The Toyota brand has become synonymous with reliability and value for money, and their compact RAV-4 SUV lives every bit up to that reputation. This cool and rugged vehicle can handle any challenge without a hitch - transporting your family and all the cargo you might need, going off-road, and years of driving. It's common to see decade-old RAV-4s with several hundred kilometers clocked still cruising along the road.
You can purchase affordable RAV-4 parts, and the vehicle's design ensures easy maintenance and cost-effectiveness. But with every year of driving, the likelihood of part failure (no matter how low) rises. You might need a complete replacement to get it back into shape when parts break down. In addition, some features in your RAV-4, 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 only a matter of time before your RAV-4 needs a change of parts, so it's wise to prepare yourself and learn about them. Read until the end to understand the different sources of RAV-4 parts, the essential parts, which parts run out the fastest, and where to find the best deals.
Sourcing RAV4 Parts (OEM vs. Aftermarket)
The parts that came with your RAV-4 directly from Toyota are called OEM or Original Equipment Manufacturer parts. Parts made by third-party manufacturers and usable in the vehicle are known as "Aftermarket" parts. Whether new or second-hand, Toyota RAV-4 parts on the market will usually fall into either of these categories.
For those who aim to restore the original level of performance to their Toyota RAV-4, we recommend investing in OEM parts. Because of the more stringent levels of manufacturing, you'll likely get 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 maybe even damage your vehicle when installed. Finally, aftermarket parts are not guaranteed to be cheaper than OEM parts, so you might be paying less for better fit and quality with OEMs.
What Are the Most Important Parts of Your RAV4?
Prioritize the following crucial components to ensure the safety and optimal performance of your RAV-4:
Engine
The engine is its primary power source, burning fuel to produce the mechanical energy to drive your RAV-4. 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 specialist mechanics.
Reports indicate that the 2AZ-FE engines in RAV-4s manufactured in 2006, 2007, and 2008 have excessive fuel consumption due to improper piston and piston ring designs. You can swap out these individual engine parts to fix the issue, but if the engine has deteriorated due to these faulty parts, you may require a whole engine replacement.
Transmission
For both the automatic and manual, the transmission of your RAV-4 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.
Shuddering from the transmission while traveling is a common problem in the 2013, 2014, and 2015 model years. To remedy this issue, you might need a change of transmission fluid, ECU unit, torque converter, and whole transmission.
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 RAV-4 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.
Battery
The battery is responsible for making your RAV-4 start. Slow engine cranking and an illuminated Battery/Charging warning light may indicate that your battery is nearing the end of its life.
While car batteries typically last 3 to 5 years, those of the 2019 and 2020 RAV-4s are known to drain quickly, and as such, the car may need to be jump-started from time to time. If this sounds familiar, you might need a Data Communication Module update to stop the excessive drain or a battery replacement if it can no longer hold a charge due to over-usage.
Which RAV4 Parts Wear Out the Fastest?
Consumables
Items like brake pads and windscreen wiper blades, which gradually wear out and need to be replaced over time, are commonly called "consumables". Replenish or replace these parts before they have depleted or degraded to the point where they could cause harm to your RAV-4.
Water Pump
Coolant is cycled through the coolant system between the radiator and the engine by the water pump. The process involves the coolant absorbing heat and releasing it into the air, effectively cooling down the engine and eliminating the risk of overheating. The water pump has a lifespan ranging from 97,000 km to 145,000 km.
Suspension
Though the RAV-4 is in its element off-road, the lifespan of its suspension is affected by the following:
1. How smooth the roads you drive on are,
2. The weight of the loads carried by your RAV-4 and how frequently you load your vehicle, and,
3. Your overall mileage.
Ten years would be the upper limit of your suspension's lifespan. If you've been making good use of your RAV-4's capabilities or pushing it beyond, expect from eight years down to five. Some common suspension issues in RAV-4s include vibrations and leaning, which can be hazardous while driving. The rear shocks, springs, or whole suspension may need replacing in such cases.
Are RAV4 Parts Expensive?
Due to the model's popularity, RAV-4 parts are designed to be affordable and readily available.
Where to Buy Genuine RAV4 Parts Online
If you're buying OEM parts, you can shop at your country's authorized Toyota dealers and OEM parts retailers. An affordable alternative would be to go the second-hand route. You can get RAV-4 parts in great condition and at low prices at BE FORWARD Auto Parts.
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