The spark plugs need to be replaced every 30,000 miles in older engines; they can go as long as 100,000 miles in newer engines. How can you tell if your spark plugs need replacing when there’s such a difference between the mileage? Your vehicle will give you one or more of the following five signs that the spark plugs are dirty or worn or both. These signs can also signal spark plug wire trouble.
Rough Engine Idle
The spark plugs generate a spark to ignite the air/fuel mixture in your car, truck, or SUV’s engine combustion chamber. If they spark intermittently or fail to spark at all, you will notice it in your engine idle. Your engine should always have a smooth idle; you shouldn’t hear any strange noises.
You Can’t Start Your Car, Truck, or SUV
Another sign you need to replace your spark plugs is how your vehicle starts. If the plugs are dirty or worn, or if there’s a problem with the plug wires, you won’t be able to start your automobile or you’ll have a hard time getting it started and running. Worn spark plugs can also drain your battery.
Engine Misfires
Carbon is a natural deposit in combustion engines. If the carbon has built up on your spark plugs, this will cause your cylinders to misfire. You will hear and feel the misfires when you start your automobile and you’ll notice poor engine performance when you drive it, which will eat away at your gas mileage.
Engine Performance
To be more specific, as your vehicle’s engine performance wanes, you might feel surges or hesitations. This can be caused by the spark plugs, your fuel pump, an electrical problem, or other engine malfunction. Have the surges or hesitations inspected right away as the cause could be dangerous.
Acceleration Trouble
Again, your vehicle’s combustion engine relies on the ignition of air and fuel to start and run. If the plugs are dirty or worn, your engine might lag when step on the gas. This is also a sign of transmission trouble. Don’t take chances and cause further engine damage. Bring your vehicle in for an inspection.
Don’t take chances. Pull out your owner’s manual and see when your vehicle manufacturer recommends you get your car, truck, or SUV’s spark plugs changed. Then, bring your vehicle to Integrity Auto Repair at the right time. This will avoid the five issues listed above and keep your automobile running efficiently and safely. Preventative maintenance costs less than engine repair, so have your plugs changed today.
