There are many advantages to knowing your way around cars. It helps you know what to look for when you buy used cars and the parts to check and replace during routine maintenance. If you possess enough knowledge about cars and car parts, it becomes easy to scoop great deals when you visit AutoBidMaster to buy damaged cars for sale. You will not only know how to assess vehicles but can also set an accurate budget for buying and restoring your new ride. Here is a list of 7 most commonly replaced car parts that you should know.
1. Battery
An aged or damaged battery can become a headache. It can easily leave you stranded on the road and require a jump-start to get going. Although poor driving habits such as leaving the air conditioner and lights running when the engine is not running can also lead to battery failure, the most common causes include low charge and acid stratification. Check the battery for damage, leaks, physical defects, dirty terminals, and remember to replace it every 4-5 years.
2. Spark Plugs
Although replacing spark plugs constitutes affordable repairs, aged or damaged plugs has a bigger effect on the performance of your car. Some of the problems that may indicate an urgent need to replace spark plugs include rough idling, difficulty starting, misfiring/surging, and slow acceleration. Remember to lubricate the new spark plugs before installation on used or salvage cars for sale.
3. Brake Rotors
Worn brake rotors can result in serious brake failure if left unattended. The rotors play an important role of making sure that the braking system doesn’t overheat. Problems often starts surfacing when brake pads and calipers cause enough friction to compromise their efficiency. Signs that your brake rotors are due for a change include grinding, squealing and growling sounds when braking.
4. Windshield
When your windshield starts exhibiting well-pronounced stress cracks and dings, it is time to seriously consider replacing it. Clean the windshield to check for any cracks and also prevent surface scratches. It is important to get the windshield replaced altogether as soon as possible as it is illegal to drive a car with a cracked windshield.
5. Door Handles and Locks
Damaged door handles and locks not only impact the car’s aesthetics and value, but also cause great inconvenience and safety issues. If any lock cylinder is damaged, make sure to replace it immediately. Some of the common signs that the cylinder needs to be replaced include the key refusing to turn after insertion, key getting stuck, failure to open some doors, and having a key break inside the lock.
6. Oil Filters
Oil filters play an integral part role in keeping your car’s engine running smoothly. They trap dirt, gasket debris, metallic flakes and other contaminants that accumulate in the engine oil. Over long use, oil filters become clogged and perform poorly, requiring replacement. The oil filter should be replaced every time you change the car’s oil, typically every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Depending on the oil type.
Failing to replace the oil filter can lead to dirty oil circulating through the engine, causing increased wear and tear on engine components and reducing overall longevity of the engine. Running a clean oil filter ensures that your engine is properly lubricated, reducing friction and preventing wear.
7. Belts
Belts are another integral component in your car’s engine. These belts include the serpentine and drive belts. Each serves specific functions such as driving the engine internals, alternator, water pump, or AC compressor. Over time, these belts can wear out, crack, or snap, leading to engine malfunctions or complete engine failure.
You should inspect and replace belts at regular intervals in order to avoid unexpected breakdowns. For instance, the timing belt is typically replaced every 80,000 to 100,000 miles. In case the timing belt fails, it can cause valves and pistons to collide, leading to complete engine failure. That’s why doing a timely replacement is essential to maintaining your car’s health in check.
8. Wiper Blades
Wiper blades might not be directly related to your car’s engine, but they are important for visibility and safety, especially in bad weather conditions. Over time, wiper blades can become brittle and start to crack. They become less effective at clearing water from the windshield. This can lead to poor visibility and increase the risk of road accidents.
Replacing wiper blades is a fairly simple and inexpensive maintenance task that should be done regularly, usually every year, depending on usage and weather conditions. Well-functioning wiper blades ensure a clear view of the road. Thus, helping you drive safely in rain or snow.
9. Fuses
Fuses are small but essential components in your car’s electrical system. They protect various circuits by breaking the connection if there’s a short. Thus, preventing damage to critical components like the engine, lights, or the radio. If one fuse blows, it will need to replace it in order to restore functionality to the affected system.
