Automobiles are highly complex machines consisting of many parts. As with any mechanical system, parts and equipment will need replacing after a certain amount of time as a result of general wear and tear. So, how often should certain car parts be replaced? Keep reading to find out all that you need to know.
What Causes Wear & Tear?
First, it is helpful to identify exactly what causes wear and tear. Car parts will deteriorate over time, but this is accelerated greatly if the driving style is aggressive, so you should always practice smooth, safe driving to prolong the life of different parts. Additionally, the types of roads driven on and the weather conditions can impact many parts of the car.
Tyres
Tyres experience a lot of wear and tear as they are in constant connection with the road. They are durable, though, with front tyres generally lasting around 20,000 miles and the rear tyres double that. It is always a good idea to check the tyre tread depth on a regular basis and to replace your tyres before you reach the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm.
Air Filter
The air filter is something else that will need replacing semi-regularly and usually around every 15,000 miles but should also be changed annually when your car gets serviced. This is something that is quick and easy to do yourself, though, so you should always keep an eye on it.
Oil & Oil Filter
The oil and oil filter should be changed between 5,000 and 10,000 miles and is often done when the car is serviced. Oil degrades over time and will become less effective at lubricating engine parts, so it is important that engine oil is getting changed twice a year to keep the car in the best possible condition.
Windscreen Wipers
There is no real guide for how often you should change your windscreen wipers, but generally speaking you should check the quality of them twice a year and replace them at least every two years. They can deteriorate in quality over time, particularly if they are driven in extreme temperatures, so they may need replacing before this depending on where you are driving. This is a quick, easy and affordable change to make and one that can make a big difference to visibility and safety.
These are the main parts of the car that need to be checked and changed from time to time. As a motorist, you need to keep on top of all of this to keep the car in the best condition and to avoid any issues down the line. It is a good idea to create your own schedule to make checks and changes, which should help you to maintain and prolong the life of the car.