Vehicle maintenance is an important part of ownership. If you don’t take good care of your vehicle, it won’t be long before you find yourself making expensive repairs or getting stuck on the side of the road. One component of vehicle maintenance is replacing certain parts as they wear down. Some of these parts you need to replace more often than others, sometimes yearly.
At Huffines Chevrolet Plano, we want to outline the parts you may need to replace each year and how you can get started if you’re interested in replacing these parts yourself in the Plano, Texas, area. If you’re unsure of the exact part you need, our team can help you find what you’re looking for.
Parts You Should Change Every Year
There are many parts of your vehicle that only need maintenance every few years. However, there are some parts that you need to pay attention to more frequently. We want to review the parts you may need to change every year or at least inspect annually to ensure they’re still in good working order.
Windshield Wipers
Windshield wipers are vital for clear visibility, and changing them every 6-12 months is recommended. Over time, your wiper blades will wear down as they rub up against your windshield. In addition, if you use your wiper blades during severe weather, they could become damaged. By regularly replacing your wiper blades at least once per year, you can ensure that they remain effective when inclement weather arrives. Luckily, changing your wiper blades is one of the easier car maintenance tasks to perform, and you can likely do it yourself with a little instruction.
Car Brakes
Brake pads are another critical component that is subject to wear and tear. Each time you apply the brakes while driving, the friction wears down the pads a little bit. While the life span varies, it’s wise to have them inspected annually. Depending on your driving conditions and the type of vehicle, you may need to replace them each year to ensure your vehicle remains safe.
Car Tires
Tires, the only contact between your car and the road, require regular attention. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends checking tire pressure monthly to ensure they’re properly inflated and that you have ample tread remaining. Worn-out tires compromise traction and increase the risk of accidents, especially in adverse weather conditions. Driving conditions and your driving habits will impact how often you need to change your tires, but it’s not uncommon for some drivers to need to replace their tires at least once per year.
Car Battery
Batteries, susceptible to deterioration over time, should also be checked annually. According to AAA, car batteries typically last 3-5 years. However, driving conditions can significantly lower that estimate. If you forget to turn off your vehicle lights, or if you don’t start your car for a prolonged period of time in cold weather, you may need to replace your battery much sooner. An annual check can identify potential issues before they leave you stranded.
Air Filters
Air filters play a vital role in ensuring the efficiency of your car’s engine. The EPA recommends replacing air filters annually or every 12,000 miles. A clogged air filter can reduce fuel efficiency and engine performance. Regular replacement contributes to better air quality and prolonged engine life.
How To Know When To Change Parts
There are two key ways to know that it’s time to change some parts in your vehicle. The first is when you reach a scheduled maintenance milestone. All vehicles come with recommendations for when you should replace certain parts. For example, most vehicles need an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. You can check your owner’s manual to see the recommended time or distance intervals for the various parts of your vehicle. Once you hit one of these milestones, you should replace the recommended part rather than waiting for an issue to appear.
The other time to change car parts is when you start to experience an issue with your vehicle. For instance, your wiper blades may not work as well as they once did, or your vehicle may not stop as quickly when you apply the brakes. If you notice a change in performance or strange noises or smells coming from your vehicle, it’s likely time for some maintenance and repairs. Taking care of the issue once you notice it can help keep your vehicle safe and, in many cases, prevent a larger issue from cropping up.
When To Bring Your Vehicle in for Maintenance
There are many vehicle maintenance jobs you may be able to do on your own depending on your skill level. For instance, many vehicle owners know how to change their wiper blades or replace their brake pads. If you’re one of these people, you can visit our parts center to get everything you need to perform the job on your own. This is a great way to save money on vehicle upkeep costs.
However, for those jobs you can’t do on your own, you can bring your vehicle to the service center at Huffines Chevrolet Plano. Our expert team would be happy to help you with any vehicle maintenance you need. Letting a professional service mechanic handle the tougher jobs is often the best way to ensure they get done properly. Schedule an appointment with our service center today and know your car is in good hands.
Find the Parts You Need at Huffines Chevrolet in Plano
No matter what sort of parts you need for your vehicle, the parts center at Huffines Chevrolet in Plano, Texas, is here to help. We always have a wide range of products available, for all different sorts of makes and models. We also regularly offer parts coupons to make your next purchase more affordable. To get started, you can order your parts online or you can visit our parts center during business hours to browse through our inventory. You can also contact us at any time if you have questions about our replacement parts.
Image by Benjamin Brunner is licensed with Unsplash License