Spark plugs may be small in size, but the role that they play within your vehicle is of great importance. Spark plugs are responsible for creating the spark which ignites the air/fuel mixture. This creates a tiny explosion which then allows your vehicle’s engine to produce power. Of course, this power is what enables you to drive your vehicle around, so without proper working spark plugs, operating your vehicle would be pretty much impossible.
Nothing in your vehicle is guaranteed to last forever, including your spark plugs. Like all other components, your spark plugs are guaranteed to wear out as time goes on, prompting the need for a replacement. Fortunately however, spark plugs don’t need to be replaced very often. In fact, they can last for many years or kilometres before eventually wearing out. But when the time comes, it’s important to make sure that your spark plugs are replaced as soon as possible.
Below, we’ve run through the importance of changing your spark plugs when necessary:
What Happens to Spark Plugs as They Age?
As you drive your vehicle for many months over hundreds of kilometres, your spark plugs are constantly being subjected to harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures. Over time, this can cause your spark plugs to wear out in two ways. First off, deposits will start to build up around your spark plugs, as a result of interaction between your spark plugs and the air fuel mixture. This can lead to pre-ignition of the fuel. Secondly, the gaps between your spark plugs will begin to widen. When a spark plug ignites, it has to travel over a gap of space in order to provide the right level of combustion at the right moment. Due to the wear and tear, this gap can start to widen over time, consequently making it harder for combustion to occur.
Symptoms of Failing Spark Plugs
When your spark plugs start to fail, you will generally be able to tell by the following symptoms:
- Slow Acceleration: When your spark plugs fail to create a spark hot enough to ignite the air/fuel mixture, then you may experience problems such as slow acceleration. However, you should keep in mind that slow acceleration can also be attributed to a number of other issues, including a dirty or clogged fuel injector as well as oxygen sensor issues. As such, you should contact European Prestige Auto Service for an accurate diagnosis.
- Poor Fuel Economy: Bad spark plugs can also affect your vehicle’s fuel economy, through having a gap that is too small and thus, not being able to provide the right level of combustion as the right moment.
- Engine Misfires: Engine misfires will cause your vehicle to run rough at idle, however this may also occur whilst driving. An engine misfire will feel like a jerk coming from the engine whilst accelerating, and you may also hear stumbling or stuttering sounds coming from the engine. Sensor malfunctions are one of the most common causes of engine misfires, so it’s important to have your vehicle checked for this as well as failing spark plugs.
- Hard Starts: It’s important for your spark plugs to be able to create a good spark in order to start the engine initially. Henceforth, if you spark plugs are worn and are incapable of creating said spark, you may find it difficult to start your vehicle.
What Happens When You Refuse to Change Your Spark Plugs?
If you leave your worn spark plugs unresolved for some time, then you are bound to be faced with expensive repairs and replacements later on. The aforementioned symptoms of bad spark plugs can lead to more serious consequences such as significant engine damage, whilst poor fuel economy in particular can see you spending an unnecessary amount on extra fuel. For this reason, it’s important to have your worn-out spark plugs replaced as soon as possible, so that you can prevent yourself from having to deal with such circumstances.
Turn to European Prestige Auto Service for Spark Plug Replacement
At European Prestige Auto Service, we proudly service a range of luxury European vehicle makes and models, offering everything from routine maintenance to engine rebuilding, automotive tuning and transmission service. We can perform spark plug replacement as a part of your scheduled service, or as a standalone service. Our professional mechanics are fully qualified and passionate about providing your vehicle with the high-quality care it deserves. So, you can rest assured knowing that when you choose European Prestige Auto Service, you’re putting your beloved automobile in extremely capable hands.
Call us now to book your vehicle in for a spark plug replacement!
