Car Parts That Needs Regular Maintenance

Today most of the consumers are comfortable in ordering their auto parts online. Here is a list of top replacement parts that are frequently purchased and also offers significant cost savings. These auto parts have an average lifespan of at least 25,000 kms. Let’s see more about these car parts - their maintenance, top brands, replacement cost and much more.

Most often drivers do regular maintenance to keep the vehicle in good shape. Some components require extra attention and one among them is, the front and rear disc brake rotors. Replacing your worn out brake pads actually means you are extending the life of your disc brake rotors. As another option, you can also find performance brake rotors. Performance brake rotors are more vented and they will make the excess heat to escape from the vehicle very quickly, thus preventing the fading of brake pads.

• Maintenance: There is a general myth that the disc rotors have to be changed after every 80,000 kms. But, it’s always best to get them checked by your mechanic. 

• Symptoms: Grinding or crunching noise can arise in your vehicle if the disc brake pads are worn out which in turn can cause damage to the disc brake rotors. 

• Replacement cost: The replacement cost may range between $200 -$400 depending on each make and model. 

• Top Brand: Find the top brand STOPTECH performance disc rotor for your vehicle here at PartsAvatar. 

  Average life	80,000 kms
  Replacement cost	Starts from $200 excluding labor cost
  Top brands	STOPTECH, RAYBESTOS, WORLDPARTS
  Parts Number(s)	126-61061SR, 66799R, WS1-155097

  
  
  
  

The control arm is a suspension that helps in linking the wheel hub and steering knuckles to the chassis. The control arms are equipped with ball joints and as time goes by they can wear out easily. 

• Symptoms: Faulty control arms will show few symptoms like vibration by the steering wheels, wandering off the steering wheel, the clunking noises, etc. If you suspect the control arms to be worn out, get it inspected by a professional mechanic as they help you to replace the damaged control arm. 

• Replacement cost: The replacement of a control arm along with brushings and ball joints costs around $200 which is quite expensive. 

• Maintenance: It is always best to get your control arms with ball joints checked or replaced after every 90,000 -100,00 miles. 

• Top Brand: Get MEVOTECH control arm with ball joint at the best price possible.

The muffler is a part of the exhaust system which helps to quiet down the noise up to certain levels. 

• Maintenance: Typically they last for about 60,000 kms and in colder regions, the lifespan is even less. 

• Symptoms: A corroded or burnt muffler is often considered as the worst enemy of the exhaust system. If the muffler is faulty, it will show a few symptoms like excessively loud noise, smelly exhaust fumes, cracked pipe assembly, etc. 

• Replacement cost: If you are looking to replace the defective muffler & pipe assembly, then the replacement would cost around $160 - $240 depending on the vehicle. 

• Top Brand: Shop the Top brand Walker USA muffler and pipe assembly here, at the prices you crave. 

When compared to normal brake pads, front and rear ceramic pads have the ability to withstand high brake temperatures with less heat fade, provide faster recovery after the stop, generate less dust and wear on both the pads as well as the rotors. 

• Special feature: One special feature of ceramic pad is that it produces light-colored dust that is less noticeable. Like ordinary brake dust, it does not stick to the wheel. 

• Symptoms: Worn out ceramic pads will show a few symptoms. Don’t ignore these - squeaking, grinding or squealing noise, slow response, wear indicator, squishy or spongy pedals, burning smell when driving and vibrations. 

• Maintenance: Generally the manufacturers prefer to change the brake pads after every 25,000 kms or when damaged. But it depends from one vehicle to another.

• Replacement cost:  The average ceramic pad replacement starts from $150 and can go up to $300 depending on each make and model. 

• Top brand: A few top choices for ceramic pads from PartsAvatar is WAGNER, RAYBESTOS, EBC BRAKES.

The strut assembly is usually placed in pairs at the front and rear of the car. It functions as a shock absorber providing additional support.

• Symptoms: Are you experiencing an unstable bumpy ride? Are the tires uneven or worn out due to excessive use? Hearing strange noises when going over bumps? These are the signs of a failing strut assembly. Faulty strut assembly will make your ride less smooth and uncomfortable. 

