According to a 2014 statistic, the average Canadian driver keeps their car for about eight to nine years. That’s a lot of time for something to go wrong, break, or malfunction. Chances are you’d be hard pressed to find a vehicle owner who has had a car for that long without needing anything replaced. When it comes to cars, almost anything can break down at some point, but there are several auto parts you’ll see that need replacing more often than others.
If you’re considering a career as an automotive service advisor, read on to learn about four car parts that often need to be replaced.
1. After Auto Service College, You’ll Notice Car Batteries Needing to Be Replaced Quite Often
Batteries are an essential part of every vehicle. Without them, a vehicle won’t start and thus can’t get the driver where they are going, rendering the car completely useless. While modern day automotive batteries don’t require any maintenance by professionals with training in the automotive industry, they do lose capacity over time. The average car battery will last somewhere between five to seven years before it needs to be replaced.
Generally, car batteries last longer if the vehicle is driven on a regular basis and if the battery is kept charged. Long periods of time where the vehicle is parked can run out a battery’s life more quickly. Luckily, even though batteries need to be replaced, their cost is relatively low. The price can range from about $50 to $200 depending on the quality of the battery.
2. You’ll See Brake Pads and Rotors Regularly Replaced After Auto Service College
For especially aggressive drivers, brake pads and rotors may need to be replaced quite often. Wear and tear from braking and accelerating can quickly damage brake rotors and pads, and water can cause corrosion and rusting on rotors as well. Because brakes are essential for vehicle safety, keeping them in tip top shape is really important.
When it comes to brake rotors, the lifetime will vary. It’s best to assess each case individually and make a decision based on what condition the rotors are in. Brake pads, on the other hand, generally need to be replaced every 50,000 to 115,000 kilometres depending on the habits of the driver.
3. After Auto Service College, You’ll See Lots of Spark Plugs Get Swapped Out
As you may learn during auto service college, spark plugs are an important part of the combustion process. Without them, fuel and oxygen within the engine won’t combust and no power will be created. If a car is having engine problems or if the check engine light is on, it’s not uncommon for there to be a problem with the spark plugs. Regular-grade spark plugs need to be replaced every 16,000 to 30,000 kilometres, and higher-end spark plugs will last for about 95,000 kilometres. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these numbers can vary greatly depending on the car’s make and model, so make sure to do a thorough inspection to determine whether they need to be replaced.
4. You’ll See Cars Needing Air Filters Changed Often After Auto Service College
It’s only natural that filters need to be replaced on a regular basis; it means that they are doing their job. A car’s air filter ensures that contaminants don’t enter the vehicle’s engine. Dust, dirt, and pollen will slowly build up in a filter until it can no longer do its job and let clean air in. When this happens, it’s time for a change. Each manufacturer will have its own recommendations for how often the filter should be replaced, but you can also check the filter yourself to see what condition it’s in.
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