Car Part Longevity

Putting 300,000 miles on a vehicle may seem like an impossible goal, but there are plenty of ways to extend a car's life span.

By Laurie L. Dove

Does it feel like your new car is already old by the time it rolls off the lot? If you feel this way, remember that it's probably by design. Learn the subtle and not-so-subtle tricks car makers use to make you yearn for a new vehicle.

By Cherise Threewitt

Electrical contact cleaner can be used in an ignition. Find out if it's okay to spray electrical contact cleaner in an ignition from this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Your car's intake and exhaust valves are critical for optimal engine performance. But how do you know when one or more of them is about to go bad? And how long are engine valves expected to last, anyway?

By Akweli Parker

Spark plugs play a critical role in your car's engine. Of course, they don't last forever, so it's important to replace your spark plugs from time to time. Do you know how long spark plugs typically last?

By Patrick E. George

Mechanics and manufacturers have a loosely agreed upon mileage range for most brake pads. Yet the lifespan of a brake pad depends on a set of variables ranging from driving style to the laws of physics.

By Eric Baxter

Crankshaft bearings support the crankshaft, one of the components that makes your car's engine rotate. For such an important part, you want to be sure they're working properly. But how long do they last, and how can you tell if they need replacing?

By Cherise Threewitt

As the system tasked with getting gas to the engine, fuel injectors are an important part of your car. How long can you expect yours to last, and how do you know if they need replacing?

By Cherise Threewitt

It's good to know the approximate lifespan of your headlights. If one happens to fail, you can be ready with a replacement bulb when you need it most. But how long do headlights typically last, anyway?

By Eric Baxter

Your car's tie rods don't go bad because they were built on a specific date and their time has merely expired -- tie rods go bad due to wear and tear. But how long will a set of tie rods typically last?

By Christopher Neiger

Blurb: Your windshield wiper blades are one of the hardest working -- yet least durable -- parts of your car. They endure extreme temperatures and hours of nonstop use. Do you know the lifespan of your car's wiper blades?

By Christopher Lampton

Your car's air filter is the first line of defense against the dust, dirt, and debris that can quickly foul up the engine, causing poor performance and shortening the life of the car. How long does a car's air filter last?

By Akweli Parker

Without a radiator to remove the heat from the coolant, your car would quickly overheat and the engine would begin to destroy itself. But how long can you expect your radiator to continue doing its job?

By Christopher Lampton

Your car's catalytic converter scrubs air-polluting byproducts from the engine's exhaust before they can escape into the atmosphere. But how do you tell if your catalytic converter is out of whack?

By Akweli Parker

Treat your clutch with respect and it'll reward you with years of motoring enjoyment. Treat it poorly and the lifetime of your clutch is greatly reduced. Do you know the average lifetime of a clutch?

By Christopher Lampton

Your car's timing belt is responsible for maintaining the precision that's crucial to your engine's functions, keeping valves and pistons in sync. It's made of synthetic rubber, though, and won't last forever. Why should you have the timing belt in mind when your car's scheduled for service?

By Cherise Threewitt

A water pump circulates coolant throughout your car's engine to keep everything running cool. It endures constant use -- if your engine is on, the water pump is working, too. But how long does it last?

By Christopher Neiger

An exhaust system helps your car run smoothly and quietly, and it tries its best to keep the environment clear of nasty pollutants. Because it's such an important part of the vehicle, you'd think it would be built to last. How long does an exhaust system putter away for, and what can go wrong with it?

By Cherise Threewitt

While it's difficult to determine the lifetime of any one specific component, there are some factors that help determine how long your car's A/C compressor will be able to do its job.

By Christopher Neiger

Changing your car's oil is messy and inconvenient when you do it yourself. A quick-lube shop makes the process slightly less difficult, but wouldn't it be great to prevent all unnecessary oil changes?

By Akweli Parker

It's probably safe to assume that everyone knows car tires eventually wear out. But is there any way to determine how long your car tires will last?

By Akweli Parker

Car tires take plenty of abuse when they're in service. But is it possible that time is as much of a factor as tread wear? Should tires have sell-by dates?

By Christopher Neiger

Transmissions are complex components that often contain hundreds of smaller parts. But just how long do transmissions last, anyway? And does a so-called "bullet-proof" transmission really exist?

By Eric Baxter

Automotive engine longevity depends on several factors. But wouldn't it be nice to know exactly how long you could expect the engine in your car or truck to last?

By Jamie Page Deaton

With fewer moving parts and components that often last the life of the car, it's no wonder that modern ignition systems are often trouble free. But how long do car ignition systems really last?

By Kristen Hall-Geisler