List of Car Parts that You Need to Replace Often & Their Lifespan

During the lifetime of your car, there are car parts that you will need to replace at some point. Cars, just like any other machine, are built from various auto parts, each performing different functions and undergoing different levels of wear. 

Over time, they start to malfunction and, if ignored, may fail completely or damage other parts. In this article, you’ll find a list of car parts that are most frequently replaced and their lifespan. 

List of Car Parts that Are Most Frequently Replaced

1. Oil Filter – this part ensures that oil is free of dirt and contaminants don’t get into the car engine. It acts as a heat absorber and lubricates the engine. When replacing the filter, you should also change the oil.
2. Windshield Wiper Blades – these parts keep the windshield clear when driving, especially in inclement and foggy weather. When windshield wiper blades start showing signs of wear, don’t hesitate to go to an auto parts shop to get a replacement. 
3. Air Filter – it prevents dirt, pebbles, debris from getting into the engine. Driving in dusty roads as well as gravel terrain usually reduces the lifespan of the filter.
4. Brake Components – the brake fluid system of any car requires regular maintenance. Brake components such as brake callipers, wheel cylinder, and the master cylinder experience internal corrosion. Corrosion, in turn, reduces their lifespan. 
5. Brake Pads – these parts are responsible for stopping or slowing down a car. The driving environment, such as stop-and-go in traffic, your driving style, and brake lining material all contribute to the frequency of replacing brake pads, which are some of the most replaced wear-and-tear parts of a car.
6. Car Battery – it produces the power to start the engine. You should regularly check your car battery for dirty terminals or faulty or damaged cables and watch out for signs of failing or dead car battery. Remember that leaving the car lights on in your car will drain the battery. 
7. Headlights and taillights - the replacement period of headlights and taillights doesn't depend on the mileage. You should take note that both night-time driving and rough terrain reduce the lifespan of the lights. 
8. Tyres – they move your car by rotating and provide traction and grip on the ground. This constant motion and friction, cause wear on the tyre treads. Driving with worn-out treads is very dangerous. The frequency of replacing tyres is affected not only by wear rate and mileage but also aggressive driving style. 
9. Spark Plugs – they are responsible for igniting the fuel-and-air mixture in internal combustion engines. Repeated driving for short distances can result in fouled spark plugs, which will lead to poor mileage as well as engine troubles such as misfire.
10. Clutch – the friction experienced during gear change causes wear and tear to your car’s clutch, and aggressive driving worsens it.
11. Belts - the serpentine belt has a lifespan of 6 years or 120,700 kilometres (75,000 miles), after which it needs replacement. Know more about the different car belts here. Timing belts are made of rubber and fibre. Exposure to heat and oil wears them out, but on the upside, they’re a breeze to replace.

What factors affect the wear and tear of car parts?

The following factors may either hasten or slow down the rate at which auto parts wear out:

1. Driving environment (suburban, urban, city)
2. Annual mileage
3. Terrain
4. Weather and climate conditions
5. Driving style

It's quite ordinary for car parts to require replacing after a certain period, that’s why you need to do car maintenance by mileage. 

It doesn’t work like an expiry date, which will require you to replace the auto parts upon reaching the exact time or covered distance. Rather, it’s like a heads-up telling you that sooner or later, that part will need replacing.

Lifespan of Car Parts / Car Parts Replacement Schedule

Do you know when to replace car parts? Repairing or replacing some car parts are on a need-to basis. Although they can last over the lifetime of the car, the following are rough estimates on the lifespans of the following parts or when they need replacing:

1. Oil filter – every 4,800 to 8,000 kilometres (3,000-5,000 miles) or after 3-6 months depending on your motoring frequency
2. Windshield wiper blades – 1-2 years; in a hot climate, you will have to replace it more frequently
3. Air filters – 48,000 to 80,000 kilometres (30,000-50,000 miles) or after 3 to 4 years; if you often drive in dusty or gritty roads, consider replacing the air filter sooner
4. Brake components – e.g., brake callipers, wheel cylinder, master cylinder should be replaced every 160,900 kilometres (100,000 miles)
5. Brake pads – 48,000-112,600 kilometres (30,000 to 70,000 miles) or after 3 to 5 years, but sooner once you notice the signs of wear. Ceramic and semi-metallic linings can withstand wear for a longer time than the non-asbestos organic kind. Check here for the cost of replacing brake pads.
6. Car battery – you should replace it after every 4 to 5 years, earlier (like 2-3 years) in a hot climate. Learn more from our other article on replacing and buying a new car battery.
7. Headlights – after 5 to 7 years, but don’t wait this long to replace broken or non-functioning headlights or taillights.
8. Tyres – after 5 to 7 years, although the frequency of replacing them depends on many factors aside from mileage or years.
9. Spark plugs – platinum and iridium plugs have a lifespan of 160,900 kilometres (100,000 miles) or 8 years.
10. Clutch – after 160,900 kilometres (100,000 miles) or earlier for aggressive drivers
11. Timing belt – after 160,900 kilometres (100,000 miles) or 8 years. Find out how much it costs to replace a drive belt.
12. Alternator – after 5 to 6 years
13. Fuel pump – after 5 to 6 years
14. Water pump – after 6 to 8 years or after 112,600 kilometres (70,000 miles)
15. Engine sensors – after over 241,400 kilometres (150,000 miles)
16. Muffler – after 193,000 kilometres (120,000 miles) or 10 years
17. Shocks and struts – after 80,500-112,600 kilometres (50,000 to 70,000 miles)

I hope that gave you an idea about when to replace car parts, especially those that are frequently worn out.

Most of the time, you will have to buy these high-wear parts brand new. For other equipment or spare parts that last the lifetime of a car, you can opt to buy them as second-hand or used auto parts from similar cars that no longer need them. You may browse through our ads or, better yet, send us a request for parts, and we will locate them for you.

If you need a qualified mechanic for replacing these parts, you can check out our Directory to find the nearest car repair shop. 

By Sam O.