Car Parts That Need Regular Service

Vehicle servicing is the process of repairing, replacing, and restoring all vehicle components from engine to electrical and suspension to the braking system. All devices undergo wear and tear and will eventually need to be replaced or repaired which is the entire aspect of vehicle servicing. Servicing the vehicle future proofs it and also helps detect any malfunctions before they turn into bigger repairs. Servicing the vehicle maintains the engine and various other devices in peak operating conditions - maximizing reliability, performance, and safety and extends the life of the entire vehicle with all its components. 

Following regular servicing will not only save you big bucks in the long run but also alert you towards any issues that may proliferate into major concerns. Maintaining your ride will ensure all vehicle components are working as they should and that you are driving safely. It will also fetch a decent resale value due to the well-serviced history and may benefit your insurance as well. 

The engine swallows thousands of gallons of air for every mile the vehicle runs. The atmospheric air contains millions of dust particles along with other debris and crud which can severely harm the engine. The air filter refines and treats the incoming air so that the engine can operate efficiently. Since air filters are constantly blocking and trapping dirt, they tend to get clogged up and start restricting airflow to the engine. This is why air filters need to be replaced regularly. The lifespan of the air filter depends on many factors like driving conditions, type of filter, and type of vehicle. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the filter between 15,000 to 25,000 km, but if you stay in a dry, dusty or highly polluted place then consider much earlier replacements since the filter can get considerable dirt build-up in just 10,000 km. Using a performance air filter has many benefits and also lasts more than two years. Learn more about how performance air filters also increase engine horsepower.

Replace Air Filter every 15,000 to 20,000 km at least every 3 year

Much like the air filter, the oil filter restricts contaminants from circulating around the engine components and extends the service life of various engine parts. The engine oil, as it circulates across the engine block, carries a lot of dirt and grime which can damage the important and delicate parts of the system. The oil filter must be replaced regularly and most manufacturers recommend replacing the oil filter during every engine oil flush. This can vary from vehicle to vehicle but it is ideal to replace the oil filter every six months or 10,000 km along with the engine oil.

Replace oil filter with every engine oil change or every 6 months or within 10,000 km

The cabin filter is another air filter that refines the air entering the car’s cabin through the climate control or HVAC system. The cabin filter is often overlooked since it is hidden away from sight under the dashboard, but regularly replacing it will ensure your HVAC system works efficiently without any undue restrictions. The cabin air filter must be replaced every 15,000 to 20,000 km or once a year. 

Replace the cabin air filter every 15,000 to 20,000 km or once a year

The brake pads rub against the rotors every time you stomp on the brake pedal. The rubbing actions will slowly chip away some of the material on the brake pad as well as the rotor and are evident as brake dust. When enough material is eroded, the brake pads become ineffective at stopping the rotor which defeats the purpose of the brakes. This is why you need to replace the brake pads and discs every so often to maintain your brakes in operating condition. Brake pad wear depends on many factors such as driving style, type of vehicle, how much load you carry, type of driving condition like hilly or traffic, etc. Inspect your brake pads for wear regularly and replace the pads if worn past 3.2 mm. The brake rotor’s life expectancy also relies on many factors, especially the type of brake pad material used and your driving style. They can last anywhere from 20,000 to 70,000 km. Generally, the brake components can require frequent replacements but there are a few things you can do to extend the life of your brakes.  

Replace brake pads between 30,000 to 70,000 km and the brake rotors between 20,000 to 70,000 km

Being exposed to extremely high combustion chamber temperatures and pressures can deteriorate even the most well-designed parts and that is something the spark plugs undergo constantly. There are many types of spark plugs and the lifespans can vary from 15,000 km all the way to 160,000 km. Learn more about which spark plug is best for you and the benefits of regular replacement. If you are experiencing these symptoms of spark plug failure then it's about time you replaced your spark plugs. 

Check and replace spark plugs between 15,000 and 160,000 km or every 2 - 4 years, depending on the type of spark plug used

The wiper blades are susceptible to weather changes and this can reflect in their performance. A summer wiper blade will only work well when the temperatures are suitably high, whereas a winter wiper blade remains flexible in freezing temperatures as well. Hence it is necessary to replace the wiper blades as the season turns. Getting seasonal wiper blades ensures your blades perform well in that specific season and also takes care of regular replacements. 

Replace wiper blades every 6 to 12 months

The power from the engine is used for more than just driving the wheels. Important bits of the engine like the oil pump, water pump, alternator, power steering pump, etc. are all driven off of the engine. The energy is provided by the drive belts that connect to the crankshaft and operate the various accessories. The timing belt or chain is a very important engine part that operates the cam and crankshaft in harmony for proper timing of the valves. The serpentine belt runs the alternator, AC compressor, and power steering pump. Since these belts are always functioning along with the engine they undergo considerable wear and tear plus the heat from the engine can dry the rubber material which causes fraying and deterioration. Hence these belts need to be replaced to restore engine functionality. The timing and serpentine belt usually last about 100,000 to 160,000 km. Other engine drive belts may have shorter lifespans depending on the type of belt material. A visual inspection can help you determine if you need to replace the drive belts in your car. Find out the symptoms of drive belt failure and how you can fix it before the problem turns worse. 

Replace drive belts every 100,000 to 160,000 km or within 5 to 10 years

Water pumps continually supply the coolant that cools the engine and so they are always at work while the engine is running. This is why they endure a lot of wear and tear, but modern water pumps are designed to last a long time by the manufacturers and you can expect about 100,000 to 150,000 km of service life before you start noticing the symptoms of water pump failure. This estimate varies from vehicle to vehicle and also on the quality of the pump installed. Low-quality pumps generally show signs of failure within 60,000 km. Always replace your water pump along with the timing belt at the recommended replacement interval to ensure prolonged service life from all components. 

