There is a multitude of vehicles out there, perhaps more manufacturers, models and variants than ever before. Be it a Lamborghini or a Tata, most vehicles are designed and built using the same fundamental principles, which means that most vehicles will experience the same problems as they age.

Of course, there will be differences depending on your make and model, the choice of powertrain or transmission, and manufacturer-specific components or design choices which may cause their own troubles, but, when it comes down to the main elements and most basic systems, cars often need to go to the repair shop for the same reasons.

Certain auto parts simply need to be replaced more often than others, and as a car owner, you should anticipate and budget on having to replace the following components in the future.

Here is a list of the top 15 most frequently replaced automotive parts.

Regular maintenance parts

1. Oil filter

No matter what type or model of vehicle you own, the part you’ll need to replace the most often is the oil filter. The lubrication system is critical to the proper operation of any internal combustion engine. Subject to your vehicle manufacturer, the design of your vehicle’s lubrication system, and the quality of oil used, you’ll need to get the engine oil and oil filter replaced yearly or every 10,000 km to 15,000 km.

2. Air filter

The engine air filter also requires replacement on a regular basis. Most vehicle manufacturers will recommend replacement yearly or every 15 000 km, but the real barometer of when to replace the air filter is when it becomes dirty or clogged. Driving frequently on gravel roads will greatly shorten the lifespan of your air filter.

Failing to replace a clogged or dirty air filter will minimize the airflow to the engine and will reduce your vehicle’s fuel-efficiency. Air filters are inexpensive items, especially on Start My Car, so don’t hesitate to replace it when needed.

3. Drive belt

With a few exceptions, the alternator, water pump, oil pump, power-steering and A/C compressor are all powered by the drive belt, or a system of belts.

Belts in general are manufactured using a rubber-type specifically made to withstand the biggest temperature gaps possible, but nonetheless, the rubber will end up drying out and will start to crack with time.

When the cracks are big enough, the belt will loosen up and could slip on the pulleys, producing a squealing sound. When it happens, failing to replace it timeously may lead to the belt tearing up and ultimately bringing the car to a halt.

Belts should be inspected at every oil change and replaced as soon as surface glazing or cracks are detected.

4. Cabin filter

Cabin filters, also called pollen filters, are used to clean the air entering the cabin from contaminants like pollen and dust. A clogged cabin filter will greatly reduce the efficiency of your climate control system. Many people ignore changing this relatively inexpensive part as there is no fixed service interval for replacement; it depends on largely on the climate wherein you live, the types of roads you travel onto and the mileage you drive every year.

Most cabin filters are located behind the ‘Cubbyhole’ or glove box and are easy to replace yourself, a simple 5-minute endeavour which will save you a considerable amount of money compared to what the car dealerships charge. It’s a simple as unhooking the glove box, sliding out the old filter and in the new one. You can also Google and YouTube tutorials for your specific vehicle.

Braking system

5. Brake pads and discs

Right after oil changes and routine maintenance work, replacing brake pads and discs is the bread and butter for most mechanics, which is to say, brake replacements are a large percentage of their work.

This is hardly surprising as the brakes are used every time you drive your car, so they will wear down and need replacement frequently. Every time you put your foot on the brake pedal, the brake pads are pressed onto the discs (or brake shoes on the drum for older generation vehicles) and slow down the car. The friction, i.e., the rubbing of both components on each other will lead them to wear out and need to be replaced.

Furthermore, in the case of an emergency brake situation, the disc’s temperature will soar and could cause the disc to warp. Warped disc brakes will make the brake pedal vibrate and shudder and will cause premature wear of the brake pads.

Typically, front brake pads do more work than rear pads and need to be replaced more frequently. Warped discs may be skimmed instead of replaced if the warping is not too severe. To ensure your brakes last as often as possible, make sure to have your brake system inspected yearly or at every scheduled service, whichever comes first.

6. Wheel speed sensors

If that annoying ABS warning light illuminates on your dashboard, the problem is usually related to wheel speed sensors. These sensors are located on the knuckles, pointing towards the speed sensor rings installed on the driveshafts or the wheel bearings.

Because of their location, they are constantly exposed to the outside elements while you drive your car, such as sand or water. It is relatively common to see rust infiltrating the sensors and damaging the inside components, leading to false readings and DTCs being recorded in the PCM.

Using an OBD2 scan tool to read the DTC codes will let you know which sensor is damaged and isn’t sending data to the powertrain module anymore. Refer to your vehicle’s repair manual for the correct specification and replace the wheel speed sensors if the value is out of the normal threshold.

Suspension system

7. Stabilizer links

Suspension components are constantly under stress, even more so due to the shoddy conditions of our roads in South Africa.

They must absorb the shocks coming from all bumps and potholes on the roads. Therefore, it’s only natural that these auto parts need to be replaced more often than others. Stabilizer links are, by far, the most common car parts to fail in the suspension system.

This may or may not be true depending on the car model you drive. Vehicle manufacturers use different link designs, and some are simply more efficient and reliable than others.  However, for the average passenger vehicle out there, links will need replacing every 30,000km to 50 000km or so.

8. Ball joints

Ball joints are used to allow your front wheels to move on the vertical axis. Every time your car hits a crack or a small bump on the road, the ball joints are solicited.

Ball joints are lubricated from the factory and a rubber seal is used to prevent water and dirt to enter. After a while, the seal will dry out, crack and rust will start to accumulate on the bottom of the ball joint, pushing the grease out.

Water will also be able to enter and will wash out the remaining grease, whenever it happens, the ball joint will become loose in the socket and a knocking sound will be heard every time that wheel hits a bump, and a squealing sound could be heard when the steering wheel is turned.

It is worth remembering that failing to replace a loose ball joint could lead to more expensive repairs and even a car crash.

9. Control arm bushings

These bushings are located at the other end of the control arms holding the ball joints. They typically don’t include rotating joints like ball joints do and instead use polyurethane bushings to allow the arms to go up and down. As with any other rubber components, they tend to dry out and crack with time.

In most cases, when a control arm bushing is faulty, you should be able to notice the inside sleeve part sliding out of the bushing. When it happens, a low “thump” or metal noise will be heard when driving over potholes.

While I have been told that these bushing have become better designed and more reliable in recent years, if your vehicle is five years or older, the chances are you will need to replace these bushings. Even the best rubber compounds do not last beyond 7 or so years.

10. Shock Absorbers

Shocks absorbers, also called suspension struts, are a little bit different. Unlike other suspension components mentioned before, they rarely need to be replaced because of water causing rust and creating a play inside of it. Instead, struts usually need to be replaced because they are leaking.

The oil contained inside shock absorbers is used to absorb the unevenness of the road. When the seals dry out, the oil will start to leak around the shock’s rod and the oil level will gradually lower until the strut has no dampening effect anymore. Once the fluid level inside the shock reaches a certain level, you should easily notice how the car starts to bounce an excessive amount of time after each bump on the road.

Most fitment centres will test your shocks for free, and it is worth making use of this service at least once a year, or immediately if you feel that the suspension or steering is compromised. Should you need to replace a shock, Start My Car has the full range of KYB shock absorbers online.