Did you know the invention of vehicles ultimately served as a means to transport people
safely from one destination to another? However, over the years human curiosity for
performance, power and even speed has triggered the minds of many engineers. This is in
conjunction with technological advances where we are given the privileges of experience
and expertise. It is also proven and tested that every vehicle engineered is set to experience wear & tear as everything has an expiration date.
What Is Wear And Tear
Wear and tear is unfortunately inevitable, as this is caused by natural failure over time. As drivers, it is important for us to acknowledge our vehicles wear and tear in order to maintain safety for ourselves and the safety of other road users.
An advantage that many people fail to realise is that wear and tear presents us with an opportunity to replace car parts that causes sluggish behaviour. This actually allows us to improve our vehicle’s performance by replacing older parts with new ones.
Common signs that your vehicle is experiencing wear and tear :
- Smoke from the exhaust pipe
- Maintenance light found on
- Sluggish engine performance
- Driving may feel not as smooth as it once did
- Unnecessary jerking motions
Should your vehicle experience any one of the above mentioned signs, it is best to have a mechanic take a look at your vehicle and advise you best on what to do next.
Common Wear And Tear Parts
The body of the vehicle, also known as the exterior, is prone to wear and tear as it serves as the first layer of protection. This not only acts as a means to protect the vehicle’s mechanical components but also the driver.
- Tyres: A common indicator that a tyre needs replacing would present itself as a smooth tyre surface. Tyres require groves (treads) on them to ensure roadworthy Safety.
- Wiper blades: Are easily diagnosable by the driver as this affects visibility and later on poses many other safety related concerns.
Signs found on the blade include brittle or frail rubber or when the windshield itself is still left with streaks even after the wiper blades are switched on.
- The interior (also known as the cabin) of the car is responsible for most of the vehicle’s comfort features. These features serve the driver and at times the passengers needs while embarking on journeys.
- Aircon: When aircons start to fail their faults present themselves with odd noises, weak airflow and may even result in giving off bad smells. This is caused by dust, dirt and age playing their roles in the deterioration of components.
- Windscreen: Inspecting your vehicle’s windscreen regularly for stone chips, cracks, chips or any other surface interruptions is beneficial to the driver and surrounding environment. Should you find yourself in a situation with a damaged windscreen, it is best to have it replaced asap.
Engines are designed to precision-they house most of the vehicle’s mechanical components.
In other words, the engine of a vehicle is like a human heart, without a running engine the vehicle would not be able to start.
- Air filter: Upon taking a look at your air filter should you notice a build up of dirt – take this as an indication of a bad air filter that should be changed. Having a poor air filters can result in further mechanical problems. Other signs include strange noises from the engine and poor performance.
- Battery: This charges the vehicle with energy that powers electrical elements. Upon inspecting your vehicle you may notice that your battery is leaking or perhaps you may be experiencing power failure issues.
Should you experience any of the above, it would be safest to have your battery looked at and most probably replaced in the safest case.
Keeping up to date with your vehicle’s regular services not only maintains its working
condition for the long run, but also presents the driver with an idea of the vehicle’s
mechanical condition. As many would agree, this gives us drivers the peace of mind that we required in our everyday life. Drivers are also given the choice between aftermarket or genuine parts to suit their individual budgets as well as vehicle requirements.