When it comes to taking care of your car, some preventative maintenance can mean avoiding major repair bills down the road. This maintenance often includes replacing certain parts as they get older and a bit worn, but before they fail outright. Installing new parts from a place like Tony's Auto Wreckers, and especially parts that are brand-specific and meant for your car in particular, can mean a longer life for the car and fewer repairs overall. Note some of those parts you'll want to replace under your car's hood, even before they wear out and fail.

Fuel caps

Over time, the cap to your car's fuel tank can become rusted or corroded, or the threads under the cap may wear down. In turn, the cap may become loose, which then allows oxygen into the gas tank. When the fuel pump engages, this creates a slight bit of suction, which then pulls even more oxygen into the gas tank while the car runs. As fuel in the tank mixes with that oxygen, the fuel can become diluted; that added oxygen can also make its way to the engine, making it work harder to create combustion. To protect the engine and ensure your car doesn't get poor fuel economy, replace the fuel cap when necessary, and especially if it already seems loose.

Timing belt

The engine's timing refers to how the pistons move and create combustion. When the engine's timing is faulty, the engine may sputter, backfire, stall, or otherwise struggle to maintain proper combustion.

The engine's timing works with a belt that can wear out over time. Having that belt replaced before it gets too damaged can mean less risk of potential damage to the engine due to faulty timing.

Engine coolant temperature sensor

The engine coolant temperature sensor is different than the engine's thermostat; this sensor monitors the temperature of the coolant that is in the radiator. As the engine runs, this coolant gets warmer, and the car may then adjust the level of fuel delivered to the engine so that it doesn't overheat. The engine's thermostat may also begin to circulate more coolant around the engine.

If the engine coolant temperature sensor fails, the engine could easily run hotter than it should, which then causes early wear and tear. Replacing this sensor as needed can mean better protection for your engine, and less wear and tear on all the other parts that are needed to keep the car running as cool as possible.