection for the right part for your car.
Thermostats
A thermostat regulates the coolant temperature inside your engine. It opens when necessary to send warm coolant to the radiator to cool, then closes to maintain the best operating temperature inside the engine. If you notice a big difference in your temperature gauge level, your vehicle’s thermostat could be the issue. The first thing to check when your car is overheating or doesn’t warm up is the thermostat. If the thermostat doesn’t close, your vehicle won’t reach its normal temperature. This may also cause the heater to not warm up. If the thermostat won’t open, your engine can overheat, causing damage. O’Reilly Auto Parts carries thermostat replacements for most vehicles.