The Complete Guide to Auto Parts Replacement Cycles

Introduction

1. Tires & Braking System: The Foundation of Safety

Tires

• Replacement Interval: 50,000–80,000 km or 5 years, whichever comes first

  
  

  
  
• Key Metrics:
  • Tread depth below 1.6 mm (EU standard) or worn to tread wear indicators.
  • Immediate replacement needed for sidewall cracks, bulges, or after multiple patches

    
    

    
    
• Pro Tip: Replace in pairs and perform wheel balancing; switch between all-season and winter tires based on climate

  
  

  
  

Brake Pads

• Replacement Interval: Front pads 30,000–40,000 km; Rear pads 60,000–100,000 km

  
  

  
  
• Safety Threshold: Must be replaced if thickness is below 0.5 cm

  
  

  
  
• Inspection Frequency: Check every 5,000 km; reduce interval for mountainous driving

  
  

  
  

Brake Fluid

• Replacement Interval: 2 years or 50,000 km

  
  

  
  
• Criticality: Degraded fluid reduces braking efficiency, increasing emergency stop distance by 20%–30%

  
  

  
  

2. Engine System: Maintaining the Power Core

Engine Oil & Filter

• Oil Change:
  • Mineral Oil: 5,000 km

    
    

    
    
  • Full Synthetic: 10,000 km

    
    

    
    
• Oil Filter: Replace synchronously with oil to prevent clogging

  
  

  
  

Air Filter

• Replacement Interval: 10,000 km (reduce to 5,000 km in dusty areas)

  
  

  
  
• Impact: Clogging can increase fuel consumption by 5%–10% and damage cylinders

  
  

  
  

Spark Plugs

• Standard Nickel Alloy: 20,000–30,000 km

  
  

  
  
• Iridium/Platinum: 60,000–80,000 km

  
  

  
  
• Failure Signs: Check if hard cold starts or rough idling occur

  
  

  
  

Timing System

• Timing Belt: 4 years or 60,000 km; failure may cause valve damage

  
  

  
  
• Timing Chain: Generally maintenance-free, but tensioners need periodic checks

  
  

  
  

3. Electrical & Auxiliary Systems

Battery

• Replacement Interval: 2–3 years (Standard) or 3–5 years (AGM)

  
  

  
  
• Self-Check: Replace if inspection window shows white or voltage drops below 12V

  
  

  
  

Wiper Blades

• Replacement Interval: 1 year or when streaking/noise appears

  
  

  
  
• Maintenance Tip: Avoid dry wiping; use with washer fluid

  
  

  
  

Lights & Bulbs

• Halogen Headlights: 2 years or 50,000 km

  
  

  
  
• LED Headlights: Longer lifespan, but drivers need inspection

  
  

  
  

4. Fluids & Filters

Transmission Fluid

• Automatic Transmission: 40,000–50,000 km

  
  

  
  
• Manual Transmission: 60,000 km or 2 years

  
  

  
  
• Failure Symptoms: Consider early replacement if gear shifting becomes rough or acceleration weakens

  
  

  
  

Coolant

• Replacement Interval: 2 years or 40,000 km (extended-life up to 5 years)

  
  

  
  
• Note: Do not mix coolants of different colors; ensure freezing point is below local minimum temperature

  
  

  
  

Fuel Filter

• External Type: 10,000–20,000 km
  
• In-Pump Type: 60,000 km

  
  

  
  

5. Long-Life Parts & Chassis System

Shock Absorbers

• Replacement Interval: 100,000 km or if leaking/increased cornering tilt occurs

  
  

  
  
• Related Impact: Failure causes uneven tire wear and longer braking distances

  
  

  
  

Clutch

• Friction Disc: 80,000 km; replace if rivet depth below 0.3mm

  
  

  
  
• Driving Habit: Riding the clutch accelerates wear; use smooth shifting

  
  

  
  

6. Key Factors Influencing Replacement Intervals

Driving Conditions

• Frequent Short Trips: Accelerates oil degradation; reduce interval by 20%

  
  

  
  
• Long Highway Drives: Even load distribution may extend interval by 10%–15%.

Environmental Factors

• Hot/Humid Climates: Accelerates battery and belt aging

  
  

  
  
• Dusty Environments: Double the replacement frequency for air and cabin filters

Conclusion