Spark Plugs are an important part of maintaining performance and functionality in your vehicle. Think of spark plugs as a tiny bolt of lightning. They create a spark of electricity that ignites a mixture of air and fuel in the combustion chamber. This explosion puts the engine’s pistons in motion. When spark plugs start to deteriorate, you may notice your vehicle is not performing how it should. Here are some signs that you may need to change your spark plugs.

This spark plug has deteriorated

One of the problems your vehicle may experience is misfiring, which could be because the spark plug is not producing enough spark to ignite the fuel. This may cause the vehicle to sputter and then continue its usual movement. This can lead to higher emissions.

Another problem is a higher fuel consumption. If your spark plugs have started to deteriorate, you may notice that the fuel economy has decreased. Fuel economy can decrease up to 30% due to incomplete combustion in the cylinders. Read more about fuel and spark plugs in How Premium Gas Affects Your Vehicle

Rough idling can be due to having worn or damaged spark plugs. When you are stationary, the vehicle should be idling around 1000 rpm (rotations per minute) which gives that smooth and constant purring sound. When your car is running rough and feels like its sputtering, it can produce vibrations through the vehicle that cause costly damage.

Engine surging can also be a result of having bad spark plugs. When the vehicle sucks in more air than normal in the combustion process, it can lead to the vehicle jerking and then slowing down. This is a sign of the engine working inefficiently. Engine hesitation can lead to dangerous situations when crossing busy intersections or using on-ramps.

These are some common occurrences in vehicles when the spark plugs start wearing out. If you have any questions or believe your car is experiencing one of the symptoms above, call Service Techniques immediately. We will schedule an appointment and help your car purr like a kitten.