Spark plugs are the car part responsible for creating the electricity that ignites the air-fuel mixture in the combustion engine of a vehicle, which starts your car. The plugs set the engine’s pistons in motion and provide power to keep your vehicle moving down the road.
Regular maintenance improves your car’s ability to last longer and creates a better driving experience. If you forget to take your car in for a regular tune-up, it may begin to show signs that it needs some attention and auto care.
So, what happens when the spark plugs go bad, and what can you do to fix them? Here are five signs and symptoms that let you know it’s time to replace the spark plugs on your new or used car.
- The Car Starts Getting Hard To Start
The battery is often blamed as the culprit for a vehicle not starting. However, spark plugs can just as easily be the cause. Your car’s engine needs to work harder to compensate for worn or clogged spark plugs. It may be challenging to start your vehicle if the weather conditions are harsh. In that case, there’s not enough spark to turn the engine over.
- Engine Starts Misfiring
There may be other reasons why the engine misfires, like a bad ignition coil plug cap or inferior quality fuel. However, a misfire is often the result of at least one worn spark plug. You’ll notice the engine pace falters and then catches back up.
You may also hear the engine pop as it loses and regains timing. When a vehicle misfires, it sends raw fuel into the exhaust, ultimately damaging the catalytic converter.
- You’re Buying Fuel More Often
According to car experts, worn spark plugs create extra work for your engine. Essentially, they’re “unable to effectively burn the fuel” in the combustion chamber. You’ll feel the results of deteriorated plugs in your wallet as you shell out more for fuel at a faster pace, making it a frustrating early warning sign of bad spark plugs.
- The Engine Idling Gets Rough & Noisy
If you notice knocking or rattling noises coming from your engine, it’s time to get the spark plugs checked. Even without the stress of a moving motor vehicle, old spark plugs can lead to a stationary yet noisy car.
- Car Starts Struggling to Accelerate
A worn spark plug is no longer effective at creating the spark necessary to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber. One of the most prominent places you’ll see this lack of energy is when the car struggles to accelerate properly.
When Should I Change My Spark Plug?
You should only replace car spark plugs every 20,000 to 30,000 miles. Noble metal plugs can carry you past 100,000 miles. According to Repair Pal, spark plug costs vary depending on the age and model of your vehicle but are usually affordable, but added cost if you’ll need a mechanic to fix them.
Conclusion
The most important tip is to pay attention to your car’s early warning signs. It’s easy to overlook a routine maintenance appointment. However, when your vehicle reminds you, ensure to pay attention.
