Do I really need to replace distributor cap and rotor? (plugs, engine)

[JBPisgah]

I'm trying to figure out if I really need to replace my cap and rotor. I just popped off the cap and cleaned and inspected. They seem to be in good shape, clean, no carbon tracks, and the car runs fine. The thing is, they have 180,000 miles on them.

Assuming the cap and rotor are just old, is there any reason to change them? Any performance improvement likely? I know the parts are cheap, but so am I.

1998 Nissan Altima, 180,000

[bobman]

Are they the original parts ?
Most manufacturers would normally recommend that plugs, cap and rotor are changed every 30,000 miles or so, if you have no record of them having been changed for a couple of years or so, then it won't do any harm.
Set of HT leads might not hurt either.
Everything degrades, nothing on a car lasts forever.

If they appear to be fine, then you probably don't need to replace them, but the alternative is to wait until you do need to replace them, and you're left in the middle of nowhere with a car which won't start.

Just remember to make sure you replace all the leads to the correct place !

[jambo101]

Distributor cap and rotor can be had for under $20 and is an easy take off the old one and put on the new one. Whether you need it or not i have no idea but for peace of mind and $20 or less i'd just replace it
1998 Nissan Altima Distributor Cap 22162 9E000

While we are probably both in the if it aint broke dont fix it school of thought things like a plastic/bakelite distributor cap wont last forever and although its deterioration will result in a poor running engine long before it totally gives it up what i would be more concerned about is hairline cracks in the plastic that could become a problem in humid or very wet conditions leading to an engine that wont start.I'd also consider changing plug wires and plugs at the same time if you plan on keeping the car for a long time.

[Garthur]

I weight the cost of not replacing a part that could strand me on a road where I need to be towed to a garage and then have a mechanic replace it and then by the way "did you know that" your water pump was leaking. I'll just replace the part for $20 dollars and feel good about it.