Parts Most Likely To Fail In Your New Vehicle

Huynh NguyenApril 4, 2022Last Updated: August 25, 2024

Parts Most Likely To Fail In Your New Vehicle

Regular maintenance will keep your new vehicle in top condition. But no matter how diligent you are in maintaining your car, it will inevitably experience wear and tear as you use it. Knowing which parts of your new vehicle are likely to fail will help you look out for warning signs. Early detection means you avoid more serious and costly repairs.

As a crucial step, check the coverage of the car manufacturer’s warranty. If it is limited, consider extended auto warranties. This type of vehicle service contract can cover part repairs or replacements that are not included in your original warranty. Choose the provider best fit for you by researching. Look up CarShield reviews and reviews of other reputable companies like Delta Auto Protect and Concord Auto Protect. In addition, make sure you have proper car insurance to cover any accidents or untoward incidents.

The following parts are most likely to fail in your new car. You should take note of the warning signs and the appropriate maintenance or repair.

Windshield and Wipers

Windshields and wipers are the most prone to wear and tear. The wiper blades are made of rubber, which can harden with exposure to sunlight. If your wiper is squeaky, it’s time to replace it. Wiper blades are affordable and easy to install.

Windshields are vulnerable to breaking when hit by hard debris. A small ding or scratch can later develop into cracks, which can lead to shattered glass. Accumulated dirt can cause scratches on your windshield too. Prevent this from happening through regular cleaning. If you see stress cracks, head to the shop as soon as possible to install new glass.

Exterior Lights

Headlamps, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights are prone to burning out after 500 hours. Water might collect inside the light housing and cause shorting. Routinely check your exterior lights with the help of another person. Replace broken or burnt-out lights immediately, as it puts you at risk of more serious car trouble. Even something small like a broken turn signal means higher chances of an accident.

Brakes

Your brakes comprise a system with multiple components. Each component is prone to stress and will need to be replaced separately.

Brake pads need to be replaced every three to five years. They wear out more quickly the more often you step on them, like in urban areas with heavy traffic. If you hear grinding noise when you step on your brake or if your brake fluid level drops suddenly, it’s time to change your brake pads.

Radiators

Radiators are essential to your car’s cooling system. Excessive exposure to high temperatures can cause early deterioration. Your vehicle’s radiator is also prone to leaks caused by corrosion, especially if your car is not regularly cleaned and checked. When you notice your car’s temperature gauge go up higher than usual or hear a hissing sound under your car’s hood, have your mechanic look at your radiator.

Batteries

As your car gets older, your batteries begin to wear out too. Make sure your mechanic regularly checks the charge and condition of your vehicle’s battery. Expect it to die out between four to six years. You should test your battery if you’re having difficulty starting your car and the battery warning indicator is on.

Spark Plugs

Difficulty getting your car started can also indicate a problem with spark plugs. This component uses your batteries to create sparks in the engine to start the vehicle. Your battery might still have a charge, but if your spark plug is busted, your engine won’t get fired up. Reduced gas mileage can also point to a faulty spark plug.

Tires

Tires wear out from constant motion and friction. The set needs to be replaced every five years, depending on how worn out it is. The more aggressive you drive, the faster the tire degrades. Driving with worn-out tires is dangerous as it can cause slips, hydroplaning, and blowouts. Perform regular checks and maintenance to make your tires last longer. Tire rotation spreads the wear evenly, extending the tires’ life.

Suspension

Shocks and struts make up your car’s suspension system. With the help of this system, your car ride becomes smoother and more even. At around 50,000 miles, your suspension becomes weaker. You need new shocks and struts when you notice your car dipping in bumps and potholes.

Fuses

Your vehicle’s electrical parts are linked to a fuse system. Dead automatic windows, interior lights, and dashboard lights are some of the signs that the fuse has blown out or corroded. Replacement fuses are cheap and easy to replace yourself.

Clutches

Clutches experience wear and tear as you change gears. If you’re new to driving, you might forget to take your foot off the clutch when changing gears. This is called “riding the clutch.” When you do this, the clutch can overheat and emit a burning smell. If you’re a more experienced driver and still smell overheating clutch, it means that the clutch plate has worn out and needs replacement.

Caring for the Parts Is Caring for the Whole

Your vehicle is a sensitive system with interconnected parts. Failure of one component can lead to more expensive damage of larger components. Similarly, if you take care of the smallest part, your car’s overall performance improves.

A worn-out spark plug might seem like a small inconvenience, but delaying its replacement can easily lead to costly engine repair. A squeaky wiper can crack your windshield. Once you know which parts of your new car are prone to failing, you can watch out for the warning signs and have these replaced or repaired immediately.