• Replacement cost: The replacement cost starts from $340 depending on the vehicle. 

• Maintenance: As strut assemblies are the vital components of a vehicle, experts suggest to inspect them after every 40,000kms. 

• Top brand: Looking for MONROE quick strut assembly? Shop them here. 

In order to make the vehicle move forward, the CV shafts transfer power from the vehicle's transmission and differential to the wheels. There is a greased flexible joint that makes the axles to flex as per the road conditions. 

• Symptoms: The CV shafts wear out over time as they act as a direct link to transfer power to the engine. If they wear out, they will show a few symptoms like a loud clicking noise when turning, excessive vibration while driving, greases on the tire edges, etc.

• Maintenance: Usually CV shafts lats for about 90,000 km or 5 years. But if one or more of the CV shafts show similar symptoms, then it’s better to consult your mechanic. 

• Replacement cost: The replacement cost ranges from $149 to $399 for parts depending on vehicle make and model. 

• Top brand: Shop top brand WORLDPARTS CV shafts at an affordable price. 

• Symptoms: A failing wheel hub assembly will show symptoms like squeaking, chirping or squealing from tires as you drive at 30-45 mph, the steering will start shaking as you drive and the ABS light will turn on if the signal is lost. Apart from these symptoms, the hub assemblies are prone to damage in multiple driving situations like hitting potholes, striking cubs, being involved in vehicle collisions, etc. Any of these above signs is an indication that it has to be inspected quickly. 

• Maintenance: Typically, wheel hub assemblies last for about 1,00,000 kms. But it's always best to get them inspected after every 40,000kms. 

• Replacement cost: The front-wheel hub assembly is one of the top-selling parts and replacing it varies from $400 - $800 depending on the vehicle. 

• Top brand: Looking for MEVOTECH hub assembly, Shop them here at PartsAvatar.

  Average life	1,00,000 kms
  Replacement cost	Starts from $400 excluding labor cost
  Top brands	MEVOTECH, RAYBESTOS
  Parts Number(s)	H513179, 713159

  
  

As the engine runs, it produces more heat. The excess heat is removed by the coolant which is passed through the radiator to cool it off. It is then circulated back to the engine to remove the heat. 

• Symptoms: The clogged radiator or leaky coolant is a common symptom and so regular maintenance is essential to keep it in good shape. Fixing it can ensure the long term health of the rest of your engine. P00B1 is an error code related to the radiator coolant temperature sensor and it will be set if the radiator malfunctions. 

• Maintenance: It is best to get your radiator checked after every 40,000 kms. Replacing the coolant should help prevent issues. 

• Replacement cost: Radiator replacement is usually expensive which starts around $300 depending on your vehicle make and model. 

  Average life	40,000 kms
  Replacement cost	Starts from $300 excluding labor cost
  Top brands	SPECTRA PREMIUM INDUSTRIES, DENSO
  Parts Number(s)	CU2363, 221-3702

  
  

Direct-fit catalytic converters are designed to fit onto the vehicle without the need for any additional adjustments. They are available along with other accessories like flanges, pipe extensions, and brackets. They are the perfect option for any DIYers when compared to the universal ones, as it can be installed easily. The direct-fit converters can get easily clogged due to contaminants or physically damaged. 

• Symptoms: A bad catalytic converter can show a few symptoms like reduced acceleration, the smell of sulfur or rotten eggs from the exhaust, or even excessive heat under the vehicle. Also, the OBD code P0420 is an indication that the catalytic converter is not operating at maximum efficiency. Any of these signs is an indication that they have to be replaced. 

• Replacement cost & Maintenance: The replacement cost starts from $900 and they usually last for about 1,00,000 kms. But it's the best option to get them checked if they are damaged. 

• Top brands: Few top brands for direct-fit converters from PartsAvatar is MAGNAFLOW, WALKER, and FLOWMASTER. 

Have you checked your engine oil yet? The engine oil can get contaminated if tiny bits of metals, dirt, carbon gets accumulated in the oil filter. 

