Do Spark Plugs Affect Fuel Consumption?
1 Answers
Spark plugs do affect fuel consumption. If a spark plug is damaged, it can directly lead to increased fuel consumption in a vehicle. Methods to determine if a spark plug is damaged: Remove the spark plug and observe its appearance to assess its condition. A normal spark plug's insulator skirt and electrodes should appear gray-white, gray-yellow, or light brown. A properly functioning spark plug will have a reddish-brown insulator skirt, with an electrode gap between 0.8-0.9mm and no signs of electrode burn. If the spark plug has oil stains 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, showing signs like 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 creeping up. Steps to replace a spark plug: Open the engine hood, lift the plastic engine cover, and remove the high-voltage wires. Mark each wire according to its corresponding cylinder position to avoid confusion. Use a spark plug socket to remove the spark plugs one by one. While removing, check for any external debris like leaves or dust and clean them 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 in the firing order and secure the cover.
