Do Spark Plugs Affect Car Fuel Consumption?

[DeKingston]

Spark plugs do affect fuel consumption. If a spark plug is damaged, it can directly cause an increase in the car's fuel consumption. Methods to determine if a spark plug is damaged: Remove the spark plug and observe its appearance. The condition of the spark plug can be judged based on the following color observations. A normal spark plug's insulator skirt and electrodes appear gray-white, gray-yellow, or light brown. A properly functioning spark plug has a reddish-brown insulator skirt, with an electrode gap between 0.8-0.9mm, and no signs of electrode burning. If the spark plug is covered in oil or deposits but is not damaged, it can continue to be used after cleaning off the oil and deposits. If the spark plug is severely damaged, with signs such as blistering at the top, black streaks, cracks, or melted electrodes, the cause of the damage should be identified. After troubleshooting, replace the spark plug with a new one. Additionally, if the spark plug appears black as if smoked, it indicates the wrong heat range was selected or the air-fuel mixture is too rich, with oil seepage. Steps to replace a spark plug: Open the engine hood and lift the plastic cover of the engine. Remove the high-voltage wires, marking each cylinder's position to avoid confusion. Use a spark plug socket to remove each spark plug one by one. While removing, check for external debris like leaves or dust and ensure everything is cleaned thoroughly. Place the new spark plug into the spark plug hole, hand-tighten it a few turns, and then use the socket to tighten it further. Reinstall the high-voltage wires according to the firing order, then secure the cover.