It’s not uncommon for car owners to need to replace a car part at some point in the car’s lifespan. Some choose to have dealerships and auto body repair shops do their repairs, but others decide to do repairs and replacements themselves.
Do you know what the top five common car parts that need replacing are? Today we’re discussing everything about car parts—what the most common replacement parts are, how expensive they can be, and if you can do the replacements yourself.
What Car Parts are Most Replaced?
While certain makes and models experience more specific part replacements than others, there are a few replacements that are common across the board.
Car parts that are used most frequently are typically also the most important auto parts to be replaced. Think: brake pads, batteries, and exterior lights.
What car parts are easy to replace?
The good news is that the most common part replacements are also easy to replace on your own. We’ll break down the reason behind each replacement, the intensity of each project, and whether we recommend the DIY route or professional fix.
5 Most Common Replacement Car Parts
No matter what kind of car you drive, you can expect to face one of these five car part replacements in your car’s lifetime. The battery, brake pad and rotors, exterior lights, windshields, and spark plugs are the most common car parts that will need replacing at some point.
Keep reading to learn more about the process for each replacement.
1. The Battery
A healthy battery is quintessential to a well-functioning car. Hybrid, electric, and gas powered vehicles all rely on a healthy battery to turn the engine over and start the vehicle. Electric and hybrid vehicles utilize the battery more heavily than gas powered ones to actually drive the car, whereas gas powered vehicles mainly use the battery to operate turn signals and A/C inside the cabin.
Getting your battery replaced at an auto repair shop, oil change station, or dealership can rack up a big bill. Car batteries are one of the most expensive car parts to replace. Did you know you can replace the battery fairly easily yourself? Be sure to research the type of battery your vehicle needs before starting the installation. By installing an OEM battery, you’ll save yourself a good chunk of money and be secure knowing it’s the exact battery that the car originally came with.
Can you replace the car battery yourself: Yes, easily.
2. Brake Pads/Rotors
Your brake pads and rotors are the parts responsible for allowing you to slow down the vehicle. The brake pads wear down over time, and the rotors are known for breaking down because of dirt and debris build up during the winter months.
If you hear whistling or squeak sounds when you brake, or you notice the car takes longer to slow when driving, it’s likely you need a brake or rotor replacement. You’ll have to figure out which axle, front or back, needs to be replaced but the project is fairly doable for novice car DIY’ers. Plan to give yourself at least an entire afternoon, if not an entire day to complete the replacement.
Can you replace brake pads and rotors yourself: Yes, with the right tools.
3. Headlights, Taillights, and Turn Signals
It’s always a pain to be in the middle of driving, especially at night, and suddenly a light burns out. Exterior lights are one of the easiest replacements to undertake, and the best part is that you can take the broken bulb with you to a salvage yard or auto parts store to find the correct replacement. Whether a new or used headlight or taillight, both will give you improved visibility.
You can easily replace a burnt out bulb yourself, no need for a professional fix here.
Can you replace headlights, taillights, and turn signals yourself: Yes, easily.
4. Windshields (and Wipers)
Windshields bear the brunt of force from the outside elements when we drive. Depending on the terrain of where you live, you might expect to see rock chips, debris, and cracks seep their way into your windshield. If this is common where you live, especially in dry climates, you can expect to need windshield replacements every 3-7 years.
You may want to double check your car insurance coverage as windshield replacements may be covered under your policy. If not, you’ll still want to see a professional about installing a new windshield as they can be a pain to install in the correct position.
As for wipers, those might need replacing as often as twice a year, or more. Wipers can be installed on your own pretty easily, and customized to what your specific needs are.
Can you replace windshields yourself: Not Likely.
5. Spark Plugs
Spark plugs work in conjunction with the battery to ignite the engine by emitting a literal spark of electricity. This wave of electricity reacts to the air and fuel mixture in the engine to start up the vehicle.
Signs you probably need to replace your spark plugs include:
- Car slow to start up/ignite
- Harsh-sounding idling
- Engine failure
- Slow acceleration
Replacing your own spark plugs is a great project you can do to learn more about your vehicle and how it works. Watch a few how-to videos, purchase your replacement spark plugs, and get to town fixing up your vehicle.
Can you replace spark plugs yourself: Yes.
Use Salvaged Replacement Auto Parts
Salvaged auto part replacements are a great option for these common car fixes. If you have the time, research, and bandwidth to undertake one of these repairs yourself, a knowledgeable staff member on auto parts can help you pick out the exact part you need for the project.
Reach out to us if you’re interested in exploring our inventory of used parts in Central Massachusetts. Additionally, we accept donations of used car parts you might want to get off your hands.