A car is one of the most remarkable pieces of machinery that you can own. Cars bring together a wide range of technologies, from the engine to the booth design, as well as the tyres and steering wheels.
That being said, cars are machines made up of components and parts that wear out over time. These must be replaced periodically as part of your car’s long-term care requirements. This is where routine car maintenance comes in, including the replacement of worn-out car parts.
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Replacing worn car parts on time will help you save a lot of money down the road; leaving worn parts in usually leads to bigger car problems that will cost more money.
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To help you save on car maintenance expenses, we’ve listed five of the most frequently replaced car parts below along with a guide on when to replace them.
That being said, please keep in mind that specific replacement needs will vary depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle. Therefore, always consult your owner’s manual before making any changes.
1. Battery
The battery in your car is constantly discharging and charging, and its ability to do so, like all batteries, will eventually deteriorate to the point where the battery becomes weak. When this occurs, performance suffers and the risk of failure rises.
Operating a vehicle with a faulty battery is a recipe for disaster. Not only do you risk being unable to start your engine, but you may also encounter nonfunctional controls, false alarms for safety warnings, and other issues.
When Should You Replace Your Car Battery?
There is often no set interval for replacing a car battery as it is designed to last for several years. However, a good rule of thumb is to have the battery inspected annually for signs of trouble, such as damaged cables, dirty terminals, and other flaws. When the battery begins to show signs of weakness or wear, it is time to replace it. For most cars, this happens every four to five years on average.
Pro Tip:Consider connecting a trickle charger to your vehicle’s battery when you know your car will be parked for more than a few days to extend its life. Maintain good driving habits as well, such as not leaving the lights on, turning off the air conditioner when the vehicle isn’t running. Also, do not take short trips that prevent the battery from charging.
2. Brakes and Rotors
Brake pads and rotors are friction-based components in your vehicle that generate the force required to stop it. Rotors, in particular, help to keep your vehicle’s braking system from overheating while in use.
Every time you press the brake pedal, you slightly wear out these components. Over time, friction from these components will cause them to wear out beyond a safe level, necessitating their replacement. Failure to replace worn brake parts will significantly reduce your car’s ability to come to a stop on command and may result in a serious accident due to potentially dangerous brake failure.
When Should You Change Your Car’s Brake Pads and Rotors?
Pay attention to any grinding, squealing, or growling noises, as well as any “throbbing” sensations when braking; any of these could indicate damage, necessitating an immediate inspection of each of these car parts.
Rotors and brake pads are to be replaced as needed, and usually at the same time, for the best results. To keep them in tip-top condition, have these components inspected regularly.
3. Headlights and Other Exterior Lights
Turn signals, brake lights, taillights, and other small external lights are car parts that tend to fail often. Since you can’t see when this happens while sitting inside the car, it is best to inspect these lights regularly.
Of course, this includes your headlights, as well. Working headlights are essential for bad weather and nighttime safety. If your lights are not bright enough, the resulting low visibility puts you at risk of an accident.
When Should You Change Your Headlights and Other Exterior Lights?
Headlights and other exterior lights must be replaced as needed. When one fails or stops working properly, get it changed.
4. Tyres
Tyres are arguably the most important component of a car because their quality and condition have a significant impact on the performance of your automobile, including how the vehicle steers, how well it performs in bad weather, how it handles and brakes, and more. The condition of your car tyres also has a direct impact on fuel efficiency.
Poorly maintained tyres are a major safety concern and contribute to many road accidents each year. After a certain amount of wear, tyres are no longer able to steer, grip, or stop as expected, increasing their risk of failure. Toss them out when in doubt.
When Should You Change Your Car Tyres?
A good set of tyres should last for several years, so replace them only when necessary. To that end, it is critical to inspect the tyre tread levels, inflation pressure, and rotations regularly to determine the health of your vehicle’s tires. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it is best to call for a tyre change service.
5. Spark Plugs
Slow acceleration, difficulty starting your vehicle, surging of the engine, rough idling, or misfiring may indicate that your car’s spark plugs need to be replaced.
Spark plugs are one of the most important components of a car engine. They create many tiny sparks per second with incredible precision, which helps ignite air mixture and fuel in the engine cylinders, kicking off the controlled sequence of explosions responsible for generating the power needed to drive your car.
Failure to change your spark plugs on time can result in poor or sluggish car performance, increased fuel consumption, and other problems. This includes the rapid accumulation of harmful gunk and soot, which then causes issues with other systems within the car engine.
When Should You Change Your Spark Plugs?
Most modern vehicles can travel 60,000 miles or more before their spark plugs need to be replaced. However, for specific change intervals and other information related to your car, consult the maintenance section of your owner’s manual.
Car Maintenance Is Key
Other car parts that aren’t on this list but will need to be replaced include your vehicle’s remote keyless entry, door locks and handles, fuses, and the list goes on.
In essence, this means that regular car maintenance keeps your vehicle running properly and provides the best driving experience possible, so make a habit of it!
