Five parts that cost very little but can cause a breakdown costing thousands of euros

Keeping an eye on the proper operation of our car is a normal thing to do. Checking that everything works well is simple. It is enough to identify anything that is not working as it always does. A small noise, an abnormal warning on the instrument cluster or anything else, may indicate that something is not as it should be. And the reality is that these things can be caused by a part that has deteriorated through use or the passage of time and that is very cheap to replace.

The Euromaster workshop chain reminds us of some of those parts that can cause very expensive breakdowns, but that are very simple to replace and, above all, very cheap. Some even cost around 50 euro cents and others barely reach 20 euros, so it is better to change them in time and we will avoid breakdowns that can reach several thousand euros.

The sump washer

The sump washer seals this part of the car and prevents oil from leaking out of the engine. It is replaced at every oil change. If it is fitted incorrectly or breaks, it can cause oil to be lost and the engine to seize. This can cause the engine to be ruined and the breakdown to end up costing several thousand euros. This part costs 50 euro cents, so for that amount, it is better not to take the risk.

The engine temperature sensor

This one measures the engine temperature, so it is very important. If a rise in temperature is detected, you should go to the workshop straight away. It may be due to a sensor fault and this costs around 20 euros. But if it does not work properly, the engine can overheat and this can lead to a serious breakdown. And that means thousands of euros in repairs.

Spark plugs

We have already talked several times about the importance of spark plugs. These are responsible for igniting the petrol and allowing it to combust. If they do not work properly, combustion does not take place properly and the car may stall. They can also cause an expensive breakdown, so when it is detected that they may be a problem, you should go to the workshop and replace them. They cost between 10 and 20 euros and should be changed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, between 50,000 and 90,000 kilometres.

The tyre valve

When checking tyre pressure you should also take a look at the valve. This element ensures that the tyre is airtight and that air does not escape from it. It must be checked to make sure there are no cracks around it, that it is not losing air, and the plastic cap must be fitted to protect the valve from dirt. This part costs between 2.5 and 5 euros.

Windscreen wipers

Visibility is essential for maintaining safety while driving. The windscreen wipers remove dirt from the windscreen and if they are not in good condition, they can impair visibility while driving. Replacing the windscreen wipers is very simple and their cost is very low. Safety must be a priority and risks that endanger the vehicle and its occupants must be avoided.