Symptoms Of Bad Or Failing Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are an integral part of your vehicle, working behind the background to ensure that your engine functions smoothly. For newbie drivers who don’t know what a spark plug is, it’s the main contact point between the internal combustion engine and the car. Spark plugs have been a crucial component for every internal combustion engine over the years. From your used Kia Sorento to a spanking new Range Rover, you should always keep your car’s spark plugs in top shape, as they serve as a means to ignite the mixture of air and fuel within the cylinders of the engine and hence, provide a source of ignition.

These plugs transmit an electric signal from the ignition coil at a predetermined time to ignite the engine efficiently. The type of spark plug that your vehicle needs depends on its make and model. Each gas-powered vehicle has a spark plug made from specific materials and a designated spark plug gap as well which is only set by a trained mechanic during installation. Any spark plug in decent working condition will burn your fuel efficiently. On the other hand, faulty spark plugs may cause your vehicle to not start at all.

Just like motor oil, fuel filters, and air filters, spark plugs require constant maintenance and care under the trusty hands of a serviceman. It is recommended that spark plugs should be replaced every 30,000 to 50,000 miles for every vehicle sold in the US.

Still, in the current scenario, most spark plugs need not be replaced thanks to the rapid advancements in technology like newer ignition systems. This includes the likes of newer cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs. Nevertheless, there are still some rare scenarios where spark plugs can fail, thus handicapping your vehicle’s movement.,

It is important to decode the symptoms of failing spark plugs beforehand, to prevent any sort of critical damage to your vehicle. Consider replacing your vehicle’s spark plugs if you notice any of these signs:

The engine gives off a rough note when idle

A smooth engine sound is a clear indicator that your vehicle’s spark plugs are functioning properly. However, if you notice a coarse and jittery sound while your engine is running idle, it is an indicator that your spark plugs could be damaged. The vehicle’s vibration also resonates through the entire chassis, lending you a shaky and nervy feel while driving.

The engine is hesitant to start

We have all been in that stressful situation of being late to work and the car being reluctant to start. This could be because of low fuel, flat battery, or even faulty spark plugs in some cases. With the spark plugs malfunctioning, you are left stranded without a source of ignition for your engine.

Your vehicle’s ignition system is composed of several components working together like a well-oiled machine. So there’s always the possibility that your spark plugs are fine and the issue is within some other part. Still, it is a wise decision to contact a mechanic in case your car decides to call it a day off.

Declining fuel economy

The main role of spark plugs is to burn fuel efficiently in the ICE and thus contribute to fuel economy. If you notice that your vehicle has been gulping more fuel than usual, it could well be attributed to a worn-out spark plug. If not replaced within time, these faulty spark plugs may burn a hole in your pocket owing to the extra fuel expenses.

Sluggish acceleration

The most common cause for sluggish car acceleration is faulty spark plugs. Most modern engines today send out an electric signal to spark the vehicle’s ignition system through inbuilt sensors. The effectiveness of your spark plugs is key to maintaining a steady acceleration throughout your ride.

If you feel that your vehicle is losing its pace and acceleration with each passing day, you should schedule a visit to the service repair shop. In most cases, a faulty spark plug is the main culprit behind sluggish acceleration. However, bad fuel filters, dirty or clogged fuel injectors, or issues with oxygen sensors could also be behind the slow pace of your vehicle.

Misfiring engine

An engine misfire is a critical issue that is typically caused by an issue in the car’s ignition system. This issue indicates that there is incomplete burning fuel leftover in the engine. This happens when the spark plug wire or the tip of the spark plug that is connected to the wire gets damaged.

A misfiring engine should never be neglected, as it could lead to other severe issues like an engine knock, performance loss, carbon deposits, and an increase in vehicle emissions. An engine misfire can be easily recognized by the intermittent stumbling sounds made by the engine. Always approach your nearest mechanic if you ever encounter an engine misfire, as this situation can be avoided even by a simple spark plug change.

Conclusion

Spark plugs are an integral component of your car and play a crucial role in ensuring that your daily journey goes smoothly. However, just like any other component, spark plugs are bound to wear out after repetitive years of usage.

Although spark plugs may serve you for many years, you shouldn’t neglect them completely as there is a chance they may get worn out at some point. By actively inspecting your spark plugs through regular maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of your engine by several thousand miles.