Fuses can fail because electrical surges, or a fault in the system. Fortunately, they are relatively easy to replace and inexpensive. We recommend keeping spare fuses in your car. Knowing how to replace them can save you tons of money and potential inconveniences on the road.
10. Alternator
The alternator is a generator that is responsible for charging your car’s battery and powering the accessories while the engine is running. If the alternator fails, the car will eventually lose power and shut down. Since the battery will no longer be charged. Common signs of a failing alternator include dim or flickering lights, a dead battery, or battery light on the dashboard.
Replacing a faulty alternator is important to keep your car running smoothly. It’s recommended to have the alternator inspected during regular maintenance checks and replaced if any signs of failure are detected. A functioning alternator ensures that your car’s engine and electrical systems operate smoothly, thus, preventing unexpected breakdowns.
FAQ on the Most Commonly Replaced Car Parts
1. Why do car parts need to be replaced regularly?
Car parts are components that are subject to wear and tear. They wear out due to the constant stress and strain they endure while the vehicle is in operation. Regular replacement of certain wear items, such as oil filters, spark plugs, brake rotors, belts, and wiper blades, ensures that the car continues to function well. That’s why you shouldn’t cheap out on these parts because they can fail and potentially harm your car’s engine or leave you stranded.
2. How often should I replace my car’s oil filter?
The oil filter has to be replaced every time you flush the car’s oil. This is typically every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on your driving habits and the type of oil you use. Regular replacement of the oil filter is a must as it helps keep the engine clean by removing metallic particles and gasket material from the oil. A new oil filter ensures that the engine remains properly lubricated, thus, reducing friction and wear on engine components.
3. What are the signs that my car’s belts need to be replaced?
Belts, such as the serpentine belt or timing belt, can show several signs when they need to be replaced. Common signs include:
- Squealing noises: A high-pitched squealing sound from under the hood can indicate a worn or loose serpentine belt. Usually the belt is stretched or the tensioner has failed.
- Cracks: Visual inspection on the belt may reveal cracks, fraying, or glazing on the belt’s surface. This means that the belt is very old and has to be replaced.
- Engine performance issues: An old and failing timing belt can lead to misfiring, check engine light, or other engine performance issues. In some cases, it can snap and ruin the engine.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s very important to have the belts inspected and replaced by a professional, that’s why you will avoid engine failure or other serious issues.
4. When should I replace my wiper blades?
Wiper blades should typically be replaced every six months to a year, you shouldn’t push them longer than this. These rubber components are exposed to the elements and they don’t last longer than this timeframe. So, if you notice skipping, streaking, or reduced visibility during rain, it’s time to replace them.
5. What causes car fuses to blow, and how do I replace them?
Car fuses can fail due to electrical surges, age, or faults in the system they protect. When a fuse blows, it cuts off the power to the circuit it’s protecting. This prevents potential damage to critical components like the engine or lights. As well as the risk of fire.
In order to change a blown fuse, implement these steps:
- Locate the fuse box: This is usually found under the steering column, or in the engine compartment.
- Find the blown fuse: Look for a fuse with a broken wire or furn marks.
- Replace with a matching fuse: You should always use a new fuse with the same amperage rating. Always keep spare fuses in your car.
6. What are the symptoms of a failing alternator, and how urgent is its replacement?
An alternator that is failed or failing can show certain symptoms:
- Dim or flickering lights: The alternator powers the car’s electrical systems, so problems with the lights and accessories can indicate a problem.
- Dead battery: If the battery keeps dying and you fail to start the car, the alternator may not be charging it properly.
- Warning lights: If you notice a battery light on the dash, this could mean that the battery is empty since alternator is not charging it.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your alternator checked by an electrician immediately. Driving with a failing alternator can result in a complete loss of power, leaving you stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Parting Shot
If you are on the market for used or salvage cars for sale, AutoBidMaster is the place to be. We have a strong reputation of providing unbeatable deals on a range of makes and models of damaged cars for sale. Register today for FREE to start bidding on your desired car or call us for answers to all your questions about damaged cars for sale at +1 503 298 4300 or Mail Us.
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