In Car Mechanic Simulator 2018, suspension work can be one of the most time-consuming tasks if you don't know how to organize your parts. Grouping suspension parts efficiently isn't just about keeping your workspace tidy—it's about saving time, reducing mistakes, and completing jobs faster. This guide explains exactly how to group suspension parts in CMS 2018, step by step, with practical tips you can use right away.
Understanding Suspension Parts Grouping
Grouping suspension parts means organizing components like control arms, struts, springs, bushings, and ball joints so they are easy to find and install. In CMS 2018, you can do this manually using the shelf system in your garage, or by using the workbench inventory. The goal is to avoid having to dig through piles of loose parts every time you need a specific item.
Why Grouping Matters
When you're working on a suspension job—like replacing a strut or rebuilding a control arm—you'll often need multiple parts at once. If they're scattered across different shelves or lying on the floor, you waste time searching. Grouping keeps related parts together, so you can grab everything you need in one trip. It also helps when selling scrap or moving parts to the warehouse.
Step-by-Step Guide to Grouping Suspension Parts
Follow these steps to group your suspension parts effectively in CMS 2018.
1. Use the Shelf System Properly
Your garage has several shelves. Each shelf has multiple slots that can hold a stack of identical parts. To group suspension parts:
- Open the shelf by walking up to it and pressing the interact key (usually E).
- Drag parts from your inventory or from the car’s suspension area into the shelf slots.
- For example, place all front struts in one slot, all control arms in another, and ball joints in a third.
- Label the shelves mentally or use the game's color-coding (some players put colored tape on their monitor, but that's optional).
2. Organize by Car Model or Part Type
You can group in two main ways:
- By car model: If you work on many same-model cars (e.g., three 1960s cars), group suspension parts for that model together. This helps when you need specific parts for a specific vehicle.
- By part type: This is more common. Keep all shock absorbers in one spot, all springs in another, and all bushings in a third. This works best if you fix many different cars and need to grab a generic part quickly.
3. Use the Workbench Inventory
Your workbench has a dedicated inventory that you can open by pressing I or clicking the inventory tab. Here you can store parts temporarily while working on a car. For grouping:
- Before starting a suspension job, gather all related parts from the warehouse or shelves into the workbench inventory.
- For instance, if you're replacing the entire front suspension, put upper control arms, lower control arms, struts, springs, and tie rods into the workbench.
- This way, you don't have to run back to the shelf constantly.
4. Color-Code with Paint (Optional but Useful)
If you own the paint booth, you can paint suspension parts a specific color to group them visually. For example, paint all front suspension parts red and rear suspension parts blue. This is especially helpful when you have multiple cars or many loose parts. The paint doesn't affect performance, so it's a safe way to organize.
Tips for Efficient Grouping
- Keep a dedicated suspension shelf: Reserve one entire shelf (or two) just for suspension parts. Don't mix in engine or transmission parts.
- Sort by condition: Place new parts on top, used parts below. When working on a job, you'll know where to grab the best parts.
- Use the warehouse: If your garage gets cluttered, move excess suspension parts to the warehouse. You can still access them from the computer in your garage.
- Group small parts together: Bushings, bolts, and small clips often get lost. Put them in a separate shelf slot or a box.
- Re-stock regularly: After finishing a job, put leftover parts back in their group. This keeps the system working.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing different car models: Putting parts from a 1960s car with a 2000s car can confuse you later. Keep them separate if you specialize per model.
- Overloading a shelf slot: Each slot holds a limited number of items. If you stack too many, you can't see what you have. Break them into multiple slots.
- Ignoring the workbench: Many players forget the workbench inventory and rely only on shelves. Using both doubles your organization.
- Not labeling: The game doesn't have labels, but you can create a mental map or note on your phone which shelf holds what.
Advanced Techniques for Experienced Players
Once you're comfortable with basic grouping, try these advanced methods:
Use Multiple Garages
If you own the expansion garage, you can dedicate one garage to suspension work only. Store all suspension parts there and organize by car manufacturer. This is overkill for most, but for players who restore many cars, it's a game-changer.
Create a “Job Kit”
When you accept a suspension repair job, look at the required parts list. Then pull exactly those parts from your shelves and create a job kit on the workbench. Do this before you even start removing the old parts. It speeds up the entire process.
Use the Computer to Track Parts
The computer in your garage can show you how many of each part you own. Use this to quickly identify where you have duplicates. Then group them on the shelf accordingly.
Final Recommendation
Grouping suspension parts in Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 is a simple habit that pays off every time you work on a car. Start by dedicating one shelf to suspension parts, organize by part type (struts, control arms, springs, etc.), and always return parts to their designated slot after a job. For added speed, gather a job kit in your workbench before starting repairs. Avoid mixing cars or overfilling slots. With these strategies, you'll cut your repair time by at least 20% and never lose a bushing again.