While there are a variety of car brands out on the road, many of them are designed and built the same way at a fundamental level. One of the biggest things all cars have in common is the issues they run into as they age.
While each brand has its own special features and brand-specific equipment, cars all have the same main elements and basic systems, causing them to go to the repair shop for the same reasons.
As your vehicle ages, you may be wondering what parts are most replaced. At Freedom Collision Center, we’ve put together a list of the most common parts that are replaced on vehicles.
The engine air filter is a component that needs to be replaced regularly. In most cases, your car manufacturer likely recommends that you replace the air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, but it mainly needs to be replaced when it becomes dirty or clogged. If you drive on unpaved or gravel roads on a regular basis, it can shorten the lifespan of your air filter.
If you don’t regularly change your dirty or clogged air filter, you are minimizing the airflow that goes to the engine, and you will also reduce your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Luckily, air filters are relatively inexpensive, so it is easy to replace them as needed.
The oil filter is another component that needs to be replaced regularly, no matter what type of car you own. Your vehicle’s lubrication system is crucial to the operation of your engine. Typically you will need to replace your oil filter every 5,000 miles between oil changes. This will vary based on the usage and age of the vehicle and what your manufacturer requires.
Next to oil changes and routine maintenance work, brake pads and rotors replacement is one of the most common jobs mechanics complete. Your brakes are put to use every time you drive your car. When you press the brake pedal, the brake pads are pressed onto the rotors to stop the car. As these two components rub together, they eventually wear down and require replacement.
Additionally, if you must slam on your brakes to stop for an emergency, the temperature of the rotors can rise suddenly, leading to warping in the rotors. Generally, your brake pads should be replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 miles, whereas your rotors should be replaced every 50,000 to 70,000 miles.
The ball joints allow your front wheels to move on a vertical axis. Each time your car hits a crack or a small bump in the road, your ball joints are used. While the ball joints are lubricated when they come from the factory, the rubber seal that keeps out dirt and water will eventually dry out and crack. This will cause rust to accumulate on the bottom of the ball joint, which will push the grease out.
Since water can get in, it will also wash out any remaining grease. This will cause the ball joint to become loose in its socket and cause a knocking sound when the wheel hits a bump. You will also hear a squealing sound when your turn the steering wheel. You can determine if the ball joint is loose by jacking up the car and shaking the wheel up and down. If your wheel has play in it, then your ball joint is faulty and requires replacement.
Failing to replace a faulty ball joint can lead to more extensive and expensive care repairs and can also lead to a collision.
At Freedom Collision Center, we offer expert collision repair services to Morgantown and surrounding areas. Our experienced technicians have the technology and the quality parts needed to repair your vehicle and have it look like new. Contact us today to learn more!
