The spark plugs in your vehicle play a crucial role in powering it. It’s essential for the safety of the driver and the longevity of the vehicle that they are in good condition. If the spark plugs need replacing and the vehicle is started, it can lead to disastrous misfires. This can result in costly repairs, as driving with misfiring spark plugs can put excessive stress on the vehicle’s catalytic converter, which is responsible for cleaning the engine’s exhaust.
What Are The Functions Of Spark Plugs?
These small yet powerful components produce the spark needed to ignite the air-fuel mixture, initiating the combustion process that allows your vehicle to start. This electric current ignites the compressed fuel and air mixture with a spark while also containing the combustion pressure within the engine. Spark plugs do not create heat; they only remove it. They function as a heat exchanger, drawing unwanted thermal energy from the combustion chamber to the engine cooling system.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Spark Plugs
When a car won’t start or has trouble starting, many drivers assume it’s due to a problem with the battery. However, an overlooked cause of starting issues can be old or faulty spark plugs. If your vehicle won’t start at all, it’s likely the battery, but if there’s difficulty starting, a delay, or a need for repeated attempts, it may be an issue with the spark plugs. If spark plugs aren’t replaced as needed, it can place additional strain on various components like the ignition coils, oxygen sensors, and catalytic converter.
The check engine light can be a clear indicator that there may be a need for spark plug replacement. If your vehicle is having trouble starting and the check engine light is on, it’s important to have a certified mechanic examine the vehicle.
Other warning signs that your spark plugs need to be replaced include:
- Slow Acceleration: Worn-out spark plugs could be the culprit if your vehicle is slow to accelerate.
- Odd Noises: An audible change in your engine like engine rattling or a knocking noise can indicate spark plug issues.
- Reduced Fuel Efficiency: Misfiring spark plugs can decrease a vehicle’s fuel efficiency by as much as 30%. If you find yourself refueling your vehicle more frequently than usual, it could be a sign of an issue with the spark plugs.
Spark plugs should be changed at either 60,000 or 90,000 miles. If you replace them on time, your vehicle will run better and experience less wear, allowing the subsystems to last longer. Some vehicles, including many performance vehicles, may use regular copper spark plugs that need to be changed every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Depending on the vehicle, the lifespan of a spark plug can vary. If you have any concerns about the spark plugs in your car, don’t hesitate to reach out to any of our team members.
Driving with damaged spark plugs can lead to expensive repairs or even irreversible engine damage to your vehicle. To prevent issues, it’s essential to regularly inspect, clean, and replace this crucial component as part of your spark plug maintenance routine. If you realize these issues, it is time to visit our repair shop. Our team at Hinsdale Automotive will work with you to address problems early and ensure your driving experience is back to normal.