Receiving a hefty car repair bill is never enjoyable, and it can be doubly painful when you see your mechanic has fitted new parts that you've had replaced before.
If you pass your driving test at the age of 17 and continue driving until you're 80, you'll spend 63 years behind the wheel and need to replace some of these expensive consumables up to 25 times, a new study has revealed.
Based on the average lifespan and cost of these parts you will have to fork out approximately $56,553 to have the 10 components replaced throughout your motoring years, says UK service company ClickMechanic.
How to identify when these parts need replacing and ways of extending their life:
1. Fuel filter
Approximate number of times your car may need a new one: 25
Approximate cost over a lifetime of driving: $3314
Signs it needs replacing: “Check engine” warning light is illuminated on the dashboards, the engine feels rough, the car struggles to start.
To extend the lifespan: The filter is there to prevent dirt entering the fuel pump, so it will clog up over time. It's best to replace it by the manufacturer's recommended schedule.
2. Battery
Approximate number of times your car may need a new one: 13
Approximate cost over a lifetime of driving: $3760
Signs it needs replacing: The car doesn't start, the electrics don't work, a pale blue or white powder appears on parts of the battery.
How to extend the lifespan: A battery survives better in cool climates. In warmer temperatures a battery can discharge. If you tend to use your car only for short trips, make sure you squeeze in the odd longer trek — this will help to replenish the battery and extend the lifecycle. Obviously, sapping the battery by leaving your lights on overnight is a surefire way of guaranteeing the battery will need replacing sooner rather than later.
3. Flywheel
Approximate number of times your car may need a new one: 10
Approximate cost over a lifetime of driving: $14,445
Signs it needs replacing: Slipping clutch, difficulty changing gear, unusual transmission noise when using the clutch. Can be mistaken for a clutch problem.
How to extend the lifespan: Changing the flywheel is usually recommended when changing the clutch, as a faulty clutch can often damage the flywheel, which may then damage the new clutch if not replaced.
Approximate number of times your car may need a new one: 10
Approximate cost over a lifetime of driving: $10,582
4. Clutch
Signs it needs replacing: Clutch slipping, difficulty changing fear, noise from the transmission when using the clutch.
How to extend the lifespan: The lifespan of a clutch should be fairly long, however incorrect use over time will see it perish more rapidly. Use the clutch as little as possible. For instance, when at a standstill at a set of traffic lights, put the car into neutral and apply the handbrake instead of feathering the clutch with the vehicle in gear. Make sure gear changes are smooth and rapid and move your left foot away from the clutch pedal when you're not using it, to prevent accidental application.
5. Front brake pads/discs
Approximate number of times your car may need a new one: 10
Approximate cost over a lifetime of driving: $3228
Signs it needs replacing: Takes longer to slow down with the brakes applied, squeaking or grinding when the brakes are on, brake warning light on dashboard, vibration and car pulling to one side under braking, grooves or cracks in the surface of the brake disc.
How to extend the lifespan: Don't brake so harshly and they'll last longer. Where possible, have both sides of pads and discs replaced together (either front or back) to ensure balance.
6. Alternator
Approximate number of times your car may need a new one: 7
Approximate cost over a lifetime of driving: $4677
Signs it needs replacing: Dim dashboard/interior lights, battery warning light, flat battery.
How to extend the lifespan: Most electrical factors will affect the lifespan of the alternator, from starting the car to using the air conditioning. Unfortunately, there is little you can do to extend its life — just try to stick to the replacement intervals set by the manufacturer.
7. Cambelt/timing belt
Approximate number of times your car may need a new one: 6
Approximate cost over a lifetime of driving: $3897
Signs it needs replacing: A grinding or high-pitch screeching noise from the engine bay, the car not starting.
How to extend the lifespan: If the cambelt breaks, it can be a costly affair as it can lead to severe engine damage, especially if it whips around the engine bay. It should be replaced in accordance with the car manufacturer's recommended schedule. One way to ensure it makes it the specific servicing intervals is to store the car in a garage to regulate the temperature. Changes in conditions can make the rubber expand and contract, ageing it in the process. Keeping it indoors will delay this process.
8. Water pump
Approximate number of times your car may need a new one: 6
Approximate cost over a lifetime of driving: $3004
Signs it needs replacing: Fluid leaked around the water pump, the car not starting, high engine temperature and overheating, an engine warning light on.
How to extend the lifespan: Make sure you change the coolant when recommended, and the engine is topped up with oil. The replacement tends to take place at the same time as the cambelt or timing belt.
9. Cylinder head gasket
Approximate number of times your car may need a new one: 5
Approximate cost over a lifetime of driving: $6450
Signs it needs replacing: “Check engine” warning light is on, the engine feels underpowered, smoke from the engine bay, engine temperature is high, coolant or oil around the cylinder head gasket, engine rattle.
How to extend the lifespan: It's about preventing the gasket overheating, leading to a “blown head gasket”. To stop the engine temperature soaring, you must keep the water pump in check.
10. Starter motor
Approximate number of times your car may need a new one: 5
Approximate cost over a lifetime of driving: $3092
Signs it needs replacing: The engine doesn't start, there's excessive noise or a ticking sound when trying to start the engine.
How to extend the lifespan: The starter motor is prone to wear and a component that is difficult to extend the life of. If you own an older car with a key ignition start, holding the key in the starting position for too long will cut the lifespan of the motor.