• Symptoms: There are several problems that can occur with an oil filter. Overheated engine, low engine power, strange sounds, dark exhaust fumes are a few of them. Oil is your engine’s lifeblood which has the power to destroy the engine. So it’s always best to check your engine oil for contaminants and replace the oil and oil filter. 

• Maintenance: Car manufacturers usually suggest to replace the oil filter when you change the oil- i.e, after 5000 kms or 3 months. 

• Replacement cost: The replacement cost for both the oil and filter can lie between $25- $60.

• Top brand: Looking for an oil filter for your vehicle? PartsAvatar offers top brand oil filter - WIX, FRAM, MANN FILTER. 

Your engine needs to breathe clean air just as you do. So it’s good to have your air filter free of contaminants. In modern vehicles, there are two air filters - cabin and engine air filter. The cabin air filter needs replacement periodically but on a different schedule when compared with the engine air filter. 

• Symptoms: Air filter helps in preventing dust and dirt, but over time they can get clogged due to contaminants. You can easily find out as to when an air filter needs replacement by just looking at it. Black areas on the air filter or the OBD code P0102 is a sign that air filter is damaged and needs replacement. 

• Maintenance: Air filters are easy to replace. Replacement of air filter varies from one vehicle to another but it’s best to get them checked after 30,000 kms. 

• Replacement cost: The cost of replacing air filter ranges between $25 -$60 based on vehicle make and model. 

• Top brand: Shop top brand air filters like MANN FILTER, FRAM, WIX from PartsAvatar. 

The fuel tank acts as a reservoir and conveys information about the amount of fuel stored in the vehicle. They help to avoid leakage and limit evaporative emissions.

• Symptoms: If the fuel is bad in your tank then it will show a few symptoms like acceleration issues, unexpected engine stalling, trouble with starting the engine or the engine might stop running.

• Replacement cost: The average replacement cost for a fuel tank ranges between $1,334 and $1,459.

• Maintenance: Metal fuel tanks last for decades and it needs to be replaced if it is damaged or corroded severely. HDPE tanks last for a long time as they are durable enough to deal with wear and tear.

• Top brand: One of the top brands that offer fuel tank parts at PartsAvatar is Spectra Premium Industries.

The exhaust system consists of components like exhaust pipe, catalytic converter, sensors, mufflers, etc. They start at the engine and helps in removing toxic gases as well as fumes from the vehicle.

• Symptoms: Smell of raw gasoline, decrease in fuel efficiency, hanging or dragging exhaust pipe are a few symptoms of a bad or failing exhaust pipes. If you suspect that your vehicle has an issue with the exhaust pipe, get them inspected by a professional mechanic.

• Replacement cost: The approximate replacement cost will be around $651 and $688.

• Maintenance: The exhaust system can last up to 5 years but they can rust or crack if exposed to higher temperatures.

• Top brand: Find the top brand Walker USA, FLOWMASTER, FLOWTECH exhaust pipes here at PartsAvatar. 

Monitoring the amount of unburnt oxygen in the exhaust is the main purpose of the oxygen sensor. It is usually placed on top of the exhaust manifold. Over time, the oxygen sensor can turn out to be faulty or may get damaged. 

• Symptoms: A faulty oxygen sensor will show a few indications like the blinking of the check engine light, rough engine idle, misfiring of the engine, you may experience erratic jerking or face starting problems.

• Replacement cost: The replacement cost of an oxygen sensor can range from $20 to $100 depending on your make and model

• Maintenance: The oxygen sensor can last up to 80,000 km. But they have to be replaced if any issue arises.

• Top brand: Find the top brand NGK Canada, Bosch, DENSO oxygen sensor here at PartsAvatar. 

  
  

The tailpipe is a part of the exhaust system which helps to carry away the fumes from the muffler to the rear portion of the vehicle. Any issue with the tailpipe can cause a problem with the vehicle’s drivability. 

• Symptoms: Usually, a tailpipe can get blocked and a failing tailpipe will show a few problems. The exhaust system will make a hissing noise, the smell of raw gasoline from the exhaust, hanging tailpipe, decrease in power, acceleration and fuel efficiency. 

