5 Most Common Car Parts That Need Replacing & The 5 You Should Really Pay Attention To

by Dean's Autoglass Professional

If you were sitting in a taxi and the wipers weren’t doing a very good job, you probably wouldn’t even bat an eyelid.

However, if the engine started making strange noises and the steering wheel started shaking profusely, you might be starting to wonder if your life is in jeopardy.

When it comes to maintaining your car, there are some common parts that can be easily replaced (or overlooked) and there are parts you should really pay attention to when there’s an issue.

This is why regular car maintenance and servicing is a fundamental factor in not just prolonging the lifespan of your vehicle, but also ensuring it’s safe to drive and runs more efficiently.

If you’re not so car savvy and unsure of common parts to replace, or the telltale signs that tell you something is mechanically wrong, we’re going to give you the 111 check.

To keep the wheels turning, here are the top 5 most common parts to replace and the 5 parts you should really pay attention to when things take a turn for the worse.

Common parts that need replacing

Windscreen wipers

Wipers are designed to keep your vision of the road clear as day. They are designed to last around 6 to 12 months depending on your local climate. It’s one of the easiest parts to replace and can be done in under 10 minutes. Before purchasing and replacing, make sure to check the owner’s manual for the exact make and model of your car.

Lights

When it comes to replacing broken tail lights, some are far more crucial than others. Headlights, tail lights and indicators are a must-have in Australia, and possibly every other part of the world, as it is illegal to drive with them broken. They are a key safety feature of your vehicle, giving you vision at night and providing direction to other motorists. If you are on a tight budget, you might want to have a look at 4x4 spare parts, or even used 4x4 spare parts. Not all spare parts supplier are the same though, so make you do your research. Reliable 4x4 wreckers in Perth should be able to provide you with a minimum product guarantee and have tested the part prior to putting it in their catalogue.

View our used car parts purchase checklist

Car battery

It’s not everyday you need to change your car battery — until one day you aren’t able to start it up. Instead of waiting for this unfortunate day to arrive, check the terminals for corrosion and give them a good clean, top up the battery fluid when needed, and keep an eye on the state of charge.

Air filter

The air filter is a vital component which helps your car breathe. When it becomes clogged with dirt and dust, less clean air is circulated throughout the engine. A lack of clean air can affect the overall performance of your car, reducing fuel economy, power, and much worse. Check the owner’s manual to see how often your engine air filter needs to be changed.

Fluids

Like any living, breathing thing, fluids are just as essential to your car. Without engine oil or radiator coolant, you’re going to have a hard time getting anywhere. Most cars require the following fluids: transmission fluid, brake fluid, engine oil, radiator coolant, power steering fluid, clutch fluid, windscreen wiper fluid, and more. Check fluids regularly and top up when necessary. View our articles on car checks you should do on a regular basis. View our article on 4wd checks you can do before heading out.

The parts you should really pay attention to

Uneven tyre wear

Correctly inflated tyres is what keeps your car safely planted on the road and running efficiently. If your car feels less responsive when turning or vibrations are felt through the steering wheel, it’s best to check the tyre pressure and wear. If you notice your car pulling to one side, you may be overdue for a wheel alignment and balance.

View our articles on tyre checks.

Noisy brakes

It can be hard to ignore the fact that your brakes are making loud screeching and squealing noises every time you use them. Worn out or loose brake pads, or have brake pad dust trapped inside the drum is telltale sign your brakes pads need replacing and should be attended to by an expert.

Chipped or cracked windscreen

Driving around with a cracked windscreen compromise the overall safety of your car. What may seem like an insignificant crack or chip at first can quickly take a turn for the worse. Going over the smallest of bumps can transform a small crack into a fissure, and what was a cheap fix is now a more expensive repair. we highly recommend looking at a windscreen replacement in Perth or, if it is safe to do so, a windscreen repair in Perth.

Transmission issues

The transmission, also known as the gearbox, is what controls the power from the engine and keeps the wheels turning at any given speed. It’s a component that you should really pay attention to, especially if you start to notice a sluggish response, whining sounds, grinding or shaking, or gears skipping while driving. Ignore these signs and you’ll start to lose fuel economy, or worse not even be able to drive at all.

Leaking head gasket

The head gasket arguably plays one of the most important roles in keeping your car running smoothly. It seals and compresses the cylinder and prevents any of the 3 major engine fluids: fuel, oil and coolant which help start your car and keep it working from entering the cylinder. One of the biggest telltale signs is visible engine oil or coolant leaks in the engine bay.

A car is an expensive asset you may not purchase very often, so it’s in your best interest to increase its lifespan. Thankfully, this is not very hard to do, with a bit of tender loving care and knowing what to lookout for, you’ll be able to get the most out of the car and for longer.