Spark plugs. They’re small but mighty. Your car depends on them and so do you. After all, these spark plugs have a huge job to do. If your car has had trouble starting, old or faulty spark plugs may be the reason behind your dilemmas. Learn why it’s important to keep this piece of your car in excellent working order and when to replace spark plugs by watching for these troublesome spark plug symptoms.
What Are Spark Plugs?
Spark plugs – which come in two sizes, 5/8ths and 13/16ths of an inch – are a significant component of your engine. They produce the electrical spark from the ignition system to the combustion chamber.
Spark plug are composed of a precious metal center electrode, a steel outer casing, a ceramic insulator and an air gap.
When Do They Need To Be Changed?
A quality set of spark plug wires can last commonly around 60,000 to 70,000 miles. However, it is a good idea to replace these parts prior to a failure like a misfire. A vehicle that is running while misfiring can cause catalytic converter damage to your vehicle. Yikes.
Regular maintenance is the key. It is recommended to have your spark plugs inspected every 30,000 miles and switched out when the gap is beyond what is defined by the vehicle manufacturer’s guide.
Signs That They Need To Be Fixed
Your Check Engine Light Comes On
The most common sign for bad spark plugs is when the check engine light comes on. Worn out sparks can generate your engine to misfire and your check engine light to pop on. The light could mean that the misfires are already happening.
Your Car Has Trouble Starting
Your spark plugs perform one of the biggest jobs of your whole vehicle. If no spark is produced, then your engine can’t turn. If your car stalls when you are attempting to turn it on, there could be an issue with spark plugs or corroded spark plug wires.
Your Car Will Not Accelerate
If you notice a difference in how your car handles and gets up to speed, then the problem may come back to old, worn out spark plugs. This could also affect your car’s gas mileage, so get it checked out as soon as possible.
How Much Do Spark Plugs Cost?
Spark plugs can run as low as $3 or $4 for copper and up to $20 for the more costly, platinum spark plugs. Those prices don't cover the cost of labor, which is generally an hourly rate. Specialists say the process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the car or truck. Consult your mechanic for an estimate before you get any work done.
If you have any more question requiring this important car part, don’t hesitate to ask an expert!