• Replacement cost: Depending on your vehicle make and model, the replacement cost of an exhaust pipe can range from $671 to $698 

• Maintenance: The tailpipes can last for about 5 years. But if they are exposed to a higher temperature, then they can rust, wear and crack. 

• Top brand: Find the top brand WALKER USA, FLOWMASTER, BOSAL tailpipes here at PartsAvatar. 

  
  

In order to prevent the outside allergens and dust from entering your vehicle, you need a cabin air filter. Cabin air filter lets you breathe clean air and keeps them clean. The cabin air filter can get clogged or blocked if there are impurities. 

• Symptoms: Poor airflow is a common symptom associated with a bad cabin air flow filter. If the cabin air filter is contaminated, then it will not be able to filter the incoming air. And as a result, it will restrict the airflow to the AC system. 

• Replacement cost: You can replace the cabin air filter all by yourself and the replacement cost lies between $15 to $25.

• Maintenance: You can refer to your vehicle’s manual to know the maintenance of the cabin air filter. But you can always check and get them replaced every 19,000 km. 

• Top brand: Looking for top-brand cabin air filter - FRAM, WIX, MANN FILTER? Find them here.

  
  

The brake drum along with the brake shoe forms a friction pair and provides more braking force. Also, the heat generated during braking is absorbed and discharged by the brake drum. As the brake drums in the rear part of the vehicle do a lot of work, it will show some signs of wear. 

• Symptoms: A few symptoms of a bad or failing brake drums are unusual brake pedal feel, scraping noise as you press the brake, a loose parking brake. These symptoms indicate the driver that a problem has occurred. 

• Replacement cost: The average cost for a brake drum replacement lies between $337 and $502. 

• Maintenance: If the brake drums are worn out, they will eventually become smaller. A brake drum is usually made to last for about 1,40,000 km. 

• Top brand: Get brake drums from top-brands like RAYBESTOS, RS PARTS WORLDPARTS BRAKE ROTORS here at PartsAvatar. 

In order to create an electric spark in the spark plug to ignite the fuel, the ignition coil is needed. It transforms the battery’s voltage to thousands of volts. Though the ignition coil is rugged and reliable, heat and vibration can damage the coil winding.

• Symptoms: Ignition coil can get easily damaged due to voltage overload. A damaged ignition coil will show symptoms like the blinking of the check engine light, engine misfire, poor fuel economy, engine stalling, and so on.

• Replacement cost: The average replacement cost for an ignition coil ranges between $231 and $332. 

• Maintenance: Ignition coils are made to last for 38,000 km or 2 years. But there are also a few ignition coils that are designed to last for 1,60,000 km. 

• Top brand: Find the top brand BLUE STREAK, DELPHI, STANDARD/T-SERIES ignition coil here at PartsAvatar. 

  
  

When did you last check your exhaust manifold? Was it when there was an exhaust leak? The exhaust manifold helps in directing the exhaust gases from multiple cylinders to a single exhaust pipe. By doing so, it reduces air, heat and gas leakage. 

• Symptoms: A cracked exhaust manifold can show a few indications like burning smell from the engine bay, decreased engine acceleration or a noisy exhaust.

• Replacement cost: The average cost for replacing an exhaust manifold ranges between $996 and $1,099.

• Maintenance: The life expectancy of an exhaust manifold can be from 6 to 8 years. But heavy use in saltwater can drop its life to 3 years 

• Top brand: Shop top brand DORMAN OE SOLUTIONs exhaust manifold at budget-friendly prices.

  
  

Wiper blades help you to have a clear view while your driving. It helps to remove rain, snow, ice, dust, pollen or other debris from your windscreen.

• Symptoms: You will have to replace the wiper blades if there is rubber problem, streaks on the windshield, chattering noise by wipers, bad windshield contact.

• Replacement cost: The average replacement cost for a windshield wiper blade lies between $56 and $89.

• Maintenance: Wiper blades last for 6 months to one year. But if you notice a change in the visibility, you will have to check and get them replaced quickly. 

• Top brand: Shop ANCO, BOSCH, TRICO wiper blades here at PartsAvatar.