5 Car Parts That Must Be Replaced (Eventually)

Buying an old car often comes with two types of feelings, one of general excitement that you have a “new” car, and the other of “okay, what will break first?”. As cars age, more and more parts require replacement due to wear and tear. Many of these effects can be reduced through regular servicing and car maintenance on your vehicle, however, some components will still fail, especially those that contain soft parts and materials like rubber.

Whether you’re planning to buy or already own an ageing  car, here are some of the parts that you’ll most likely have to replace before too long:

Cambelts

With an estimated range between 100,000 and  150,000 kilometres, cambelts are one of the first components you should expect to replace on your ageing car. The cambelt is a reinforced rubber component that helps synchronise the opening and closing of your engine’s valves.

Radiators

Charged with the responsibility of keeping the engine cool, the radiator removes heat from the coolant after it has cycled through the engine, a process that exposes it to major wear and tear as it always copes with fluctuating temperatures. Owners of old cars often have to deal with endless engine overheating issues.

Brake Pads and Discs

Brakes are one of the most used components on a car, so it’s not surprising that they have to be replaced more often than bigger parts. When a driver steps on the brake pedal, brake pads squeeze onto the brake discs slowing down the car as a result. The friction between the two components means that they are more susceptible to wear and tear.

Alternators

A main component of the charging system, the alternator is an electric generator that charges your car battery and powers the car’s electrical system when the engine is running. As the battery ages, the alternator produces more power to make up for the battery’s inefficiency and thus, as a result, gets overworked and more prone to wear and tear.

Shock Absorbers

A shock absorber is a part of the car’s suspension system that is charged with the task of absorbing and damping shock impulses while keeping the tires in constant contact with the road.  Given the nature of South African roads, shock absorbers often have to deal with more “work” than they are generally designed to do, and car owners often have to fork out their hard-earned money to have them replaced.

While there are plenty of parts that might need replacing in the lifespan of a vehicle, car owners should most certainly expect to replace the above parts as their cars age. Buffer yourself from the potentially hefty expenses of an ageing car’s electrical and mechanical failures.

Any information herein is not intended nor does it constitute financial advice. The Content is for informational purposes only