What Parts of a Car’s Engine Need to Be Replaced Every Few Years as Preventive Maintenance?
Preventive maintenance is essential for keeping a car’s engine running smoothly and extending its lifespan. Over time, various engine components wear out due to heat, friction, and chemical exposure. Replacing these parts regularly prevents costly repairs and potential breakdowns. Here are the key engine components that need to be replaced every few years as part of routine maintenance.
1. Engine Oil and Oil Filter
Oil is the lifeblood of an engine, reducing friction and preventing excessive wear. Over time, engine oil breaks down due to heat and contamination, losing its lubricating properties. Most manufacturers recommend changing the engine oil every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers, depending on the type of oil used and driving conditions. Along with the oil, the oil filter should also be replaced to prevent dirt and debris from circulating through the engine.
2. Spark Plugs
Spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine’s cylinders. Over time, they wear out and can cause misfires, reduced fuel efficiency, and poor engine performance. Most spark plugs need to be replaced every 50,000 to 160,000 kilometers, depending on the type (copper, platinum, or iridium) and manufacturer recommendations. (Diesel engines do not have spark plugs).
3. Timing Belt or Timing Chain
The timing belt (or timing chain in some vehicles) synchronizes the movement of the crankshaft and camshaft, ensuring proper valve operation. A worn-out timing belt can snap, causing severe engine damage. Manufacturers typically recommend replacing timing belts every 75,000 to 120,000 kilometers. Timing chains last longer but should still be checked periodically for wear and tension issues.
4. Serpentine Belt
The serpentine belt drives multiple engine components, including the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. Over time, it can crack, fray, or lose tension, leading to component failure. It is recommended to inspect and replace the serpentine belt every 80,000 to 150,000 kilometers.
5. Air Filter & Cabin Filter
The engine air filter prevents dirt, dust, and debris from entering the combustion chamber. A clogged air filter can reduce engine performance and fuel efficiency. It should be replaced every 20,000 to 50,000 kilometers, depending on driving conditions. The cabin filter also need changing as often as you change oil, because it keeps your airconditioning system functioning in tip top shape. It is located usually under the dashboard and one can get to it if the glove compartment is removed.
6. Fuel Filter
The fuel filter removes impurities from the fuel before it reaches the engine. Over time, it becomes clogged, restricting fuel flow and reducing performance. Most fuel filters should be replaced every 36,000 to 64,000 kilometers, though some modern cars have lifetime filters that only need replacement if a problem arises.
7. Coolant (Antifreeze) and Radiator Hoses
Coolant helps regulate engine temperature and prevents overheating. Over time, it loses effectiveness and can become contaminated. It is recommended to replace coolant every 50,000 to 90,000 kilometers. Radiator hoses should also be inspected for cracks or leaks and replaced as needed. Water should only be used on emergencies and should be replaced with coolant as soon as possible. It is better to buy a new radiator if it already has leaks, never have it repaired since most alley radiator shops do not have the proper equipment for testing pressures at higher temperatures for the newly repaired radiator.
8. Battery
While not directly part of the engine, the battery is essential for starting the car and powering electrical systems. Most car batteries last 3 to 5 years and should be replaced before they fail unexpectedly. One way to prolong your battery is to use a battery charger to charge it outside of the car every time you find it drained.
Conclusion
Regularly replacing these components as part of preventive maintenance ensures optimal engine performance, fuel efficiency, and reliability. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific maintenance schedules and recommendations. Each vehicle has a different schedule and in reality, each vehicle is used in a different way so some maintenances should be done earlier or later depending on how the vehicle is used.
