Your car’s spark plugs are integral to the engine’s functioning. Without properly functioning spark plugs, you can run into performance issues, such as a decrease in fuel efficiency and even the inability to start your vehicle.
So how often should you be changing them?
Generally, copper and nickel spark plugs need to be replaced every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, while platinum and iridium spark plugs last longer, with a recommended replacement of every 60,000 to 150,000 miles. The exact length of time may differ depending on the manufacturer’s suggestions.
Factors Affecting Spark Plug Life
Engine performance:
Spark plug life is directly impacted by the conditions under which it operates. Factors that can shorten a spark plug’s lifespan include misfiring, deposits of oil or carbon, and excessive heat. Please properly gap a spark plug to prevent it from wearing out more quickly.
Spark plugs should also be changed at regular intervals to ensure maximum efficiency and performance from an engine over time.
Driving conditions:
It is important to monitor the condition of spark plugs regularly, as different factors can drastically reduce their lifespan. These factors include the engine’s air-fuel mixture, fuel type, engine speed, and operating temperature.
Deposits on the electrodes due to oil or gasoline leakage can cause damage and wear out a spark plug faster than normal. Taking these things into account when maintaining an engine helps to ensure that a spark plug works correctly and lasts for its entire life cycle.
Maintenance:
Proper maintenance of spark plugs is important for their longevity. Regularly checked and changed spark plugs can last longer and perform better.
This includes checking it periodically to make sure it’s working correctly and the gap between electrodes is not too wide or too narrow and replacing it when needed.
Type of Engine Oil:
The type of engine oil used in a vehicle affects the life of your spark plugs. Synthetic oil with higher viscosity levels has been known to interfere with the spark plug’s performance, resulting in an early failure even before it is time to change it. Make sure you use an oil viscosity that is suitable for your vehicle’s make and model.
Type of Spark Plug:
Quality matters when it comes to spark plug life! Low-quality parts that appear similar to higher-quality counterparts can cause extreme wear on the spark plug(s).
When choosing replacement spark plugs, check the manufacturer’s recommendations for part numbers, materials, and specifications for your particular vehicle’s make and model.
Tips & Tricks: When and How to Inspect Your Spark Plugs
Check your owner’s manual
Most car manufacturers recommend spark plug replacement every 30,000 to 100,000 miles or as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Refer to your owner’s manual or service manual for specific advice.
Inspect the Spark Plugs
Inspect your spark plugs to determine how often you should replace them. Look for any signs of heavy deposits or excessive carbon build-up, and listen for any strange noises from the engine that could indicate a malfunctioning spark plug.
Be aware of driving conditions
Different driving conditions can cause greater friction and wear on your spark plugs than others, so it’s important to look out for signs that may indicate you need more frequent replacements such as hard starts and rough idling caused by insufficient fuel combustion in the engine due to worn spark plugs.
Pay attention to engine performance
When replacing spark plugs, make sure all six are changed at once; mismatched old and new plugs might lead to misfires from unequal firing within the engine’s cylinders. If your vehicle is running sluggish or exhibiting signs of hesitation when accelerating, this can also be an indication that you need a new set of spark plugs immediately.
Check Fuel Economy
If you notice a decrease in fuel economy and other performance issues, such as stalling or hard starts, it’s likely time to change your spark plugs sooner rather than later. Affordable sets of high-quality spark plugs can offer an instant boost in efficiency without needing additional parts added on.
Conclusion
Spark plugs should be checked and changed regularly to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
The type of engine oil used in a vehicle can affect the life of your spark plugs, so make sure you are using an oil with a viscosity suitable for your vehicle’s make and model.