Many car owners will only bring their car in for an inspection or replace parts when a vehicle breaks down. However, if you are aware of how often the parts on your car should be replaced, you can take preventive measures to ensure they don’t break down in the first place.
Brake Pads
The average brake pad needs to get replaced about every three to five years or sometimes between 30,000 miles and 70,000 miles. This timetable can vary depending on the size of your car and how much you use it. A large truck will wear out its pads faster than a small one. Also, if you frequently use your vehicle for hauling, this will cause the brakes to deteriorate more quickly.
Spark Plugs
It would be best if you swapped out your spark plugs every eight years or 100,000 miles—whichever comes first.
Driveshaft
You’ll need to replace your driveshaft, which transfers torque in the vehicle, around 75,000 miles. You’ll know if it needs to get replaced sooner because a damaged driveshaft causes the car to shake whenever you accelerate.
Car Battery
You should replace a car battery about every four to five years; this can be even shorter in hot climates. When your car battery first starts deteriorating, owners will try to prolong their lives by jumping the car frequently. However, this is a short-term solution to a long-term problem, and when you notice your battery starts deteriorating, it’s better to get it replaced than to get stuck one day somewhere you can’t get a jump.
Also, car batteries can wear faster if you leave them idle for an extended amount of time, so even if you don’t drive your car often, make sure to start it even now and then (especially in the winter).
Car Tires
It takes a car tire about five to seven years to wear down to the point that it needs to get replaced. Most car owners aren’t this lucky, though, and they need to be swapped out sooner due to punctures or unexpected wear. If you can’t afford to replace your entire set, there are alternatives like patch jobs or used tires for those on a budget.
Know that you understand how often should the parts on your car be replaced; you can become a more responsible car owner by monitoring the wear.
