After finally saving enough money for a down payment on a new car, I was really excited about customizing it and really making it my own. I spent a lot of time going through and thinking of different ways to make the vehicle unique, and it was exciting to see how far it was able to come. I completely replaced the seat covers, overhauled the electronics, and gave the engine a serious tune-up. When I was finished, the car ran like a gem, and it looked even better. This blog is all about enjoying your new vehicle and not taking great features for granted.
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You change your oil and replace your brake pads, but there are plenty of other components on your car that you can expect to wear out over time. While your manufacturer may not list these parts on a typical maintenance schedule, they will often fail like clockwork once they've clocked enough miles. Knowing what to expect from these three common car parts can help you prepare and budget for the inevitable.
1. Alternator
Your battery kicks your starter into gear and smooths power delivery for your vehicle's accessories, but the alternator is the living heart of your electrical system. This small machine converts the engine's mechanical power into electrical energy, keeping the battery charged and your accessories operational. You may experience various electrical problems as it fails, but eventually, your car will no longer start.
Although drivers rarely replace alternators as preventative maintenance, you shouldn't expect one to last too far beyond 100,000 miles. If your car has gone this far, then start watching for dimming lights or other unusual behaviors. Once you notice these problems, have your charging system inspected as soon as possible.
2. Water Pump
Just as your alternator drives your charging system, your water pump drives your cooling system. Most vehicles use a belt-driven water pump, running directly from the engine rather than the electrical system. A failed water pump can prevent coolant from circulating through the system, leading to overheating and potentially catastrophic engine damage.
Water pumps also typically fail around 100,000 miles or sooner. Since this part is so critical, some manufacturers will recommend preventative replacement. Many mechanics will recommend replacing your water pump along with your timing belt, for example. If your water pump is getting a little long in the tooth, then monitor for signs of overheating carefully and replace it immediately once it fails.
3. Belt Tensioners and Pulleys
Many manufacturers recommend replacing accessory belts every 40,000-60,000 miles, while timing belts may last around 100,000 miles. Although the best themselves will wear out from use, the tensioners and pulleys they run on can also fail. These items often last longer than the belts, but they may begin to wear when your car is into the six-figure mileage range.
Failing tensioners and pulleys often present similar symptoms to failing belts. You may notice squealing, ticking, or grinding sounds. In some cases, you can isolate these noises to a specific pulley, such as the one on your water pump or power steering pump. An accessory belt failure can quickly leave you stranded, so you may want to consider replacing these crucial components as routine maintenance.
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