(Approx. 6 min. read time)
Ever wondered why certain car parts aren’t included in your warranty plan? These parts are called consumables, and they’re designed to wear out with regular use.
This guide explains why consumables are excluded, which parts fall into this category and how proper maintenance helps you get the best value from your warranty.
Key facts at a glance:
- Consumables are excluded from car warranties because they’re designed to wear out through normal use, not due to faults.
- Common examples include tyres, brake pads, filters, fluids, wiper blades and spark plugs.
- Excluding consumables keeps warranty costs affordable and focused on major, unpredictable failures.
- Regular maintenance extends vehicle life, prevents avoidable breakdowns and supports your warranty plan.
- Following your manufacturer’s service schedule ensures the best value from your Warrantywise plan.
What are consumables?
Consumables are the parts and fluids in your car that naturally wear out over time through everyday use.
They include items like brake pads, tyres, filters and engine oil, all components designed to be replaced as part of routine maintenance to keep your vehicle running safely and efficiently.
Because these parts are expected to wear down through normal driving, they’re not included in your warranty plan. Instead, Warrantywise focuses on protecting you from the unexpected – the mechanical and electrical failures you can’t plan or budget for.
Why are consumables excluded from car warranties?
They’re designed to wear out naturally:
Parts such as brake pads, tyres, filters and fluids naturally deteriorate through everyday driving. They’re replaced as part of routine maintenance to keep the vehicle safe and efficient, not because of a defect or fault.
To encourage proper maintenance:
Regular servicing ensures long-term reliability. By excluding consumables, warranties promote responsible car care, helping prevent avoidable breakdowns.
There are many ways you can care for your car and keep it on the road. Smarter driving habits, keeping your car clean and regularly checking your fluid levels are all simple ways you can you get the most out of your car.
To keep warranty costs affordable:
If predictable maintenance items were included, warranty costs would increase significantly. Excluding them allows providers like Warrantywise to focus on major mechanical and electrical failures – the issues you can’t plan for.
What is included in my warranty plan?
Your Warrantywise plan is designed to be there when the unexpected happens – the costly mechanical or electrical failures you can’t predict or prevent through regular maintenance.
These repairs can be expensive to fix, often running into hundreds or even thousands of pounds. That’s why your plan includes key mechanical and electrical parts, such as alternators, starter motors, gearboxes, ECU units and other critical components that fail unexpectedly.
Common consumables and when to replace them:
Fluids and lubricants:
Checking your fluid levels and topping up when necessary will help keep your car running smoothly.
| Fluid type: | Purpose: | When to replace: |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil | Lubricates and cools engine components | Every 5,000-7,500 miles |
| Brake fluid | Transfers braking force for safe stopping | Every 2 years |
| Transmission fluid | Lubricates moving parts, smooths gear shifts | 30,000-60,000 miles |
| Power steering fluid | Assists steering effort | Check regularly, top up as needed |
| Coolant/antifreeze | Controls engine temperature and prevents freezing | Every 2-5 years |
| Windscreen washer fluid | Keeps windscreen clear for safe visibility | Top up as needed |
Filters:
Regularly replacing filters keeps air, fuel and oil systems clean and helps your engine perform efficiently.
| Filter type: | Purpose: | When to replace: |
|---|---|---|
| Oil filter | Removes impurities from engine oil | Every oil change |
| Air filter | Filters air entering the engine | Every 15,000-30,000 miles |
| Fuel filter | Removes debris and contaminants from fuel | Every 20,000-40,000 miles |
| Cabin air filter | Filters air entering the cabin | Every 15,000-25,000 miles |
Wear-and-tear items:
These parts experience constant use and need periodic replacement to maintain performance and safety.
| Wear item: | Purpose: | When to replace: |
|---|---|---|
| Brake pads | Create friction to slow or stop the car | 30,000-70,000 miles |
| Tyres | Provide grip, cushioning, stability | 25,000-50,000 miles |
| Wiper blades | Maintain clear visibility in poor weather | Every 6-12 months |
| Spark plugs | Ignite the fuel-air mixture in the engine | 30,000-100,000 miles |
Belts and hoses:
Inspect belts and hoses regularly for cracks, wear or leaks. Timely replacement helps prevent costly engine damage.
| Belts and hoses: | Purpose: | When to replace: |
|---|---|---|
| Timing belt | Synchronises engine components | 60,000-100,000 miles |
| Serpentine/auxiliary drive belt | Powers accessories like alternator and air-con | 60,000-100,000 miles |
| Coolant hoses | Circulate coolant through engine and radiator | Every 4 years or when worn |
Other common consumables:
These components are essential for everyday operation and safety but naturally wear out over time.
| Item | Purpose: | When to replace: |
|---|---|---|
| Light bulbs | Provide illumination and signalling | As needed or when dim |
| Fuses | Protect electrical circuits | Replace only when blown |
| Battery | Supplies electrical power and starts the engine | Every 3-5 years |
Staying road legal – Your responsibility as a driver:
In the UK, it’s a legal requirement to keep your vehicle in a roadworthy and safe condition at all times. That means certain consumable parts must be replaced when they become worn or unsafe.
While general car servicing isn’t a legal requirement, you are legally responsible for your vehicle’s condition whenever it’s on the road. Failing to maintain key items to a safe standard is an offence, and could result in fines, penalty points, or even invalidate your insurance.
Below are some of the legally required consumables and maintenance items:
Tyres:
Must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread and around the entire circumference.
Driving with illegal tyres can lead to a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per tyre. [1]
Brakes:
Must be in good working order and efficient enough to ensure safety. Faulty brakes will result in an MOT failure and post a serious safety risk.
Lights and indicators:
All lights, indicators and reflectors must work properly, be clean, and clearly visible. This includes headlights, brake lights and number plate lights.
Windscreen and wipers:
The windscreen must be clean and free from obstructions. Wipers and washers must work correctly to maintain clear visibility.
Exhaust emissions:
Emissions must not exceed legal limits. Excessive smoke or noise can result in fines or an MOT failure.
AdBlue (diesel vehicles):
For vehicles with SCR systems, AdBlue is legally required to meet emissions standards. Driving without it can cause the engine not to start, or result in an MOT failure.
Engine oil and fluids:
While not specifically regulated, low oil or brake fluid can cause serious damage, making your car unsafe and therefore illegal to drive.
Failing to meet these basic standards not only risks fines and penalty points but can also invalidate your insurance. The annual MOT test checks these essential items to help ensure your vehicle remains safe and road legal.
Why replacing consumables matters:
Regularly maintaining and replacing consumables helps ensure:
- Optimal performance and safety.
- Longer vehicle lifespan.
- Fewer unexpected repairs.
Following the manufacturer’s service schedule keeps your car in top condition and prevents more serious, costly issues later. Warranties are designed to protect against sudden mechanical or electrical failures, not the predictable wear that comes with regular use.
How to get the most value from your warranty:
Consumables are part of everyday motoring. Looking after them not only keeps your car running smoothly but also helps you get the most value from your warranty. By staying on top of maintenance, you’ll:
- Keep your car running smoothly.
- Extend the life of key components.
- Protect your investment and warranty plan.
At Warrantywise, our plans are designed to protect you from the unexpected – those major mechanical and electrical failures that regular maintenance can’t prevent. When you stay on top of your routine servicing and consumable replacements, you get the best value from your plan.
Get a free quote today to find the right used car warranty for your vehicle, mileage and driving style with Warrantywise.
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