The Ultimate Guide to Spark Plugs

Your spark plugs are essential to the running of your car. They provide a small ignition source to your car’s engine, allowing the fuel to ignite and drive your car’s pistons. Spark plugs are the diligent worker that starts up your car, time after time. But how exactly do your spark plugs work? What are the signs of their failure, and what are their lifespan?

Your Spark Plugs

Your engine runs on a mixture of fuel and air that is injected into the ignition chamber by the fuel nozzle. These materials then combust (you can think of this like a small explosion, or a fire), or burn. After the first ignition, a chain reaction occurs; the first small explosion drives the next, and so on. However, the first ignition needs a source to begin the chain reaction, and your spark plugs are this source - it drives a small spark across a gap in your engine to start your chain reaction.

How long do your Spark Plugs Last?

Your spark plugs, thankfully, are one of the most durable parts of your engine, as they are housed in the ignition chamber, right in the middle of your engine block. Spark plugs are typically replaced 50,000km to 80,000 km, given proper engine conditions, however, the spark plugs in newer cars can last even longer. Most new cars also come with a lifetime warranty on spark plugs.

What are the signs of wearing spark plugs?

There are a few main signs of failing or malfunctioning spark plugs that you may be able to notice. Of course, if your spark plugs are completely dysfunctional, your car will not be able to start, however, there are many other signs of partial failure:

Sub-optimal fuel consumption

If your fuel consumption suddenly increases, it may be a sign of a malfunctioning spark plug. Your spark plugs help your car regulate itself, and increased mileage can be a symptom.

Slower Acceleration

Your spark plugs send additional ignition sparks to your engine when your car is accelerating, and if your car is malfunctioning, your car’s acceleration can be adversely impacted. If your car is responding more sluggishly, or accelerating slower, it may be a symptom of malfunctioning spark plugs.

Engine Misfiring

When your engine misfires, it is typically because of an issue with your car’s ignition system - the spark may have came late, or the spark may have been too large. These issues may come from a malfunctioning set of spark plugs.

If your car is experiencing one of all of these symptoms, chances are your spark plugs are malfunctioning. Fiix performs spark plug replacements, and can help diagnose problems with your car. Call us at 647-461-4449 or book online at www.fiix.io today!