Replace the water pump along with the timing belt or within 150,000 km

Sway bar links connect the sway bar or anti-roll bar with the suspension control arms. These components withstand immense stresses when you go through a corner as they are responsible for keeping all four wheels on the ground and help with vehicle stability and control. Therefore it is only obvious that eventually, these links can fail along with the bushings and ball joint that hold them in place. Corrosion is another factor that can prepone their imminent failure. The lifespan of the sway bar link depends on your driving condition and your vehicle. If you hear clunking and rattling noises from the suspension and experience poor handling and steering then you may need to replace the sway bar link. 

Replace sway bar links every 3 to 5 years or within 60,000 to 80,000 km

The tie rod end facilitates the horizontal movement or turning of the front wheels and also controls the wheel alignment. When the steering wheel is turned, the force is transmitted to the tie rod ends that ultimately move the wheels. The tie rod ends have ball joints at the ends which are susceptible to wear and tear and gradually decline in functionality which is when they require replacements. These components do not come with an expiry date but depend on the driving and road conditions. Some vehicles can go without tie rod replacements for more than 150,000 km but some may require replacement much earlier. Inspecting them for play and wear can tell you a lot about their condition and how much more you may be able to get out of them. 

Replace tie rod ends every 5 to 7 years or within 200.000 km

Most sensors can last the life of the vehicle or fail without any warning signs. The ones that fail are usually subjected to high temperatures and harsh conditions which can result in sensor failure. This includes oxygen sensors, wheel speed sensors, crankshaft position sensors, and temperature sensors within the engine. The O2 or lambda sensor is prone to failure since they are exposed to high temperatures from the exhaust gasses and with time, contaminants can deposit over the tip and reduce the sensor's efficiency. The speed sensors are part of the ABS and are placed on each wheel within the hub. This makes them vulnerable to road debris, dust, salt, etc. which can directly damage the sensors. 

While there is no specific interval for the replacement of various sensors, it usually shows up as an engine warning light on the dashboard and can be read via an OBD scanner tool. O2 sensors can generally last long, especially high-quality ones at about 100,000 km. Whereas, ABS sensors need to be replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 km. These numbers can vary from vehicle to vehicle and depend on factors like where you live and what weather the vehicle is exposed to - salt, grime, and other contaminants can reduce ABS sensor life drastically. Accumulated time, mileage, and exposure to engine heat and stresses can cause some sensors to fail. 

The seals and gaskets play an important role in any engine and various components. They keep the fluids in and the contaminants out. But since they are made of vulnerable materials like rubber and plastics, they are prone to failure. The engine consists of several seals and gaskets that are pregnable to drying out and cracking. The service life of seals and gaskets cannot be quantified since every vehicle is different and is exposed to different conditions. Leaks can showcase any failing gasket or seal in an engine or other parts like transmission, differential, etc. A few of the most vulnerable gaskets and seals are the rear main seal, head gasket, valve cover gasket, exhaust and intake manifold gaskets, etc. 

The clutch is another part that requires replacement within the vehicle's lifespan. But the lifespan of a clutch varies drastically depending on how the vehicle is driven. They can generally last anywhere from 60,000 to 100,000 km under normal driving conditions. Poor driving habits, towing, vehicle load, etc. can all reduce clutch plate lifespan. 

Replace clutch plate between 60,000 to 100,000 km

The automotive light bulbs come in many different types and so the lifespan of each varies drastically. For example, halogen bulbs are more commonly found on many modern cars and last about 1000 hours which equals about 1 to 2 years depending on how much nighttime driving you do. Xenon bulbs last considerably longer than halogen bulbs (more than twice as long) and LED bulbs can last extremely long at about 35,000 hours or more and may never require replacements in-vehicle lifetime. Learn how to replace the light bulbs in your vehicle using this guide. 

Replace the halogen lights bulbs within 2 years 

Tires are an important bit of the vehicle and having tires with a minimum depth of at least 3 mm will maintain safety and traction with the road surface. Tire wear beyond 1.6 mm can compromise safety and must be replaced immediately. Tires generally have a long service life of about 6 - 8 years and come with a specific tire wear rating that determines how wear-resistant they are. So the average life of a tire can vary depending on the type of tire and also on how the vehicle is driven. Misalignment and under/over-inflated tires can increase tire wear dramatically. 

Replace tires after 6 to 8 years or after the tire tread wear rating has approached 

Finally, the battery is one part of the vehicle that you will have to replace periodically. Since there are many different types of batteries, the service life of one is very different from another. If you rarely drive the vehicle then the battery can lose its charge beyond rechargeability. Battery life also depends on the climate conditions - summer heat can cause sulfation and drain the electrolyte solution whereas winter can slow down the chemical processes within the battery, reducing its efficiency and charge holding capabilities. A typical battery can last about 2 - 5 years in extreme climate conditions found in Canada with proper care and maintenance and there are many things you can do to extend your car’s battery life.

Replace battery within 5 years 

The servicing frequency and part replacement interval vary between vehicles. Refer to your owner’s manual for accurate service intervals of various car parts. Every vehicle is driven in different conditions by different drivers and is manufactured differently and therefore it is not easy to determine which vehicle part may fail to function or how long a specific part can last before showing symptoms. The above guide aims at showcasing the most commonly replaced car parts, but in reality, many vehicle components need to be replaced or repaired throughout their lifespan. 

Every device is prone to failure and our vehicles are no exceptions. We expect a lot from our vehicles - from pulling heavy loads to driving on uncertain terrain and crossing hundreds of miles to facing the weather conditions on a daily basis. Regular inspections and frequent servicing will maintain your vehicle in the best shape possible and for as long as possible.