Buying a car is a big investment, and probably not one you’re keen on making every couple of years. Good cars are built to last, but just how long they last varies greatly. After all, a car isn’t just one object; it’s made up of a working system of many different mechanical components which each have their own lifespans.
If you’re a driver in Minnesota who’s concerned how long you’ll be able to keep your car on the road, it’s helpful to know how long each key part of your car is going to last before it needs to be repaired or replaced by a mechanic. For the sake of convenience, we made you a list!
Lifespan of Major Vehicle Parts
- Alternator – Depending on how much driving you do, an alternator will probably last for about 7 years, or 80,000 to 150,000 miles.
- Battery – Many factors can impact the lifespan of your car battery, but it should last you anywhere from 3 to 6 years.
- Brake Pads – The longevity of your automobile’s brake pads depends greatly on the conditions you’re driving in. Brake pads can last between 20,000 and 80,000 miles, with an average lifespan of 40,000 miles.
- Engine – Vehicle engines may last anywhere from 150,000 to 300,000 miles, or 8-12 years. 200,000 miles or 10 years is the standard for modern cars. Depending on the value of your car, it’s often more cost-effective to purchase a new vehicle than it is to replace a dead engine.
- Serpentine Belt – A good serpentine belt should keep your car running optimally for 60,000 to 100,000 miles, with an average life of 4-6 years.
- Shocks & Struts – The shocks and struts that support your vehicle can last anywhere from 50,000 to over 100,000 miles. Consistently driving on bad terrain or with a heavy load will decrease this lifespan.
- Starter – The starter in your car or truck is built to last, and will often function for 100,000 to 150,000 miles. It’s not uncommon for the starter to outlive the car itself.
- Timing Belt – On average, a car’s timing belt will be in good working order for 60,000 to 80,000 miles, but some may last up to 100,000 miles.
- Tires – Because they endure a lot of wear on the roads, how long tires last is highly dependent on driving conditions. Tires can last up to 50,000 miles but excess usage and rough terrain can decrease their lifespan. If your tires appear to be balding, it’s time to have them replaced.
Do You Need to Have Car Parts Replaced?
If any of these components on your vehicle are nearing the end of their life, it’s time to make an appointment with a reputable local auto repair shop to have them swapped out for new parts. Get in touch with Arvu Auto today if you’d like to schedule an appointment to replace parts of your car or truck in the West Minneapolis metro!
