Over the lifespan of a car, it’s pretty much inevitable that you’ll have to replace a few vehicle components from time to time to keep it running smoothly. Despite adhering to a strict, rigorous vehicle maintenance schedule, the wear and tear of the road will inevitably get the best of certain components. It goes without saying that some vehicle parts tend to wear down or experience damage faster than others. To get an idea of which parts of your car will likely kick the can at some point in your vehicle’s lifespan, check out this guide on the most commonly replaced car parts.
Over the lifespan of a vehicle, one component that you will pretty much always need to replace is the battery. A vehicle battery has the important responsibility of keeping all of the various components in a vehicle running. Aside from normal wear and tear that comes from driving a vehicle for a long period of time, there are many reasons why a battery may wear down and need a replacement.
For example, leaving the air conditioning or heating on while the engine isn’t running, leaving the headlights or internal lights on, corroded or loose battery cables, and a faulty charging system or alternator. In addition, extreme temperatures can also place added stress on a car battery, which will require you to replace it more frequently.
Both extremely hot and cold conditions can cause lead sulfate crystals to build-up in the battery, which can significantly decrease its lifespan. Plus, sub-zero temperatures will also slowly drain the power inside of the battery and put added stress on its internal components.
If a significant amount of wear occurs to the battery, it won’t have the capability to hold enough power for the car to start and a replacement will be necessary. Typically, vehicle owners must replace their car batteries every three to five years.
Perhaps the most commonly-replaced vehicle component is the oil filter. Most vehicle owners will need to replace the oil filter on their car as often as every three to six months or every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, depending on which comes first. Failing to change a worn-down oil filter will cause impurities to build up in your car’s oil. Such impurities can prevent oil from moving effectively throughout the vehicle and may infiltrate the engine and other important components. To prevent significant and expensive vehicle problems from occurring, it is important to change your car’s oil filters in accordance with the outlines on its owner’s manual.
Other car parts that require frequent replacement are brake pads and rotors. Brake pads are located between the rotor and the caliper of a vehicle and help reduce friction between the two metal components. In addition, brake pads help stop a moving vehicle by pressing against the rotor to create friction and stop the vehicle’s wheels from spinning. The rotors are then responsible for preventing the vehicle from overheating, as the friction created when the brakes are applied can generate a significant amount of heat.
Because brake pads and rotors experience a lot of friction, they will inevitably wear down over time. Typically, brake pads require replacement between 20,000 and 65,000 miles of driving, depending on the type of vehicle, type of brake pads, driving conditions, and driving habits. Similarly, rotors generally require replacement after around 30,000 to 70,000 miles depending on a variety of factors.
The air filter on a vehicle accomplishes the important purpose of preventing dust, dirt, and other contaminants from infiltrating the engine. Over time, particles can clog the air filter and prevent air from flowing properly throughout the system, potentially reducing fuel efficiency and causing more significant damage. In general, most vehicle manufacturers suggest changing a car’s air filter every three to four years or after driving between 30,000 and 50,000 miles. If driven on dusty roads or trails, however, the air filter’s life will likely be much shorter. For more specific instructions on when your air filter needs replacing, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
The exterior lights on a vehicle also need to be replaced fairly frequently. Generally, headlights and taillight bulbs must be replaced every five to seven years. However, the frequency at which replacements are necessary will depend heavily on how much nighttime driving you do in your vehicle.
In addition to headlights and taillights, other exterior vehicle lights such as brake lights and turn signals may require regular replacement. Such smaller lights will often fail more frequently than headlights. Because properly working lights are vital for vehicle safety, drivers should make an effort to step outside of their vehicle and inspect their lights on a regular basis.
Unsurprising, tires have landed a spot on the list of the most commonly replaced car parts. From potholes and rugged roads to pesky stray nails, tires experience a lot of wear and tear throughout their lifespan. If the tread on a set of tires wears down too much, they will not provide ample traction on the road.
Because reduced traction can make it more difficult for your vehicle to stop in a timely manner, bald tires pose a significant safety risk—especially in rainy or icy driving conditions. As such, it is important to replace your tires when you notice that their tread has worn down.
Generally, drivers should replace their tires every five to seven years. However, this range will vary depending on how many miles a driver drives their vehicle a year, what type of surfaces they drive their vehicle on, the wear rating on the tires, and other factors.
Brand new car parts can cost a considerable amount of money. To reduce the price of keeping your vehicle in good condition, consider purchasing used or salvaged vehicle parts. At the AE of Miami, we offer a wide array of vehicle parts as well as damaged cars for sale in Miami, FL that you can part out to find the specific component you need. To learn more about our wide range of well-priced products, contact us today!
