A car is a machine, and machines have parts that can wear down, that’s not rocket science is it? But, what are the most commonly replaced auto parts? The parts that may have to be replaced on the car will depend somewhat on the year, make and model of one’s vehicle, the kind of driving a person does (city or highway), the number of miles one puts on a vehicle annually, and the climate where operating the vehicle. Vehicle inspections should be done annually, and critically if a person is thinking of buying a used one, because normal wear and tear will cause certain auto parts to wear out at a fairly predictable rate. The following list of auto parts that are often replaced is based on frequency (most often to least often), and are based on the average wear a typical vehicle owner should experience under normal driving conditions
1 – Oil and Oil Filter – Every three to six months, or every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
2 – Windshield Wiper Blades – Every year or two (less in hot climates or if a vehicle sits outside in the sunlight).
3 – Air filter – Every three to four years, or 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Filter life can be much less if a vehicle is driven on dusty, gravel like roads.
4 – Brake Pads – Every three to five years, or 30,000 to 70,000 miles. Replacement frequency can vary greatly depending on the type of vehicle (larger, heavier vehicles wear out their brake pads more quickly than smaller vehicles), the type of original equipment brake linings (semi-metallic and ceramic linings usually last much longer than non-asbestos organic linings), the type of driving one does (stop-and-go city driving increases pad wear dramatically), and a person’s driving style.
5 – Battery – Every four to five years (mileage doesn’t matter). Less in hot climates (maybe only three years).
6 – Headlights and/or tail-light bulbs – Five to seven years, depends on how much night-time driving is done. Driving on rough, bumpy roads can also shorten their life.
7 – Clutch – Varies greatly with how the vehicle is driven, but normally should last up to 100,000 miles with normal driving. Towing, aggressive driving and poor driving habits (such as “riding the clutch”) can drastically shorten the life of this component.
Pre-purchase car inspections are of the utmost importance, especially if one is a novice in such matters. If a person happens to live in Perth, Australia, used car inspection from Spot On Vehicle Inspections, give full top quality inspections at the best rates. Make sure to choose only the best.
Wishing for the car to just keep on going and not thinking or worry about when it will break down, is just not the way to go. Ask anybody who has broken down out in the boonies, in the middle of a busy traffic situation or when the weather is really foul and ask them if they would recommend getting an annual inspection. Don’t be stuck in a situation from a nightmare!