There are some parts of your car that you can get by without replacing and still be safe. For example, if there is damage to your front bumper, you may be able to hold out for a while before replacing it. As long as the headlight is still intact and your bumper isn't dangling, you should be okay. However, due to safety concerns, there are certain auto parts that you should replace as soon as possible.
Here are four auto parts you should replace sooner rather than later.
1. Brakes
Your brakes do a really important job, which is stopping your car when you need to. Besides stopping, you may need your brakes to drive down steep hills safely. If your brakes aren't working properly, you are at an increased risk of getting into an accident. Your brakes should get inspected or replaced if the brake pads are worn, they are making strange sounds, or the brake pedal vibrates. Brakes normally need to be replaced after 50,000 miles.
2. Headlights
Almost every state in the country requires your vehicle to have working headlights, which means if a headlight that has gone out, you'll want to get it replaced before you get pulled over for it. If you only drive during the day, you're still going to want to make sure your headlights work. Driving without working headlights can increase your chances of getting into an accident whenever visibility is low.
3. Tires
It can be unsafe to drive on tires that are too low, too old, or damaged in any way. If you notice something wrong with one of your tires, it's important to get it checked out right away and replaced if necessary. Some of the signs that you need to replace your tires include:
- Your tire warning light comes on
- Your tire tread is low
- The sides of your tires are cracked
Even if your tires don't show any of the above signs, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends changing them every six years no matter what.
4. Windshield Wipers
You probably don't think about replacing your windshield wipers, until it's too late. It can be dangerous driving in a rainstorm without functional windshield wipers, as you won't be able to see very well. You should replace your wiper blades every six to 12 months, or before that if you notice they aren't working very well.
Whether you need your brakes, headlights, tires, or windshield wipers replaced, any store that has auto parts for sale should be able to help you.
