9 Car Parts That May Break Down Easily

Your car is not a typical possession but a major investment that can provide comfort and utility. If you want to get maximum benefits from your car, you must give it proper care. Proper care starts with knowing vulnerable vehicle parts that may require frequent repairs. Here are car parts that tend to break down easily. 

1. Brakes

Brakes are one of the most vital components of your car, and no driver can drive a vehicle with dysfunctional brakes. Although the brake system is complicated, it usually consists of discs, brake pads, and brake pedals. Frequent friction within the brake components can wear down the brakes and reduce performance. Sometimes, the brakes can also corrode.

2. Engine and Transmission

The engine and transmission are essential parts of your car and allow the vehicle to move and turn. Once the engine generates the power, the transmission transfers the power to the wheels. The vehicle's engine uses oil and coolant. 

The engine can produce strange noises or stop working altogether. Fortunately, most vehicles have an extended warranty to cover engine and transmission failure. 

3. Tires and Wheels

Perhaps the most frequent vehicle repairs involve the wheels and tires. Since tires and wheels support your vehicle's total weight, you must pay special attention to these parts. For example, tires can become punctured or worn out and require replacement. 

4. Battery

The performance of the vehicle's battery reduces when the battery begins to age. If the battery fails when you aren't at home, you may need to jumpstart the vehicle. Battery failure typically happens due to low charge and acid stratification. Reckless driving habits like leaving on lights can also cause battery failure. 

5. Shock absorbers

The shock absorbers spring into action whenever your vehicle turns around a bend or goes over a bump. Should this happen frequently, the shock absorbers will lose their effectiveness. Eventually, ineffective shock absorbers can even affect the braking system.

6. Air Filter

Regular engine air filter replacement is necessary for optimum vehicle performance. While manufacturers recommend filter replacement after every 40,000 km, you can replace a clogged or dirty filter anytime. Clogging can happen when you drive on gravel or unpaved roads. 

If you don't replace the filter, airflow to the engine and fuel efficiency will reduce. Fortunately, air filters are quite cheap, so replace them whenever necessary. 

If your vehicle often passes through dusty roads, install a wet air filter. You can clean and reuse this filter as many times as possible. However, you have to oil the wet filter properly since a poorly-maintained wet filter can cause more problems. 

7. Headlights and Tail Lights

The headlights and taillights improve vision at night and notify other drivers of your vehicle. The lights can crack or become dysfunctional after extended usage. Similarly, frequent night-time driving can wear out the lights, although LED lights don't have this problem. While most people replace their lights after 5 to 7 years, you can replace yours anytime.

8. Wiper Blades

Since most wiper blades are made of rubber, exposure to extreme weather conditions can cause breakage to your wiper blades. 

You can get new blades once in one or two years or twice a year if you live in and hot climate area. You can also quickly replace wiper blades that show wear and tear. 

9. Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are behind the ignition in the engine. Over time, the spark plug starts to wear and become dysfunctional. You will notice the problem when the vehicle displays ineffective fuel consumption or misfires. If your vehicle has iridium or platinum plugs, you can expect the plugs to remain functional for eight years or 160,000 km. 

The lifespan and efficiency of your vehicle parts depend on their quality. Padco Auto Parts sells high-quality auto parts for commercial and personal vehicles. Contact us to get the right part for your vehicle.