The Benefits of On-Time Spark Plug Replacement

October 4, 2024

Spark plug

Did you know worn spark plugs contribute to worse engine performance, increased emissions, and even risk damaging your exhaust system? These small components are crucial to maintaining your vehicle’s performance, and when they wear out, it can lead to rough idling and reduced driving comfort.

The benefits of spark plugs include restoring a smooth ride, boosting fuel efficiency, reducing emissions, and helping prolong engine life by ensuring reliable combustion and protecting essential engine components. Consulting a professional technician for accurate diagnosis and expert service ensures your spark plugs are replaced correctly, helping you avoid potential errors and providing peace of mind.

Learn how spark plugs impact your engine’s performance, when to replace them, and why keeping them in top condition is essential for your vehicle’s overall health.

What Are Spark Plugs?

Spark plugs are essential components of an internal combustion engine. Most engines have one per cylinder, each producing the spark to ignite the fuel-air mixture. A clean spark and ignition allow the engine to generate optimal power, keeping the vehicle running smoothly.

Over time, spark plugs wear out. Each spark gradually erodes its electrodes, reducing its ability to spark cleanly. Carbon deposits from unburned fuel, the high temperatures in each combustion chamber, and varying fuel quality can also accelerate wear and tear. Due to their small size and location in the engine, spark plugs are not meant to be maintained or serviced; instead, they should be replaced as needed.

Mechanic replacing glow plugs in car

4 Signs That Spark Plugs Need Replacement

There are several indicators that your vehicle may need new spark plugs. Watch for these four common signs:

  1. Poor acceleration or sluggish response. Worn spark plugs may struggle to ignite the fuel efficiently, resulting in a noticeable lag when accelerating. You might feel your car hesitates or struggles to respond to throttle input.
  2. Engine misfires or rough idling. A misfire happens when at least one cylinder doesn’t ignite its fuel-air mixture as intended. The result is a stuttering or jerking sensation, particularly noticeable when the vehicle is idling. You might also hear a popping sound or feel unusual vibrations.
  3. Difficulty starting the engine. As spark plugs wear, they require more voltage to produce a spark. This can lead to hard starts, where the engine cranks longer before starting or, in severe cases, fails to start.
  4. Decreased fuel efficiency. Faulty spark plugs can lead to incomplete fuel combustion, reducing fuel efficiency. The more they wear out, the more frequent your gas station visits.

The Benefits of Replacing Spark Plugs on Time

Modern spark plugs are designed to be replaced at specific intervals to prevent them from wearing out and harming your engine’s performance. Depending on the spark plug type and the make and model of your vehicle, you may need to replace them once every 30,000 to 100,000 miles. Consult your owner’s manual for the exact interval to follow.

Keeping up with your spark plug replacement schedule offers multiple benefits for your vehicle:

  • Improved fuel efficiency. Replacing your spark plugs according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule is one of the best ways to preserve your car’s fuel economy. It helps ensure your vehicle continues to produce its original EPA fuel efficiency rating or better, keeping the miles per gallon (MPG) as high as possible.
  • Enhanced engine performance. Fresh spark plugs contribute to smoother acceleration and improved power delivery. If your vehicle starts feeling sluggish or as though it cannot deliver power as well as before, replacing the plugs can help solve these issues.
    For example, you may notice quicker throttle response and more consistent power delivery across all RPM ranges, especially when merging on the highway or climbing steep hills.
  • Reduced risk of engine misfires. An engine misfire occurs when one or more engine cylinders fail to ignite the fuel-air mixture correctly. Unburned fuel travels down the exhaust system and ignites inside the exhaust pipes, potentially causing backfires (visible flames, small explosions). Regular backfires can damage expensive components like the catalytic converter.
    Replacing the spark plugs helps minimize the risk of an engine misfire. It also helps preserve the lifespan of your exhaust components and reduces the risk of costly repairs. For example, a brand-new catalytic converter can cost anywhere between $300 and $2,500, depending on the make and model, not counting labor to install it.
  • Lower emissions. Replacing spark plugs at the recommended intervals helps your engine burn fuel and air cleanly and efficiently. This maintenance step can prevent common issues associated with worn spark plugs, such as inefficient combustion and increased harmful emissions.
    If you live in a state with smog laws and emissions testing procedures, fresh spark plugs can help your vehicle remain within the legal limit.

Types of Spark Plugs

There are three main types of spark plugs, each offering different levels of performance and lifespan:

  • Copper spark plugs. Copper spark plugs were once the most popular type but have largely been replaced by platinum and iridium models. While copper plugs remain the most affordable option, they typically have the shortest lifespan—usually between 20,000 and 30,000 miles. This is because copper is softer and more prone to wearing out.
    Of the three materials, copper conducts electricity the best. For this reason, some manufacturers may recommend copper spark plugs in high-performance applications, such as engines with turbochargers or high compression ratios.
  • Platinum spark plugs. Platinum plugs are more durable than copper, with a lifespan of up to 60,000 miles. They were among the first spark plug types to offer better durability and longevity than copper. Although iridium has since become the newest standard, platinum spark plugs are still used in numerous engines and are widely available.
  • Iridium spark plugs. Iridium plugs are the most durable, lasting up to 100,000 miles. Their high melting point allows for a smaller, more efficient electrode, leading to better engine performance and fuel efficiency. While more expensive, iridium plugs provide the best overall performance. Most modern vehicles with combustion engines today use iridium spark plugs, contributing to their efficiency.

When choosing a replacement spark plug, select one that matches your vehicle’s engine specifications. If you’re unsure which type is right for your car, consult a mechanic or refer to your owner’s manual.

Mechanic replacing glow plugs in car

Drive With Confidence: Get Your Spark Plugs Checked Today!

The benefits of replacing spark plugs are undeniable: better fuel efficiency, improved performance, and increased engine longevity. Regular spark plug maintenance is a cost-effective way to ensure your vehicle remains reliable and lasts longer.

If you want to boost your engine’s performance, Contact Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to schedule a spark plug inspection. Our certified technicians will evaluate their condition and handle any necessary replacements using manufacturer-approved parts. Invest in your vehicle’s health today for smoother, more efficient driving tomorrow.

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