Three important maintenance items that are frequently overlooked by motorists are their car’s tyres, brakes, and batteries.
These components are of vital importance for keeping your ride safe as they affect its road-holding abilities and general operation.
When you need new tyres
Tyres have a usable lifespan of around five years, after which they should be checked by a professional at least once a year to ensure they are still up to the task of keeping your car on the road.
If it has been 10 years since the tyres were replaced, including the spare tyre, it’s best to put on new rubbers as a precaution, according to Michelin.
Most tyres also have wear indicators which are small raised areas between the treads that measure height precisely to provide an easy indication of how far away the replacement date should be.
If the indicator sits flush with the rest of the tyre, it’s time to get new wheels.
In South Africa specifically, legislation states that the tread must be 1.6mm or more regardless of whether it’s on the indicator or not.
When you need new brakes
On average, brake pads are good to go for around 40,000km, and if upon inspection still look safe to use, they can go up to 100,000km, said mobile mechanics Nubrakes.
Brake rotors are only slightly more durable than pads, the minimum recommended threshold being around approximately 50,000km and the maximum 110,000km.
The exact number naturally differs depending on the quality of the product and the driving style of the owner, but these ballpark figures account for the vast majority of drivers and brakes out there today.
If you encounter any of the following when out and about, it might be a sign that your brakes need replacing:
- Grinding when braking
- Vibrations when braking
- Stopping distance increased
- Brake pad indicator illuminated
- Squeaking or squealing when braking
Visually checking the components every now and then for things such as thinning brake pads can also assist in deciding when to buy new ones.
When you need a new battery
With proper care, a car’s battery has the potential to last for five years or longer, but if you use it daily under average conditions, it’s recommended to be replaced every three years.
Beyond this point, most cells won’t be as reliable and could lead to safety issues.
Kia notes that there are several indicators of waning battery life, including:
- Lagging engine start
- Battery fluid leakage
- Persistent “check engine” alert
- Battery cases that are misshapen
The lifespan of these parts is mainly affected by climate conditions as well as driving habits.
Living in extreme temperatures, hot or cold, could make it shorter. Repeated short drives – for instance, daily commutes – could also reduce the lifespan as it doesn’t provide enough time for full recharges between drives.
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