Most Common Car Parts to Replace and When You Should Be Replacing Them

October 21, 2022

Your vehicle is made up of thousands of parts ‐ from pieces as small as the tire valve cap to components as big as the engine block. But some parts are known to last longer than others. Which car parts are replaced most often, and how do you know when its time to replace them?

Filters

Your vehicle has a few different car filter types that should be replaced at varying intervals. The three you need to be the most concerned about are the oil filter, engine air filter, and cabin air filter.

Oil Filter

The oil filter is probably at the top of the list of most replaced car parts. This filter helps your engine system stay clean by removing contaminants from the oil. On average, the oil filter should be replaced with every oil change, or every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. On some new vehicle, you may be able to go 10,000 miles between oil and filter changes!

Engine Air Filter

The engine air filter also helps preserve the performance of your engine. It does so by stopping dirt, debris, and contaminants from entering your engine, giving your engine the clean air it needs for proper combustion. Generally, you should replace this filter once a year or about every 30,000 miles. As with any part in your vehicle, you will want to reference your Nissan owner's manual for specific change intervals.

Cabin Air Filter

The cabin air filter is an important part of your HVAC system that's normally found behind your glovebox. It filters out dust, pollen, and other contaminants to help the air in your cabin stay fresh and clean. Cabin filters also help protect the blower motor by preventing debris from coming into contact with the fan components. When it gets too clogged, your HVAC system's performance might suffer, and you could notice your allergies acting up while driving. Similar to the engine air filter, it's recommended you replace the cabin air filter every 15,000 miles or 18 months.

Windsheild Wiper Blades

Whether they're on your front or back windshield, your wiper blades are essential to giving you a clear view of the road. Since wiper blades are made of rubber, which is susceptible to drying out and cracking, it's no surprise they are also car parts that need to be replaced often.

Windshield wiper blades should typically be replaced every six months to a year. You may have to replace them sooner if they are visibly cracked, not making contact with the windshield, or leaving behind streaking water and debris. Luckily, it's pretty easy to replace your windshield wipers at home.

Battery

No matter what type of Nissan you drive, your vehicle can't operate without its battery. Generally, your battery will last three to five years, depending on your driving habits and climate. Keeping on top of proper battery care may help further extend its life.

When your battery is on its way out, you may notice your Nissan is slow to crank, the interior or exterior lights are dim, the engine fails to start, or the battery fails during testing at a service appointment. Be sure to reference your owner's manual for details about picking the right battery and specific installation instructions.

Brake Pads & Rotors

While your battery is essential to starting your Nissan, your brakes are crucial to stopping it. Your vehicle likely has a disc brake system, which means it has two main components: brake pads and brake rotors. When you hit your brake pedal, the pads press against the rotor to create the friction needed to bring your Nissan to a stop.

Your brakes should last for tens of thousands of miles, but their exact lifespan varies greatly depending on where and how you drive. You should consider replacing the brake pads and rotors if your brakes squeal or grind, the rotors are visibly worn, it takes longer for your vehicle to stop than normal, or your Nissan pulls to one side when you brake.

Tires

Your tires are the only parts of your Nissan that come in contact with the ground, which means they experience wear caused by friction. Tires are another car part that needs to be replaced depending on how you drive, not necessarily how many miles you've driven.

It's recommended you replace tires every six years. However, you might need to replace your tires sooner if the tread is too low, they aren't maintaining air pressure, or the sidewalls are damaged. Keeping up with tire maintenance can help extend the life of your tires so you reach the six-year mark.

Order Replacement Nissan Parts Online

From cabin air filters to tires, Nissan Parts & Accessories has the OEM replacement parts you need to help keep your Nissan working its best. Shop online today and stop by your nearest service center for help with repairs and replacements.