Car Parts Need regular Replacing

Now we found that it might be useful to find out which car parts need regular replacing. To avoid problems and for you to plan that budget to avoid major surprises.

On average, the typical South African vehicle will travel between 20 000 km and 25 000 km a year. It seems like when a new car has mechanical problems that are supposed to be caused by parts that need to be replaced, then that car might be having factory faults, unless your new car it's a used car.

Now let's see which car parts need to be constantly changed and monitored.

Tyres

Tyres should be replaced between 25,000 to 75,000 kilometers. Tyres are built to last 40 000 km but there's no guarantee as it's determined by your driving habits. Front tyres and rear tyres last differently as it's found that rear tyres last longer.

Improper air pressure, lack of rotation, improper wheel alignment and worn out suspension parts, can cause uneven tyre wear resulting in regular tyre replacements.

As car tyres have a tread wear indicator (TWI) height of 1,6mm, once it reaches that level, replace your car tyres.

Battery

Car batteries can last between 3 to 4 years depending on the weather conditions. Car batteries are recommended to be inspected at least twice a year and be changed or inspected when they reach that year mark.

Some of the signs for a change:

Bloated, Misshapen Battery Case - this usually happens when your battery is overcharged or has been exposed to high temperatures.

Illuminated Battery Light - If this light is on, it shouldn’t be ignored.

Slow Engine Crank.

Air filter

It is recommended that most air filters should be replaced every 15,000 - 30,000 Kms or once a year (whichever comes first).

Some of the signs for a changed:

Reduced Fuel Efficiency. The most common sign is a decrease in gas mileage...

The Engine Light Is On...

The Air Filter Is Dirty...

Jerking Movements When You Accelerate...

Misfiring and Starting Issues...

Strange Engine Sounds...

Black Smoke or Flames From the Exhaust Pipe

This interval should be reduced if you often drive in dusty conditions.

You can clean your air filter, but water should not be used to wash paper filters.

Spark plugs

Most manufacturers recommend replacing spark plugs every 50,000 kilometers, but spark plug quality varies. Some last around 130,000 kilometers

Some of the signs for a change:

A skipping or rough running engine and stalling are good signs that it's time to replace the spark plugs.

Brake pads

Generally, brake pads need to be replaced from 25,000 km upto 160,000 km. The replacement schedule period varies based on your driving habits. There are different types of brake pads, organic, Metallic or semi-metallic and the best one Ceramic, but ceramic brake pads can cost more.

Some of the signs for a change:

You hear squealing or grinding sounds and you feel vibrations when you apply the brake pedal.

When your car takes longer to stop, like that taxi I took some day in 2022 and also when your brake pad indicator lights up.

Alternator

On average an alternator will last seven years or over 150,000km depending on the driver and by minimizing the issues that can ruin the alternator like a faulty belt, whereas a drive belt can last 100,000 kilometers or 5 years before replacement becomes necessary.

As the alternator keeps the battery charged, supplying power to various electrical power to lights, air-conditioner, electronic locking and immobilization system; here are the signs which can get you to replace an alternator:

Some of the signs for a change:

When you have Dim headlights or there's a warning light on or the car constantly needs jump starting and when hearing noise coming from the alternator.

Oil filter

It's recommended you check your manufacturer's handbook to confirm the specific service interval but normally it takes 10,000km for a petrol car, or every 15,000km for a diesel. It's also recommended to change your oil filter every second time you get your oil changed.

Driving in particularly dusty or wet conditions, frequent trips and high-speed driving in hot weather can require frequent oil filter replacements. Be expected to regularly replace oil filters on older cars with less efficient engines and when regularly using your vehicle for towing or to carry heavy loads.

Some of the signs for a change:

When the engine is overheating, you notice a decline in your car's performance, your exhaust fumes are dirty or your oil pressure decreases.

Windscreen wiper

Inspect the rubber for cracking or splitting on the wiper blades. They can be replaced every 6 to 12 months but factors such as the weather and frequency of use determine how often you should replace your windshield wipers.

Some of the sign for a change:

Blades aren’t making consistent contact with your windshield; Bent Or Damaged frame, streaks on your windshield, squeaking sounds and cracked or failing rubber.

Fuel pump

Built to last in delivering fuel from the petrol tank into the engine, it can last over 200 000 km. It's recommended to be replaced only when it breaks and if you are replacing a major part of the fuel system. It can break or fail after 150 000 km of driving.

Some of the signs for a change:

Car not starting, Check engine light on, Sudden surges in engine power, Sudden losses of engine power, Whining noises

Water pump

For a smooth running engine, it makes sure that the engine doesn't overheat. It's recommended to replace it when replacing the timing belt or around the 100 000 to 150 000 km mark

Some of the signs for a change:

Whining noises

Coolant leaks - If you notice a leak of coolant (red, yellow, pink, clear water or green puddle) around the front of your car.

Overheating engine - This can be noticed via steam from your engine, a burning /overheating smell and a higher level on your dashboard’s temperature gauge.

Lights

It takes on average time of 2000 to 3000 hours. Depending on use, but a 3 year old vehicle it's unlikely to require the headlights bulbs to be replaced. Also When it comes to headlights, there can be a lot of issues that can cause lights to stop working.

Some of the signs for a change:

Flickering Headlights - headlights might flicker on and off at random. Another reason for headlights to flicker on and off: a bad harness or faulty battery connection.

Dim Headlamps - particularly older filament-type bulbs – can lose their brightness and appear dimmer over time. Dim headlights can also be caused by corroded ground wire.

Constantly Blowing Fuses - Fuses can blow out because of faulty headlight bulbs or bulbs that do not have the correct wattage. High beams can also be the culprit.

Low-Beams Don’t Work, But High-Beams Do

Oil

Check your owner’s manual. It may recommend 15,000 kilometer oil changes when using full synthetic oil and 10,000 kilometer intervals for oil that is only partially synthetic.

Some of the signs for a change:

Knocking sound from engine - oil gets old or thin.

Irregular oil texture - dirty oil on the dipstick,

Low oil level.

Glowing warning lights - check engine light.

Exhaust smoke - smoke from the vehicle's exhaust pipe.

Vibrations when idling - abnormal vibrations, especially when the vehicle is idling.

More travel than usual - the oil should be changed sooner than is required.

Experience issues in changing gears.

Ticking sound from the engine - it takes time for the engine to start, making a ticking sound.

Changes in the oil consistency

Oil and oil filter, windscreen wipers, air filter and; brake pads and spark plugs (depending on quality) are some of the major things which you need to worry yourself about the most or are to be replaced a lot sooner and regularly.

It's highly recommended to check the owner's manual. Manufacturer warranties vary and always use the manufacturer's original parts. As Clinca serves clients who value their cars, it is ideal to show clients what could help in retaining the vehicle's resales value.