When you’re looking to purchase a new vehicle, there are many factors to consider. One of the biggest is the cost of ownership. If you know that certain parts will need replacing in your car sooner rather than later, then it can help you determine which type and model might be best for your needs and budget. Here we’ll discuss four different car parts that will likely need replacement: brakes, tires, engine oil, and air filters.

1. Brake Pads and Rotors

Whether you drive a small sedan or big SUV, your car will need new brake pads and rotors at one point or another. Not only do these components operate to bring your vehicle to a complete stop when the brakes are applied, but they also enable you to steer in rainy weather. Your vehicle’s braking system has several parts that must be replaced after time: the rotor (a metal disc attached to the wheel hub), brake pads, and calipers (metal components that squeeze piston-like arms against the brake pad).

The natural wear and tear on these pieces add up over thousands of miles, so it’s typical for them to require replacement anywhere from 20,000 miles to 100,000 miles after initial installation. Brake pad replacement costs can range anywhere from $150 to $2,000, depending on the expenditure required with your brake calipers. Rotor replacements are typically less expensive, costing between $25 and $100, but they still need to be replaced every few years due to excessive wear.

2. Tires

Whether you drive a small economy car or a large SUV, tires are one of the most expensive parts of your vehicle to replace. Unfortunately for consumers, this is one auto part that doesn’t come with an easy-to-use wear indicator. Bald tires, excessively worn down or underinflated, can be very dangerous due to reduced traction and braking ability on wet roads. At some point, every tire will show signs of uneven wear or cracking along its sidewalls. If you notice these symptoms early on, then it’s possible to get another 10,000 miles out of low-cost replacements.

3. Engine Oil Changes

Engine oil is one of the main fluids used for lubrication in a vehicle’s engine. This substance is responsible for keeping all parts moving smoothly during operation. To ensure proper operating conditions, this fluid must be changed regularly as recommended by the manufacturer. Failure to do so can lead to several different problems with your vehicle. In one instance, if levels are too low or too high, then pieces may rub together, causing excessive heat and eventually leading to catastrophic failure of an engine part. Without the proper mixture of oil, too much or too little of it can cause severe damage to different parts of your engine.

4. Air Filters

Your car’s air filter is designed to keep dirt and debris from moving parts such as the intake manifold and throttle body (which controls your engine’s speed). This simple part is often overlooked when considering the upkeep of a vehicle; however, regular problems can arise when this is not maintained. A clogged or missing air filter may lead to restricted airflow and additional emissions in your vehicle. On most cars, an air filter will need replacement anywhere from every 15,000 miles up to 100,000 miles depending on make and model. While you may be tempted to try and clean a dirty filter, time and again, it has been proven that these parts need to be replaced. Replacing a cheap air filter can range anywhere from $15 to $200 at most auto parts stores.

The four-car parts mentioned in this article are just some examples of typical wear and tear on any vehicle. Preventative maintenance is always key to keeping your car running properly for as long as possible. Replacing worn-out parts before they fail can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars down the road.