When it comes to fuel efficiency, affordability, comfort, and dependability, it's hard to beat the tried-and-true Toyota Corolla. This long-running sedan from the most dependable brand in the business can be found on roads worldwide, working hard for its owners for years and years to come. In the compact car category, the Corolla comfortably comes in first place with lower than average repair cost, likelihood of needing repairs, and probability of those repairs being extensive.
To keep your Corolla fighting fit for as long as possible, you should be prepared to replace its parts. When parts break down, however infrequent that might be, you might need a complete replacement to get it back into shape. In addition, some parts in your Corolla, or any other vehicle, are subject to higher levels of wear and tear or are depleted and thus need replacement or topping up. It's essential to know about the parts in your Corolla and your replacement options so that you can take preventative measures and make the best purchase decisions. Keep reading to become a more educated Corolla owner and a savvy auto parts buyer.
Sourcing Corolla Parts (OEM vs. Aftermarket)
Corollas fresh out of the factory come fitted with parts made by Toyota. These are known as OEM or Original Equipment Manufacturer parts. Parts made by third-party manufacturers but also usable in the vehicle are known as "Aftermarket" parts. Corolla parts on the market, be they new or second-hand, will usually fall into either of these categories.
If your primary concern is to return your Corolla to as close to its original condition as possible, we recommend getting OEM parts. Because of the more stringent levels of manufacturing, you'll likely get a better fit, greater performance, and more use out of an OEM replacement. Aftermarket parts might offer greater customization options, but not only are they not covered by Toyota's warranty, they could also void the warranty and potentially even damage your vehicle when installed. Finally, aftermarket parts are only sometimes guaranteed to be cheaper than OEM parts, so you might be paying less for better fit and quality.
What Are the Most Important Parts of Your Corolla?
The following parts play the most significant roles in your Corolla's basic functions and safety. While some are more expensive than others, it goes without saying that they should all be given the highest priority.
Engine
The engine is its primary power source, burning fuel to produce the mechanical energy to drive your Corolla. It can be as expensive as it is complicated, with repairs being notorious for their exceptionally high cost due to the need for replacement parts and specialists.
Toyota's popular engine found in Corollas, produced from 2007 to 2021, has been reported to have excessive oil consumption, which can lead to engine damage if ignored. Before the problem requires a complete engine replacement, get a diagnosis from an automobile professional - usually, the fix is replacing the engine's pistons and piston rings.
If you're driving a Corolla produced between 1995 to 2006 with the 1ZZ-FE, you might experience engine knocking. Causes include low oil pressure, worn-out lifters, or a faulty oil pump. It's best to address this before significant engine damage occurs.
Transmission
For both the automatic and manual, the transmission of your Corolla transfers power from the engine to the wheels while using gear ratios to keep the engine in its power band, allowing it to run efficiently. The transmission sees constant usage and, consequently, high wear and tear. Like the engine, repairing this complicated equipment can cost more than buying a replacement.
Transmission issues for the Corolla revolve mainly around slipping, jerking, or delayed shifting in the automatic transmissions of the 1995 to 2006 model years. Causes include worn-out transmission parts or low transmission fluid.
Lights
Your lights help you see, be seen, and convey your driving intentions. Ensure you replace damaged lights or blown bulbs to ensure your road safety.
Brakes
The brakes provide a reliable way to slow your Corolla down or bring it to a safe and complete stop. Brake parts such as pads and rotors wear down faster than others and must be replaced regularly. In contrast, parts like the master cylinder, calipers, and wheel cylinders could develop leaks and cause poor braking. You can purchase most of these parts individually if ever the need arises.
The Corolla is notorious for issues like premature brake failure, grinding, and squeaking. If you own a Corolla from the 2000s, you should seek replacement brake parts before they can trouble you.
Battery
The battery is responsible for making your Corolla start. Slow engine cranking and an illuminated Battery/Charging warning light may indicate your battery is nearing the end of its life.
Which Corolla Parts Wear Out the Fastest?
Consumables
Parts and materials that wear down and/or run out as they are used are known as the "consumables." These include engine oil, coolant, nuts and bolts, oil filters, brake pads, spark plugs, and wiper blades, with tires and batteries possibly falling under the same category by some definitions. Replenish or replace these parts before they have depleted or degraded to the point where they could cause harm to your Corolla.
Water Pump
Perpetually pumping coolant from the radiator to the engine to flush heat away from the engine's various parts, the water pump gets no time for a breather. The water pump has a lifespan of around 97,000 km.
Suspension
The lifespan of your Corolla's suspension is a factor of:
1. How smooth the roads you drive on are,
2. The weight of the loads carried by your Corolla and how frequently you load your vehicle, and,
3. Your overall mileage.
In Corollas, the front suspension struts and the anti-roll bar have been said to prematurely give way, even failing early into their lifetime. Be prepared to replace these more often.
Are Corolla Parts Expensive?
Corolla parts are less expensive and more durable than average. Throughout your ownership of a Corolla, you can expect to spend less and see your car enter the workshop less often.
Where to Buy Genuine Corolla Parts Online
Authorized Toyota dealers and OEM parts retailers in your country will be the places to go for brand-new OEM parts. To enjoy savings with minimal compromise in quality, shop for second-hand OEM parts available at reasonable prices here at BE FORWARD Auto Parts.
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