Appointment with Auto Saline
Although cars are designed to last a lifetime, they still need maintenance and some parts may need to be replaced over time. When to replace the parts in your car depends on several factors. Batteries are one part that often needs replacing. They help start the car and provide power to the electrical system. Signs of a failing battery include slow starts, the check engine light on, and having to jump your car every time you get into your vehicle.
Timing belt
The timing belt is an essential component of the engine. When it breaks, the car will stop, and this can cause the engine to overheat, damage other engine parts, and cause an expensive repair bill. Timing belts should be replaced according to your car manufacturer’s recommended service intervals, which vary from 60,000 to 105,000 miles. Herold Family Auto & Tire Center technicians can help you determine the best timing belt replacement schedule for your vehicle.
To start with, you need to prepare your work area. You’ll need an extension cord to plug in your air compressor. Make sure you have enough room to work on your car, and lay out your new parts. Next, raise the car using a jack. Front-wheel-drive cars should be lifted using jack stands so you have plenty of space to work on it. When replacing the timing belt, it’s important to check the marks to make sure they are aligned.
Spark plugs
There are several reasons why you may need to replace your spark plugs. While they look dirty and need cleaning, they may actually be doing their job for 30,000 miles or more. If they look glossy or white, it means they are too hot for the engine. You can remove the deposits by cooling them down. On the other hand, if they are oily, they could mean oil is getting into the combustion chamber.
It is important to replace your spark plugs at the recommended intervals. Older spark plugs may seize to the cylinder head and reduce gas mileage. The Advance Auto Parts staff are all car enthusiasts and enjoy road trips, office corn hole, and DIY projects. They’ll be happy to help you. If you’re unsure of how to replace a spark plug, consult your car’s owner’s manual or a professional mechanic.
Tires
One of the most important maintenance procedures for any car is balancing the wheels. Tires can be very sensitive to vibrations due to uneven wear and tear, especially if you have a car with a reel-wheel drive. Many car owners also neglect tire replacement, thinking that their tires are still perfectly good since they have passed a local inspection or still have sufficient tread. This is a major mistake, because replacement of a tire will not only make your car safer but also significantly increase its fuel economy.
In addition to balancing the tires, it is important to maintain the alignment of your vehicle as well. Aligning your vehicle is vital for safety and handling, and if your wheels are not properly aligned, your car might need new suspension parts. In addition to alignment issues, it is also important to ensure that your tires are compatible with each other, as mismatched tires will be harder to maintain.
Suspension
Suspension systems can be a huge pain to maintain, and many parts may simply need to be replaced. A good place to start is with the ball joints. These are crucial components and should be checked if you hear a loud pop, bang, or smashing sound while driving. In addition, ball joints are fiddly to replace and may require professional attention to ensure a proper installation. In any case, here are some common car part replacements you should consider for your suspension system.
Shock absorbers, or suspension struts, are another component in your car’s suspension system. Shock absorbers rarely need replacements, but may need to be replaced if they start to leak. These parts contain oil to absorb road unevenness, and if there is any leakage or a drop in the oil level, the dampening effect will be affected. These parts can be quite expensive to replace, but a few dollars in parts can go a long way in restoring the handling of your car.
Batteries
If you drive in a subtropical or arid climate, your battery will likely need to be replaced sooner than if you live in a warm climate. While batteries can last for three years or longer in hot climates, they will lose their capacity much more quickly in cold climates. For that reason, you should schedule a battery replacement as soon as your battery is showing signs of fatigue. Here are some tips to make your battery last for as long as possible.
Before purchasing a new battery for your car, take note of its manufacture date. Generally, a new battery should be purchased within six months of the manufacturing date. Batteries are often coded; some start with the letter of the month and end with the year. Look for this code to identify the battery. If the battery doesn’t have a date, it’s probably not the right one.
Ball joints
Ball joints are the most common car part replacements, but there are some things you should know before tackling them yourself. While some people are able to complete this job without any professional help, some DIYers may not know what they are getting themselves into until they begin disassembling their car. First, you should know that ball joints are relatively easy to replace, but removing them can be a challenging task. To avoid further damage to the parts, you should always replace them when they are worn out.
Besides causing excessive wear on ball joints, they are also susceptible to road splash and road salt. Even if your car is not subject to such things, it is still possible to suffer from premature wear and tear. Other factors that may lead to ball joint failure include normal driving conditions, potholes, and rough rural roads. Ball joints can also cause suspension noises and increase the wear of the inner shoulder of tires.
