FRIENDLY LUBE & INSPECTION

Although more costly, synthetic has its advantages. Many automakers require owners to use synthetic motor oil in their cars’ engines. This is because synthetic oil has some advantages over conventional motor oil.

Fuel filter

This is an item that’s probably as important as it is overlooked. Assuming yours is a fuel-injected car, the fuel filter is more or less on continuous duty whenever your ignition is on and the fuel pump is active, preventing impurities from clogging injectors. So, over time, replacement will be necessary. Locations vary from beneath the hood or undercarriage to inside the fuel tank itself. Since systems are often pressurized and fuel lines need to be safely crimped, you might prefer to let a technician handle it.

When to replace: Every 2 years or 24,000 miles.

Power-steering fluid

On your car part replacement calendar, it doesn’t get much easier than where your power steering fluid is concerned.  Still, give it proper consideration, since it lubricates the system and keeps steering feel consistent. Periodic checks of the fluid are done with a glance at the reservoir or the dipstick inside it. Make sure you add only the manufacturer’s suggested fluid type and talk to a technician if the level drops considerably or you feel surges of resistance as you turn the wheel.

When to replace: Inspect level with every engine oil change, top-off as needed.

Battery

How often do car batteries receive proactive attention? About as frequently as Metallica’s “Battery” is heard on easy-listening stations. Even if you keep your terminals clean and your charging system works fine, you’ll eventually need to replace the battery. When you do, do it right. Use only the battery that matches manufacturer’s specs at the very least.  Consider upgrading to advanced-technology batteries that offset higher initial cost with extended life and more consistent performance.

When to replace: Typically 48 to 60 months or as needed.

Air filter

Most often out of sight and out of mind, the air filter deserves better, and a place on your car part replacement calendar is a start. Try running with your hand over your mouth, and you’ll get an idea how much your engine depends on air. That air for the engine and airflow sensor still has to be free of contaminates, though, and that’s your air filter’s job. Be aware of manufacturer recommendations for replacing related air flow components like the PCV valve and oxygen sensor, if your car has them.

When to replace: 12 months, 12,000 miles or as needed.

Automatic trans fluid/filter

In cars with conventional automatic or clutchless gearboxes, fluid is to the transmission what oil is to the engine in terms of function and importance. It fights friction and keeps things within safe operating temps. Ignoring it pretty much leads to the same issues: expensive repair bills at the mechanic. Fortunately, prevention is similarly easy. Check the fluid periodically, top off with the specific kind recommended in your owner’s manual and change it occasionally along with the filter.

When to replace: Every 2 years or 24,000 miles.

Spark plugs

You can’t have an internal combustion engine without combustion, and spark plugs make it happen by firing up the mixture of air and fuel in each cylinder, either alone or in a pair. Cleaner-burning engines and advances in plug construction mean less maintenance and extended service, but they still need replacement. Whether or not they’ve reached their mileage limit, they (and the plug wires) could be to blame when mileage suffers, the engine runs poorly and you fail your emissions test.

When to replace: Every 30,000 to 100,000 miles.

Engine belts & timing belts

It’s no accident for engine belts to have a prominent spot on your car part replacement calendar. The one or more outside keep components like your alternator and water pump active. Inside, the timing belt (some cars have timing chains) keeps valves from bashing into pistons. When either belt fails, it’s bad news. At the least, your forward progress will cease to be. At worst, you’ll need major engine work at the mechanic in the case of some timing belt breakage and the resulting carnage.

When to replace: Every 3 years or 36,000 miles for engine belts or 60,000 to 90,000 miles for the timing belt.

Coolant

That liquid in the radiator is a real multitasker. It serves as antifreeze, coolant and guards against corrosion in the cooling system. So, given its duties, you can appreciate its rank on your car part replacement calendar. Do check the level regularly, but also understand its cleanliness and potency diminish. Topping off and changing should only be done with the right coolant type and water mixture ratio (typically 50/50).

When to replace: Every 2 years or 24,000 miles.

Tires

Tire wear patterns are telling — revealing aggressive driving, improper inflation or worn suspension components.  Regardless, you’ll eventually need fresh tires. The best way to confirm is with a tread depth gauge. Alternately, stick a penny upside down in the grooves (if you see the top of the president’s head, it’s time to replace the tire) or check built-in wear bars. Age is also a concern, since longer lasting tires and use of multiple sets (i.e., winter and summer) can mean safety is compromised even with adequate tread depth.

When to replace: At the minimum safe tread depth or 6 to 10 years.

Brakes

We’re honestly baffled why anyone would ignore or even undervalue their brake system. The effects of failures of the other items on our car part replacement calendar range from inconvenient to being stranded, but with the possible exception of tires, nothing’s potentially lethal except brakes. Preventing that mess is drama-free: Just check the fluid level and change it every so often. Keep an eye on brake pad condition, and replace as soon as safety is compromised.

When to replace: Every 2 years or 24,000 miles (fluid), prior to minimum safe thickness (pads).

Download an App

A great way to keep track of all things car related, aCar is an all-in-one, easy-to-use, highly-customizable FREE app for Android 2.1+ devices. Once you’ve entered your car’s make, model, and year in the app, it can provide tons of helpful statistics, graphical charts, and interesting reports about your car(s). (Yes, you can use if for more than one vehicle).  If you put in the current mileage and then the price you pay for gas every time you fill up, it will calculate what it costs you per day (and per mile) to drive your car! It can also let you know how much you drive each day, and track when you bring your car in for service and how much you spent. aCar even keeps detailed information about your business and leisure trips ~ making it a breeze if you need this information for tax purposes. Other FREE apps for car maintenance information include My Cars (for Android ) and myCarfax (for iOS and Android).