Auto Repair in Fremont: The Components of a Vehicle That Will Eventually Need Replacing
As your vehicle ages, some components will wear out or fail, and will need to be replaced. Your driving habits may also influence how quickly, or how often you will need to visit your local auto repair shop to have them replaced.
The most commonly replaced vehicle components include:
- Windshield wipers - In general, wiper blades should be replaced at least once a year, though that's one of the easiest components to check - either they keep the windshield clear, or they need to go.
- Headlights -Approximately every five years - again, easy to check, if the light bulb is burned out, it's time for a replacement ( we recommend replacing light bulbs on both sides, since the other one is likely to fail soon as well).
- Taillights - Approximately every five years.
- Air filter -it really depends on where you drive and how dirty is the air that surrounds you. Fortunately, it's usually an easy replacement, so it can be done while getting an oil change
- Tires - Unless there is very little tread, tires are going bald, or bad alignment, change every five years. Your driving style and type of vehicle may influence how often you will have to change tires.
- Battery - Generally,your battery needs to be changed every five years unless you begin having issues with it.
- Oil & oil filter -Your oil and oil filter should both be changed at the same time, which is between 3,000 (conventional motor oil) and 5,000 miles (synthetic blend) or 7,500 miles (full synthetic).
- Brake pads - Usually every two or three years, unless you start to hear noises like squealingorany grinding sounds that could be metal-against-metal. The definitive test for brake pads is measuring their thickness, and can be done by any professional mechanic.
- Spark plugs - spark plugs need to be changed every 30,000 - 90,000 miles, depending on the quality of manufacture and the material used - copper spark plugs will typically last around 30,000 miles, while iridium spark plugs can last 90,000 miles.
- Starter -The starter will most likely need to be replaced during the lifetime of your vehicle. It is vital to the operation of your vehicle, so it is important to have it looked at as soon as possible when you notice any hesitation/problems starting the car.
- Alternator - The alternator has an integral role inpowering electrical systems of your vehicle. So, it is important that it gets checked as soon as you feel something is not right about it.
We list above only some of the components of a vehicle that will need to be replaced and the approximate amount of time to change them. If there is any component that you are concerned about, call Fremont Auto Center - we can set up an appointment and have your vehicle tested and repaired, usually the same day. All repairs carry 24 month / 24,000 mile warranty and are performed by our nationally ASE certified technicians. So if your car is causing you any concerns, give us a call.