How often do you have to change the parts of your car?

At some point of every car's lifespan, changes and fixes have to be done. Driving a car for thousands and thousands of miles will cause its parts to wear off eventually. Some car parts fail due to long-time usage or due to a lack of proper maintenance. There are many factors that affect the performance of the car parts. These factors include the brand and model, the kind of driving, and the number of miles driven.

But, the thing is, how do you know when to change a certain part of your car? What are the reasons to do so? In this article, we will give you a list of the most often replaced car parts and when to change them.

Battery

Typically, the car's battery has to be changed every three to five years, depending on the car and where you live. However, you need to check your battery at least once every year to see if any issues are happening. For example, the battery could suffer from leaks, cracks, or bulges. If any of these signs occur, you'll need to change the battery sooner than later.

Oil

Changing the oil is probably the most common car change. It is essential that you change your oil every three to six months, or if you drive past 7,500 miles. If you don't change the oil when needed, the engine will eventually break down.

Tires

Car tires need to be changed every three to seven years, depending on the driving conditions. Keep in mind that hard cornering, wheel misalignment, and aggressive driving can increase tire wear dramatically and lessen the life of your tires. Tires must be changed in time to increase safety.

Belts

The serpentine belt in your car should be replaced after six years or 75,000 miles, whichever comes first. As for the timing belt, it should be replaced after 100,000 miles. Changing belts is actually really important. The belts keep components like your alternator and water pump active. The timing belt in precise keeps valves from bashing into pistons.

Brakes

Changing brakes is something that you can't ignore at all. It is possibly the most dangerous part if kept unchanged for an extensive time period. Brakes typically last for 100,000 miles, or even more in some cases. If they kept unchanged for a long time, they eventually succumb to internal corrosion and deterioration of the rubber seals. Check the fluid level and change it often. You also need to check the brake pad condition and replace it when needed.

Headlights and taillights

These last from five to seven years in most cases. However, driving conditions may affect the quality of the headlights and taillights, which causes some issues. You need to change them when needed to increase safety and vision.

Air filter

While replacement frequently varies depending on the car, the type of original equipment brake linings, and your driving style, the air filter usually needs to be changed every two to five years, or 30,000 to 50,000 miles. The air filter’s job is to deliver a free of contaminates air for the engine. Without it, the engine will not function perfectly.

Power-steering fluid

The power-steering fluid lubricates the system and keeps steering feel smooth and consistent. It is recommended that you check and inspect the level of your power-steering fluid with every oil change. If found low, top it off as needed.

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There are many other parts and components that you may or may not need to change in your car. Doing regular maintenance and checkup is very important to make sure your car is healthy. After changing a part, make a schedule to keep track of the next time you need to change it again.

Maintaining your car by keeping its parts in good working order will surely make your ride more enjoyable and hassle-free.