Durability of a recording apparatus is enhanced. The recording apparatus includes: a carriage that carries a recording head which discharges a liquid onto a recording medium; and a guide unit that supports the carriage so as to be freely movable. The carriage has a first sliding surface and a second sliding surface. The first sliding surface is slidable on the guide unit, and the second sliding surface is displaceable with respect to the carriage and slidable on the guide unit. The recording apparatus is switchable between a first condition in which the guide unit and the first sliding surface are in contact with each other, and a second condition in which the guide unit and the second sliding surface are in contact with each other.