Daily driving causes a lot of stress on car parts. And while vehicles are designed to handle all kinds of driving habits, your car is bound to wear down over time. It’s safe to say that we all want our cars to last as long as possible, and proactive maintenance is the key to a long-lasting vehicle. Let’s talk about the car parts that need routine replacement and how often you should get them changed.

Why Do Car Parts Need Proactive Maintenance?

We depend on our cars to get us around each day. And when something unexpectedly breaks down, it’s not only a massive inconvenience, but it can also lead to very expensive repairs. Proactive maintenance keeps you assured that your car will be reliable the next time you drive it. What’s more? Getting these parts routinely changed will also prolong the life of your vehicle.

Skyrocketing gas prices are one of the biggest stresses on people’s finances each year. And while the price rise may be out of our control, one thing you can control is the way you drive. How you drive directly impacts the number of miles you can squeeze out of a full tank of gas, so it’s important to be strategic about your driving habits. Here’s how you can start saving money at the pump each year.

What Is Fuel Efficiency?

Having good fuel efficiency helps you get the most out of your fuel. When you search for a new car, the miles per gallon (MPG) is often one of the first features shoppers look for. This rating tells you how far you can drive on one gallon of gas. Cars, trucks, SUVs, and jeeps will vary across the board with how good their fuel efficiency is.

Spark plugs may be small, but they pack a serious punch. After all, spark plugs have to provide enough power to fire up the ignition and start your engine. And if spark plugs fail, your car won’t start. So what causes spark plugs to wear out? And what are the signs you should look out for? We’re here to talk about everything you need to know about spark plugs.

Why Do Spark Plugs Wear Out?

A spark plug wearing out is a natural part of a spark plug’s life cycle. Every spark plug has a gap between two electrodes. And each time you start the engine, the electrodes inside the spark plug create an intense amount of heat that sparks a big enough arc of electricity to cross this gap and start your car. Over time, this heat will cause the electrodes to shorten, making the gap between the electrodes grow wider. 

Unlike getting an oil change or a [tire rotation](https://www.naylorsautorepairidaho.com/blog/everything-you-need-know-about-tire-rotation), a timing belt isn’t normally the first thing we think about when it comes to getting a routine auto repair. However, a timing belt is a critical car component that keeps your engine running smoothly. So what is it? And how often does it need to be replaced? Let’s talk about the importance of timing belts so that you can be certain that your car will get you where you need to go.

What Is a Timing Belt?

You can quickly recognize a timing belt because it looks like it has a set of teeth running along its entire length. A timing belt keeps the camshaft and crankshaft turning at the correct rate. The camshaft helps the engine to function by opening valves in time with the crankshaft. This timing is critical to ensure that the engine functions properly, and the timing belt makes all of this possible.