What Are Spark Plugs?

Aug 22, 2018 | AAMCO Diagnostics Center, Blog, Engine, Total Car Care

Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Spark Plugs

Spark plugs produce a tiny but powerful spark of electricity that combusts the fuel and air combination within your engine to start your car.  When you start your car you are sending electric currents through a number of wires which connect directly to the spark plugs.  From here, the plugs emit that electric spark across a small gap which creates the ignition and combustion needed for your vehicle to turn over.  As your engine starts, it’s pistons begin their motion allowing your car’s engine to power up and evenly combust the compressed air-fuel mixture.  As your engine runs it gets incredibly hot- which your spark plugs are built to withstand that heat and the intense amounts of pressure they are put under.  In addition to allowing your vehicle to start, your spark plugs help to keep your engine clean by burning off nasty deposits from fuel additives and/or other contaminants.

Worried About Your Spark Plugs?

Visit your nearest locally owned AAMCO Colorado today to get a complete checkup to ensure you are getting the most of your engine’s peformance. 

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Why Are Spark Plugs Important for Your Car?

To put it simply, without the spark generated by the plugs, your car won’t start.  In addition, spark plug health is directly correlated to your engine’s health and performance.  Older or worn plugs can cause many problems such as issues with cold-starting your engine or misfiring while accelerating.  Having healthy spark plugs is essential to ensuring your vehicle sustains the maximum power that it was intended to as well as improving upon your fuel economy or overall miles per gallon (MPG).

Related: Auto Tune Up Service

Related: Factory Recommended Maintenance

Related: What’s Included in a Tune-Up?

Image of an engine with Spark Plug Wires
Image of a Mechanic Holding a Spark Plug

How Often Should I Have my Spark Plugs Replaced?

Often times your plugs won’t need to be replaced very often as many vehicles can go years and tens of thousands of miles before they need replacing.

Most automotive manufacturers do suggest that you have your new spark plugs swapped out every 30,000 miles.  It’s important to note that the average lifespan of a spark plug or it longevity highly depends on its current condition and type of plug.  For example, plugs made from copper plugs, for example, have the shortest lifespan.  Spark plugs built with more durable, higher quality materials can last up to four times as long!

What Happens as My Spark Plugs Age?

Unfortunately, unlike people, we don’t have retirement homes where they can be looked after and taken care of.  Although much like people your spark plugs will wear down after spending tens of thousands of miles of constant use.  The extreme temperatures within your engine are the main factor here- although they are built to withstand these temps they simply cannot last forever.  This is why using only high-quality spark plugs built from durable materials is so important.  Our local AAMCO Colorado locations only use the best spark plugs when servicing your vehicle.  The more durable the spark plug used, the longer it will last, and the longer it will keep your engine running smooth- not to mention saving you money in the long run with better gas mileage.

Image of a Spark Plug

4 Benefits of Getting Your Spark Plugs Replaced

Of course, the main reason for having your plugs serviced is the peace of mind in knowing that your will vehicle will start every time without issue.  Here are a few more reasons why you should consider bringing your vehicle in to assess your spark plug health:

 

  1. Obtaining Optimal Combustion Within Your Engine:  Properly operating spark plugs provide an efficient combustion system, giving you increased power on the road.
  2. Increasing Your Fuel Economy:  If your spark plugs are misfiring this can reduce your fuel efficiency by 30%- old spark plugs can literally be burning away your cash.
  3. Your Engine Will Start Smoother and Quicker:  If you haven’t experienced starting your car with new spark plugs then you will be amazed at how smooth and easily it starts after they are changed.
  4. You’ll Produce Less Harmful Emissions:  When you burn more gas than you need to you are not only wasting money- you are also giving off more exhaust than needed!  Changing your spark plugs helped to protect the environment.

4 Symptoms of Spark Plugs That Need to Be Replaced

Are experiencing any of the following issues?  Consider getting your spark plugs checked right away.

  1. Strange Noises such as Rattling, Pinging, or Knocking:  If your spark plugs are misfiring then unusual or strange noises can be a result.  The cause of the noises is most likely your pistons and associated combustion that controls your engine not functioning properly.
  2. Difficulty Starting Your Vehicle:  Hopefully, if you are having trouble starting your vehicle then it is just an inexpensive repair such as replacing your spark plugs.  If they are not firing correctly or misfiring they can cause numerous issues in starting a vehicle.
  3. Sluggish or Poor Engine Performance:  Have you noticed your vehicle not accelerating or performing as well as you remember?  If the spark that the plug creates isn’t functioning properly you will experience decreased engine performance.
  4. Low or Poor Fuel Economy:  While there are many causes of poor gas mileage, one of the easiest to fix is replacing your spark plugs.

 

Related: My Car is Chugging and Losing Power

Related: My Car Shakes When Stopped or Idling

 

Related: Car Diagnostics Explained | What They Do & How It’s Done

Related: My Car Jerks When Accelerating

Don’t Burn Away Your Money With Old Spark Plugs

Schedule an appointment today at your nearest AAMCO to get your old spark plugs checked or replaced with high quality plugs that will keep your vehicle running smooth for years to come.

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