The only real "wear" items will be the flash tube and model lamp. Flash tubes have a typical life expectancy of 100,000 full power flashes. Sometimes more, sometimes less. As flash power is reduced, the life expectancy increases significantly. Assuming there is no trauma to the tube, a tube that is starting to wear will show signs of crazing (hazy, crackled, foggy appearance) on the inner diameter. Flash output and color temperature may shift some vs. brand new, but not dramatically.
Model lamps are pretty much go or no go.
We have flash units in the field that are 30 years old, and only the bulbs have been replaced. The flash capacitors generally last a long time, but when they fail, there is no precursor, nor is there any maintenance that can be done.
I would recommend having no less than one spare flash tube on hand. If you cannot live without a flash, I would recommend a spare flash unit on hand as well. The same goes for cameras and lenses and memory cards, etc.
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