Normal wear and tear cause certain auto parts to wear out at a fairly predictable rate whereas other factors such as how and where you drive your vehicle can increase or decrease the rate at which certain parts wear out. Even your driving style can play a role. An aggressive driver will obviously wear out his vehicle's brake pads much faster than a more normal driver.

What are the most frequent replacement auto parts? It is no surprise that the components of cars wear out due to the enormous forces created in your combustion engine and by traveling at high speeds. Certain parts wear out faster than others and extenuating factors such as environmental considerations can contribute to a shorter lifespan. AUTODOC and OnlineCarParts offer brake systems body parts shock absorbers and springs exhaust systems interior elements steering systems and clutches air-conditioning and heating systems repair kits and engine oil. Currently the product portfolio includes approximately 4 million products from 1400 manufacturers.

Our list looks at which parts are most prone to wear and will need to be replaced:

Your car's battery powers the electrical system and helps it start. If your car is slow to start the check engine light is illuminated or it requires a jump every time you use it it may be time to replace your battery.

Cold is the number one enemy of car batteries because the chemical reaction inside them takes longer to complete in cold weather. Subzero temperatures will also slowly drain the battery's power and put a strain on internal components such as the cathode plates. As the plates deteriorate the battery will no longer be able to hold enough power to start the car. During the winter this situation will be exacerbated because starting the car requires more power than usual.

The air filter is in charge of keeping dirt dust and other debris from entering the engine. A clean air filter ensures that your car's engine runs safely. Every 15000 miles air filters should be replaced. Failure to replace a dirty air filter reduces airflow to the engine and thus reduces fuel efficiency. Air filters are usually fairly inexpensive so don't be afraid to replace them when necessary.

Installing a "wet" air filter may be a good idea if you frequently drive off-road or live in a dusty or arid climate to save money on air filter replacement. This filter type can be cleaned and reused indefinitely. A wet filter that is not cleaned oiled and maintained on a regular basis will do more harm than good to your engine.

If this part is used to power too many high-powered applications in the car it may become fatigued. However before replacing the entire unit it is always a good idea to test the wiring and connections.

The alternator as another important component of the charging system is also susceptible to temperature fluctuations and is dependent on the health of your car battery. As your battery ages the alternator produces more power to compensate for the battery's inefficiency which frequently leads to premature failure. During the winter the alternator is also more frequently used because your vehicle requires more power to operate the climate control system rear defrosts heated seats and other winter-related accessories.

The oil filter is the most important component to replace in any vehicle regardless of make or model. Any internal combustion engine's lubrication system is critical to its proper operation. The engine oil and oil filter should be replaced every 5000 to 20000 kilometers depending on the car manufacturer how your vehicle's lubrication system is designed and the type of oil used.

The interval between oil changes varies from vehicle to vehicle. The frequency with which you should change your oil is determined by the make and model of your vehicle as well as the number of miles driven.

Brake pads allow your vehicle to stop completely. Depending on how you drive and the type of car you drive they should be replaced every 30000 to 70000 miles.

After oil changes and routine maintenance the most common job that mechanics must perform on a daily basis is the replacement of brake pads and rotors. Brakes are used every time you drive your car so they must be replaced on a regular basis. When you press the brake pedal the brake pads press against the rotors slowing the vehicle. Both components will wear out and need to be replaced as a result of rubbing against each other.

Most plugs have a lifespan of around 100000 hours before they need to be replaced. If there are any malfunctions they may need to be replaced sooner. When an explosion occurs spark plugs must withstand tremendous pressure. Excessive heat can also cause the insulator to crack and the faulty spark plugs to become short-to-ground and cease to spark. When this happens the only option is to replace the plugs entirely. Different types of spark plugs require different intervals of replacement. The right ones for your vehicle are determined by how difficult it is to replace the spark plugs.

Shock absorbers also known as suspension struts are slightly different. Unlike the other suspension components mentioned previously they rarely need to be replaced due to water causing rust and creating play within them. Instead struts are usually replaced because they are leaking.

The oil contained within shock absorbers is used to absorb road irregularities. When the seals dry out oil begins to leak around the shock's rod and the oil level gradually drops until the strut no longer has any dampening effect. Visually inspecting the shock can also be beneficial. If the shock is greasy it means that oil is leaking somewhere and that it needs to be replaced right away.

Working outside lights contributes to the safety of those on the road. Bulbs have a lifespan of 500-2000 hours depending on the type of bulb used in your vehicle and how frequently you use your lights. Car lights deteriorate fade or stop working after extended use and must be replaced. Headlights should be replaced in a few years but if you have non-functioning or broken headlights or taillights you don't have to wait that long. Driving primarily at night and on bumpy rough roads can reduce the life of filament bulbs but this is not an issue for cars equipped with Xenon or LED taillights.

Given optimal use a tire's maximum lifetime is five years. Unfortunately many drivers disregard their tyres and fail to keep them properly inflated and rotated resulting in a shorter lifespan. This five-year lifespan can be a good replacement schedule for your tyres if you take care of them in the first place. Tires with excellent traction and grip allow you to drive safely even in slick wet conditions. The way you drive and how frequently you drive your car will determine how frequently you need to replace your tyres.

Car tyres are the components that transmit a vehicle's power to the road allowing the vehicle to move.

Your windscreen may need to be replaced if it becomes cracked or chipped and cannot be repaired. If it creates too much of a hazard while driving and cannot be seen clearly you will be required by law to replace it. Flying dirt and debris can cause driving-related dents or stress cracks in the glass. Surface scratches on an unbroken windscreen can be avoided with routine cleaning but more serious damage must be repaired at the time it occurs. Apply clear tape to prevent stress cracks from spreading and keep the car at a constant temperature until the replacement glass can be installed.

Conclusion

We cannot expect auto parts to last forever. Cars must withstand a great deal of stress, pull heavy loads, drive on various types of terrain, and go the distance on your next cross-country road trip. It is critical to inspect these auto parts on a regular basis for wear that may necessitate replacement in order to keep your car running safely and reliably. With regular maintenance, your car will continue to perform properly, providing you with a smooth driving experience.