Spark plugs though small they have an excellent task. Spark plugs provide sparks that ignite air/fuel mixture, creating an explosion that powers the engine. They require regular maintenance, and you need to know when to change them. When they’re not in good condition, the engine won’t start. Therefore, ensure they are working appropriately and constantly replacing them at the right time.
Spark plugs are essential components, and the rule recommends replacing them at every 30,000 to 90,000 miles. Different vehicles may differ on time of replacement, so it’s best to consult your owner’s manual. Replacing spark plugs may sound simple but be alert as their location may vary. You may require special tools to loosen them due to obstructions.
How Often to Change Spark Plugs?
Most owner’s manual recommends changing your spark plugs roughly every 30,000 miles. It’s good timing, especially when having stock spark plugs. However, the actual spark plug change interval may depend on various factors;
- High Performance – high-performance spark plugs electrode wears out faster, so it’s best to replace them more often.
- Long Life-some spark plugs are durable due to their materials like iridium and platinum. These don’t wear out quickly, like shorter-life copper, thus no need to replace them often.
- Oil Leaks– as you pull the spark plug, its base should be clean. In case you notice any oil, it means there is a leak, and you need to replace them.
- High Revs – if you speed your car, the spark plugs go through extra wear and tear and require regular replacement.
- Faulty Spark Plug– you should replace it to ensure your car starts and drives efficiently.
Check this too: Different Sparkplug Problems, Symptoms & Causes
What are the Symptoms of Faulty Spark Plugs?
- Engine light comes on- worn-out spark plugs can trigger your engine to light or even flash(The universal misfire signal from ODBII computer-controlled cars). The best solution is to replace the spark plugs and prevent misfiring effects.
- Trouble starting the car- spark plugs produce parks that powers the engine. Worn-out spark plugs will fail to create sparks that power the engine. If your vehicle stalls, your spark plug could be the problem.
- Filling the gas tank often- worn-out spark plug increases your fuel consumption, so it’s best to check on them.
- Engine idles roughly- when the engine rattles or makes a knock-like noise check your spark plug.
- Your car fails to accelerate- in case you notice your vehicle booming sluggish, the spark plug could be faulty.
- The car vibrates violently when you accelerate. Bad spark plugs will cause misfires that will get worse as the engine revs up making it vibrate even more
What are the Benefits of Changing Spark Plugs?
Some benefits come from replacing your spark plugs regularly in addition to preventing the issues above. The following are the gains you get from changing spark plugs at the correct intervals;
- Better fuel consumption – changing spark plugs improves performance. With new spark plugs, your car runs efficiently and maximizes fuel economy.
- Regular combustion system- new spark plugs allow your vehicle to run continuously without any stalls.
- Your vehicle starts smoothly- when you replace your spark plugs, you enjoy starting the car effortlessly.
- Less harmful emissions-spark plugs in good condition won’t cause harmful emissions as their base is clean.
What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Spark Plugs?
Spark plugs will wear over time, and if not replaced and they cause various engine issues. Again, the spark plugs will fail to spark adequately, causing incomplete air/fuel combustion, affecting engine power. When spark plugs struggle to spark, they affect the engine’s electricity supply causing failure of some parts. Some of the engine issues caused include;
- A decline in fuel economy
- Failure to accelerate
- Unstable idling or stalling
- Engine running less evenly or not running at all
How Long should Spark Plugs Last?
Spark plugs life span depends mainly on the type of material they have. Nearly all spark plugs have a factory service interval of 100,000km, though others may go as high as 120,000 km. Some platinum and iridium may have a long life and may last 100,000 km or more depending on how many times it sparks. Again, the lifespan also depends on how you operate your vehicle. If you keep your engine idling most of the time, your spark plugs won’t last long.
Check this too: Ford F150 Ticking Sound When Accelerating
Conclusion
If you observe any of the issues mentioned above in your vehicle, it’s high time you replace your spark plugs. Ensure you have specialized tools to use when replacing your spark plugs. But if obstructed and you find it hard to loosen them, consider consulting a technician. If you change them incorrectly, it may lead to further damages to the cylinder, which is costly.