Avoid Costly Repairs: The Top 5 Car Parts Drivers Ignore
A lot of people ignore regular car maintenance, and it’s a huge mistake. Some of the most expensive repairs I saw during my time as a mechanic could have been completely avoided by just paying attention to overlooked car parts. So, before you shrug these off, here are the top five components drivers frequently ignore.
1. Timing Belt or Timing Chain
The timing belt or chain keeps your engine’s valves and pistons in sync, which is critical for smooth performance. If it breaks, your engine could suffer catastrophic damage in seconds. Unfortunately, it shows few warning signs before failure, making preventive replacement crucial. Most manufacturers recommend changing it between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, depending on your car model. Skipping this maintenance could lead to a repair bill in the thousands.
2. Brake Pads and Rotors
Many drivers don’t notice brake wear until they hear squeaking or feel grinding, and by then, it may be too late. Brake pads wear down slowly over time, and ignoring them can damage your rotors. Replacing rotors adds unnecessary cost and can be avoided with regular inspections. Mechanics recommend checking your brakes at least once a year or every 12,000 miles. Don’t let procrastination turn a $150 job into a $600 one.
3. Cabin Air Filter
It might not seem like a big deal, but the cabin air filter affects more than just your car’s smell. A dirty or clogged filter reduces airflow through your HVAC system and makes your heating and cooling less effective. Over time, it can also allow allergens, dust, and pollutants into your car’s interior. Replacing it costs less than $50 and can usually be done without tools.
4. Spark Plugs
Spark plugs ignite the fuel-air mixture in your engine, and worn plugs lead to poor performance and lower fuel economy. If left unchecked, they can cause misfires, rough idling, or hard starts. Replacing spark plugs is relatively inexpensive, but neglecting them can damage your ignition coils or catalytic converter. Most plugs last between 30,000 and 100,000 miles, depending on the type.
5. Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid is often overlooked because it’s not changed as frequently as oil. However, low or dirty transmission fluid can lead to slipping gears, overheating, or total transmission failure. Some transmissions are “sealed,” leading drivers to believe no maintenance is needed—but that’s not true. It’s important to have the fluid level and condition checked around 30,000 to 60,000 miles, or sooner if you tow or drive in heavy traffic.
Small Checks Prevent Big Bills
Neglecting some of your vehicle’s lesser-known components could wind up costing you a ton of money. Regular maintenance is crucial. In the end, it is important to take your car in for its checkups. It will help you catch problems before they become too serious. And, if you’d like, you can chat with your mechanic about some of these often overlooked car parts at your next service visit.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.