Common Automotive Parts Replacement and Identification

The battery is a crucial component of the vehicle, as it provides the power necessary to start the engine.

As the vehicle ages, the battery will inevitably experience a decline in storage capacity, leading to shorter driving range even after a full charge. Depending on the battery’s brand and charging condition, most batteries typically last between 2 to 6 years. If the vehicle encounters difficulty starting or the warning lights flicker, it’s advisable to test the battery. If the battery’s storage capacity is insufficient, replace it promptly to avoid issues during operation.

The spark plug is a crucial component in the engine’s ignition system. It is installed on the cylinder head and generates an electrical spark between the electrodes through the high voltage supplied by the ignition coil, igniting the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber.

Over time, the spark plug can accumulate excessive carbon deposits or experience electrode wear due to harsh combustion conditions, leading to ignition difficulties, increased fuel consumption, and engine vibration. If such issues occur, consider using a professional spark plug tester to identify the faulty spark plug and replace it with a new one.

The vehicle’s air filter is a critical component of the engine’s intake system. Its function is to filter the air entering the engine, blocking dust, debris, sand, and other particles from entering the combustion chamber, ensuring a clean and complete combustion process.

During daily operation, the air filter may experience issues such as clogged filter elements, damaged or aging filter elements, or improper installation, leading to insufficient airflow, decreased engine performance, increased fuel consumption, and even issues like sluggish acceleration or unstable idle. If these problems arise, it is advisable to inspect and replace the air filter to ensure proper engine operation and prolong its lifespan.

The vehicle’s tires are the only components in contact with the road. They not only bear the entire vehicle’s weight but also handle the driving, braking, steering, and shock absorption. Tires can be considered the first line of defense for road safety, directly affecting the vehicle’s handling, comfort, and fuel consumption.

Over time, tires may experience issues such as excessive tread wear, abnormal tire pressure, irregular wear patterns, bulges or cracks, punctures from foreign objects, and aging. These problems can lead to reduced traction, increased fuel consumption, unstable driving, or even tire blowouts, all of which significantly impact road safety. If any of these issues arise, it is important to inspect and replace the tires promptly to ensure safe and comfortable driving.

Brake pads are one of the most crucial friction components in the braking system. When the brake pedal is pressed, the brake pads clamp onto the brake disc, converting the vehicle’s kinetic energy into heat through friction, thus slowing down or stopping the vehicle. The performance of the brake pads directly affects braking sensitivity and road safety, which is why they are often referred to as ‘life pads.’

During regular driving, brake pads may experience issues such as excessive wear, unusual noises, brake judder, or decreased braking performance. These issues can lead to longer stopping distances, steering wheel vibrations during braking, or even a loss of braking ability, all of which severely compromise road safety. Drivers should replace brake pads every 30,000–50,000 kilometers for the front wheels and 60,000–100,000 kilometers for the rear wheels, or once the thickness drops below 3mm. When replacing them, it is essential to replace both pads on the left and right sides simultaneously to ensure even braking force. Failing to do so may result in uneven braking and increase the risk of the vehicle pulling to one side or even losing control during braking. Therefore, vehicle owners should develop a habit of regularly checking brake pad wear and replace them promptly when necessary to ensure safe driving.

The vehicle’s lights are essential for both illumination and signaling, including the headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, fog lights, and more. They play a critical role in ensuring visibility and safety during nighttime driving, in rainy or foggy conditions, and when signaling turns. The performance of the lighting system directly impacts driving safety.

During daily driving, the vehicle’s lights may experience issues such as failure to illuminate, flickering, dim light, abnormal color, or malfunctioning automatic controls. These problems can obstruct visibility during nighttime driving, lead to inaccurate signaling, and even increase the risk of traffic accidents. Therefore, vehicle owners should regularly check the condition of all lights, including bulbs, covers, wiring, and fuses, and replace or repair them promptly when necessary.

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