Diagnose the signs of a bad car spark plugs

Updated Jun 09, 2021 | Same topic: Handy Maintenance Tips

Read on to know the importance of checking your car's spark plug.

Spark plugs and spark-plug wires are a fundamental piece of your vehicle's engine as they give the necessary spark that ignites the air and fuel blend inside your car's cylinders. The constant ignition is the thing that keeps your vehicle running on the street.

Spark plugs that are faulty, deteriorating or loose can lead to a serious motor problem. Knowing the problem is in the spark plugs, and not something more regrettable can spare you a ton of time and cash at the auto repair shop.

When the start plugs are not checked with the necessary maintenance, cleaning or changed when needed, they can lead to problems with the vehicle's motor. However, before seeing a professional auto mechanic, you can check your car’s spark plugs and wires so you can save some bucks.

If you think that there is a problem with the spark plugs or wires, begin by checking the wires. To better understand the functions and importance of spark plugs, Philkotse.com prepared some handy tips in checking and maintaining your car's spark plugs.

Spark plugs keep going quite a long while however, they don't keep going forever. Many spark plugs have a production life of 100,000 miles, however, some might be as much as 120,000 miles.

Iridium and platinum spark plugs will commonly last up to 100,000 miles or longer given the motor is not using oil or doesn't invest a great deal of energy when in idle.

Man holding a spark plug

Many spark plugs have a production life of 100,000 miles or even 120,000 miles

Without a spark, it would be impossible for the fuel to ignite inside the chambers. Spark plugs have been the basic parts of the engine for quite a long time. Spark plugs are intended to transfer an electrical signal from an ignition loop at a given time to make a spark that lights off the air and fuel blend inside the ignition chamber.

Every vehicle requires a specific sort of spark plug produced using explicit materials and with an assigned spark plug hole that is set by an auto mechanic upon installation. A good spark plug will consume fuel economically, while faulty or deteriorating spark plugs can cause the engine also to fail to start.

1. Trouble starting the car

When you experience difficulty beginning your vehicle, it could be an indication that your spark plugs are damaged. Anyway, the motor's ignition system includes various individual parts that must work durably so as to work properly.

Whenever you notice any signs of issues beginning in your vehicle, it's a smart move to contact an auto repair professional to investigate the reason.

Man checking the car's under-hood

When you experience difficulty beginning your vehicle, it could be an indication that your spark plugs are damaged

>>> Read more: 10 common reasons why your car won't start & How to troubleshoot them

2. Uneconomical fuel consumption

When your start plugs have weakened, you will see that your car's fuel consumption can diminish by 30% because of incomplete or fragmented combustion. If you see you're topping off more regularly than expected, it's very well may be brought about by failing spark plugs.

To return to your vehicle's ideal fuel economy you should simply have your spark plugs changed.

Car refuelling

When your start plugs have weakened, you will see that your car's fuel consumption can diminish by 30% because of incomplete or fragmented combustion

3. The engine begins to misfire

The common cause of an engine that's misfiring is a problematic ignition system. In the newer car models, more often than not it is caused by a sensor glitch. In any case, it might likewise be brought about by a damaged spark-plug wire.

If you hear an unusual cracking noise inside your car's engine, it may be an indication that the engine is misfiring. If the engine continues to misfire, exhaust discharges will build, motor power will drop, and efficiency will drop.

In view of all the potential issues related to motor failing issues, you should contact a certified mechanic when you see a motor misfire. An expert technician can investigate the issue and decide the correct game-plan to fix the issue.

Man fixing the engine

The common cause of an engine that's misfiring is a problematic ignition system.

4. Decreased acceleration

As a driver, it is easy to tell if your car has a problem or lacking in acceleration. It can feel as though your vehicle is trying so hard to pull itself to move. This slow acceleration can be effectively settled by adjusting or changing a spark plug.

In connection to this, you should contact a certified technician to assess this issue as it could be brought about by different components including clogged or dirty fuel injector, worn filters, or other oxygen sensors problems.

Moving car

The slow acceleration can be effectively settled by adjusting or changing a spark plug

>>> Related post: 7 Steps to Handle a Stuck Accelerator Pedal

5. How Do I Know If My Spark Plugs Need To Be Replaced?

If there is something that appears to be unusual about your motor, checking the spark plugs is the first thing to do. If you will be the one to check your own spark plugs for the first time, refer to your owner's manual to know where the plugs will be found, and after, go under the hood and see.

If the plugs look clogged and dirty, that could mean you have an oil spill or extreme carbon stores. Then if they look harmed or damaged, it simply means that your motor might be misfiring.

Remember, that whether your spark plugs look well, you also need to consider their age. If your spark plugs are old and worn, we highly recommend to replace them already for safety and precaution. You can always rely on your owner's manual in changing the spark plugs.

2 spark plugs

If there is something that appears to be unusual about your motor, checking the spark plugs is the first thing to do

6. The Key Takeaway

Your owner's manual usually tells you when to change your spark plugs. However, if there is no given interval on when to replace your spark plugs, the smart move to do is to check your car if it is showing symptoms of faulty spark plugs or internal engine combustion issues, if there is at least one, investigate and locate the problem.

If the problem seems to be nowhere but in the spark plugs, you can change them from there.

In replacing spark plugs, you don't need to use the same brand as the originally used spark plugs. Whatever brand you use will work in any motor as long as the spark plug fits rightly and has the correct range of heat appropriate for its application.

The usual spark plugs last for about 40,000 miles. If you want to replace your spark plugs, make sure to use the long-life ones, like iridium and platinum, as they are good for 100,000 miles.

>>> Click to get more helpful tips and advice for your car maintenance

Hanna Sanchez

Hanna Sanchez

Author

Hanna is one of the most competitive swimmers in the country during her day. It was not long before she discovered her passion for the automotive industry as well. Nowadays, she balances her passion through writing as well as coaching.

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