Benefits of Changing Spark Plugs

Did you know that replacing the spark plugs is just as important as getting the best ones in the first place? Well, if not, then this article would reveal to you the benefits of changing spark plugs.

The small yet might car engine component produces the ignition that starts the engine. A fault in it translates into several engine problems, including misfiring, slow start, poor acceleration, and more. So, it needs changing after recommended intervals.

Check below in detail about the whens, whats, and whys.

Benefits of Changing Spark Plugs and Wires

Frequently when a car has trouble starting, you assume there’s something wrong with the batteries. While that’s plausible, a faulty plug can cause that too.

Apart from that, you are likely to experience some other issues when you don’t replace the plugs. And we will get to that in a bit, but first, look below some of the perks of having them replaced when it’s time.

Keep Your Vehicle Performing at Its Peak

The simple maintenance task of replacing the spark plugs goes a long way in keeping your vehicle in its top shape. How? 

Having new plugs installed will significantly reduce the engine misfires, a condition caused by incomplete combustion or when the air-fuel mixture is thrown off.

And changing the plugs will ensure consistent better combustion. This helps in keeping the engine healthy and performing at its peak.

Improved Fuel Economy

A car that is struggling to get started is prone to more gas usage than it needs. And that’s because of its inefficiency of burning fuel.

While you keep wondering why your engine runs out of gas so fast, most often, the reason is faulty plugs. And by replacing them, you are sure to save some bucks from not having to fill up the tank multiple times.

Smooth Starts

Newer spark plugs make sure the fuel combustion process is running adequately. That translates into the ignition sparks being sufficient to initiate the fuel burn, starting the engine with the least time and effort.

You will also experience a significant improvement in cold starting.

Reduced Emission

Incomplete combustion often results in harmful gas emissions. But as you replace the plugs, the engine runs more efficiently with no disruption in the combustion process, and fuel consumption is economical. This results in limited emission as well.

Reduced Risk Of Engine Damage

Misfires due to worn-out plugs can lead to some costly repair needs. Over time the engine’s power is reduced, its parts get worn out due to the excessive heat and emission, and the catalytic converter undergoes damages.

So, by replacing them from time to time, you reduce the risk of the engine getting damaged.

Spark Plug Problems:

Of course, the prerequisite of buying spark plugs is that you get the models right. Most basic plug problems generate from the common mistakes of purchasing ones that don’t fit your vehicle.

So, if you have a honda civic, make sure to get the best spark plugs for honda civic in terms of quality, size, and material. However, even the best-fitted ones are prone to wear out over time.

And what do worn-out plugs do? Well, have a look below.

• High Fuel Consumption

The faulty spark plugs cause the engine to work hard, resulting in more fuel consumption or inefficiency of the engine to burn the fuel effectively. Eventually, you will end up spending more on refilling.

• Misfiring

Aging plugs are a common cause of repeated engine misfires. You might feel the car shaking, or the engine check light coming on and of due to misfires.

• Poor Acceleration

Bad spark plugs have trouble creating the sparks or sometimes create weak sparks that lead to insufficient combustion. And when that happens, the car is like to have a rough start and poor acceleration.

When Should You Change Spark Plugs?

Well, the straightforward answer is when they are not working properly. But how do you determine whether the pair is fully functioning or not? If you see the following symptoms, then you should consider replacing the plugs.

• The car engine is not starting as effortlessly as before
• You are observing repeated car engine misfires
• Your vehicle’s fuel consumption has increased
• The vehicle acceleration is not swift and instant
• The engine is making rattling or knocking noises
• There’s frequent on and off flashing of the check engine light

By observing the symptoms, it’s easier to tell if there’s anything wrong with the plugs or not. Several times the problems might not be for the plugs only. However, you should inspect them on encountering any of the above.

How Long Do Spark Plugs Last?

It depends on the type of plugs you are using. Typically, they are categorized into two types, conventional and long-life ones.

Conventional spark plug change interval KM is 48,280 to 80,467 or 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Whereas, long-life ones need replacement between 60,000 to 150,000 miles or 96,560 to 241,401 km.

Nowadays, most modern car brands use long-life plugs. For instance, the spark plugs for Chevy Tahoe are mostly of iridium or double platinum that provides better durability than copper-made ones.

So, the changing interval also varies according to the vehicle. You might have to change the plugs earlier than recommended on facing any problems or if one of them fails to function.

Do New Spark Plugs Make Your Car Faster?

The carbon or oil deposit and gradual wearing out of the plugs do hamper the car’s power and mileage. And by replacing the old ones, you make sure the vehicle has returned to its top performance.

However, if you are thinking of upgrading them, there’s a lot to consider. Because plugs vary with the car brands, and while spark plugs for Toyota Corolla fall in the range of conventional copper ones to most modern iridium plugs, other cars might have the durable ones already installed.

Surely, you can limit the maintenance time, get more horsepower, and reduce the cost of frequent replacing by upgrading to life-long models.

But if your car already has the most appropriate ones fitted to it, there’s no need to changing them to a different type.

Final Words

The tiny yet mighty spark plugs are an indication that your car is running correctly. While replacing them falls under standard maintenance, the benefits of changing spark plugs range from ensuring a better fuel economy to reducing the risk of your precious engine’s failure.

However, a lack of understanding of the plug failure might result in expensive repairs. Reading through the article, we hope now you have a better understanding of why and when you should replace them.

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