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Taking good care of your car’s engine is mandatory for your car’s health and longevity. Spark plugs play a pivotal role in your car’s engine, and should they malfunction, your engine could end up severely damaged.
You can avoid damage to your engine by educating yourself about spark plugs so you know the signs of a faulty spark plug. This early detection will keep you from more costly repairs down the line, such as having to replace your car’s engine.
In this article, you’ll learn what purpose spark plugs serve in relation to your car’s engine, the symptoms of a faulty spark plug, what causes faulty spark plugs, and how you can resolve this issue before it’s too late.
Your vehicle contains an internal combustion engine, which depends on the presence of a spark. The purpose of spark plugs is to ignite the cylinder's fuel and air mixture in your engine. If your spark plugs are not working properly, the air-fuel mixture won’t ignite as designed, causing a misfire, and your exhaust pipe could blow out.
If left unattended, faulty spark plugs will eventually damage the engine, and you’ll be looking at a much more expensive auto repair bill than a simple spark plug replacement.
It is crucial to detect faulty spark plugs early on, as they can severely destroy your car’s engine. The first indication of a problem will usually be your check engine light illuminating, but here are some warning signs of a faulty spark plug:
● Sluggish Acceleration: If your car is slow to accelerate, your spark plugs may be on the fritz.
● Misfires: An engine that hesitates or misfires may be attributed to faulty spark plugs. Should the combustion process be interrupted, it can cause your engine’s performance to decline.
● Poor Fuel Economy: Your car isn’t economizing fuel as it should be.
● Rough Idling: You may feel your vehicle vibrating, as faulty spark plugs cause your engine to run rough when idling.
● Hard Starts: You will have trouble getting the engine to turn over if your spark plugs cannot produce the spark to ignite the combustion process.
There are several probable causes of a faulty spark plug, but improper torque is normally to blame. Proper installation torque is necessary for the spark plug’s ability to disperse heat out of the combustion chamber and into the cylinder head. Failure to use a torque wrench when installing the plugs can lead to over or under torquing, which can cause damage to the spark plug and potentially damage the engine.
Another cause of spark plug failure stems from the spark plug’s need to be replaced. This is where educating yourself on your car’s spark plug needs aids in early prevention. Spark plugs need to be changed every 20,000 to 40,000 miles, or 4 to 6 years, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. It is important to understand the lifespan of spark plugs so you are aware of how often yours will need to be replaced.
You’ll need to check to see which type of spark plugs your vehicle requires, as there are several types of spark plugs on the market. The main type of spark plugs are considered “regular” spark plugs but there are also platinum and iridium spark plug variations as well.
Your trusted auto source can help you determine your vehicle’s type of spark plugs and how often they need to be changed for your vehicle’s engine to run smoothly.
The best way to avoid faulty spark plugs is to have them changed as recommended, and the best place to do this is at Huron Automotive in Green Bay, WI.
We have trained and certified technicians that are able and willing to provide your vehicle with the best service around. We can determine what type of spark plugs are best for your vehicle, how often they need to be changed, and quickly diagnose any issue with our diagnostic tools.
We have the best quality parts you need to get your vehicle back on the road and running efficiently. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
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