In your car’s engine, the combustion process depends heavily on the spark plug. In order to start your engine, it burns the air/fuel mixture and causes an explosion. No matter how advanced the electronics in your car are, it still needs a spark plug to start. However, car owners frequently neglect routine maintenance, which subsequently results in serious engine issues.
Anyone who owns a car is aware that the performance of their vehicle greatly depends on the condition of their spark plugs. They are essential to the ignition process and impact how efficiently your engine operates. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep them tidy and maintained.
Checking and replacing the spark plugs on a car used to be one of the simplest maintenance tasks. That was before computerized sensors and emissions tubes engulfed engine chambers. Take advantage of the fact that your car’s spark plugs are reasonably simple to access if you’re fortunate enough to own one. This is due to the fact that they provide clear signs of what’s happening in the combustion chamber and the internal functioning of your engine. Continue reading to learn basic spark plug maintenance advice and symptoms of a malfunctioning spark plug.
Select the Right Spark Plug for Your Vehicle
There are three distinct types of spark plugs on the market: copper, platinum, and iridium. Copper plugs have a high conductivity but are inexpensive and have a limited lifespan. Iridium and platinum are costly in comparison but provide good performance over the long term. The architecture of your car’s engine will always determine the optimal match, though.
Frequently Clean The Spark Plug and Electrodes
Cleaning out the dirt from your car’s spark plugs on a regular basis is the best method to maintain them. If you follow the correct instructions, you may complete this task at home. You’ll need a socket wrench, thinner liquid, a toothbrush, and sandpaper to clean the spark plug.
Make sure you remove the plug carefully from its terminal with a socket wrench and soak it in petrol, diesel, or isopropyl alcohol solution.
Start by clearing away any debris from the spark plug’s outside. After that, use 220-grit sandpaper to gently remove the buildup, being careful not to scratch the metal. A tiny file can also be used to get rid of any tenacious accumulation. To clear debris from its threads, use a wire brush.
After cleaning, you must use a spark plug gap instrument to examine the gap between the plug and the electrode. Because each car has its own manufacturer-recommended gap specifications, you must consult your vehicle’s manual for details.
Before reinstating the plug, make sure it is entirely dry. Lubricant the threads with a small amount of grease before replacing the spark plug. Grease will help stop corrosion and make spark plug removal simpler in the future. Once the spark plug is snug, use a torque wrench to complete the tightening process. Do not overtighten it!
Start the engine to evaluate your efforts.
Examine the spark gap
To ensure proper operation of your spark plugs, the spacing between the center and side electrodes must be suitable. The engine will perform poorly if the spacing is too small since the spark will be weak. If the spacing is too large, the plug won’t spark, though. Therefore, it is crucial to use a coin-type gap meter to evaluate the gap before putting it in the combustion chamber.
Make The Mounting Area Clean
The mounting region of a spark plug might become clogged with debris and oil from repeated combustion, which will throw off its alignment. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly clean the mounting area to prevent malfunction. To remove the accumulated dirt, use a compressed air cannon.
Fill The Cavity Near The Central Electrode With Spray
A buildup of junk may result in an engine misfire. If there is any undesired material, such as porcelain dust, in the cavity surrounding the center electrode, clean it out with a plug cleaner. When spraying the cavity, be sure to hold the plug with the face down.
Blinking dashboard light
Your engine light may flash as a result of a sudden misfire brought on by worn spark plugs. If this occurs, don’t try to fix the spark plug; just replace it. The kind of engine and the model of the car affect how much replacing a spark plug will cost. Regular automobiles usually cost between AED 75 and AED 180.
Signs The spark plug has to be changed.
A good spark plug should last for 20,000 miles, although it might degrade over time. It is advised to change your spark plug if it exhibits any of the damage indicators listed below.
Problems Starting the Car
Your car moves by igniting the air/fuel mixture in the engine through spark plugs. It must be replaced if it is malfunctioning and preventing your car from starting.
Regular Gas Fill Ups
Fuel consumption rises as a result of a damaged spark plug’s inefficient fuel combustion. So, if you regularly need to fill up with gas, a worn spark plug could be to blame.
Engine Rumble
Every car engine has its own particular sound, such as a soft hum or a triumphant roar, but the spark plug is to blame if you hear rattling, screeching, grinding, or pinging noises coming from the engine.
Time to Speed Up
An automobile typically accelerates in 5 to 6 seconds. Your automobile may, however, be accelerating more slowly than usual due to a worn spark plug. Your car’s engine could suffer serious harm if you put off spark plug maintenance or if you drive with worn out plugs. The functionality of your plugs can be improved with routine maintenance. You have the option of cleaning the plugs yourself at home or paying a professional specialist to do so.
