Do Spark Plugs Need Cleaning?

[JuliannaRose]

Spark plugs do need cleaning, and the methods for cleaning them include: 1. Using a spark plug cleaner; 2. Cleaning with carburetor cleaner; 3. Soaking in gasoline, kerosene, or acetone solvent, or boiling in alkaline water. The types of spark plugs are: 1. Standard spark plugs; 2. Insulator projection spark plugs; 3. Electrode spark plugs; 4. Seat-type spark plugs; 5. Pole-type spark plugs; 6. Surface gap spark plugs. The working principle of spark plugs is: Under the control of the engine, they introduce the high-voltage electricity generated by the ignition coil into the engine cylinder, creating a spark between the spark plug electrodes to ignite the air-fuel mixture, enabling the engine to operate normally.

[VanAnna]

I've been driving for 20 years, and spark plugs are the soul of engine ignition. I've thought about cleaning them many times. Theoretically, they can be cleaned—for example, by lightly sanding the electrodes with sandpaper or spraying some cleaner—but this method only works for old-fashioned copper-core plugs, and the effect is short-lived and unreliable. Modern cars use platinum or iridium plugs, which don’t need cleaning at all—they have a coating on the surface, and even if carbon deposits are removed, the wear remains, with minimal performance improvement. Failed cleaning attempts are common, and damaging the electrodes can make things worse, leading to engine misfires or skyrocketing fuel consumption. My advice is simple: regular replacement is the way to go. Change your spark plugs every 40,000 kilometers for just a hundred bucks or so, and it solves everything. Replacing them yourself is also easy. Don’t bother cleaning to save time or money—it’s just a waste of both. Healthy spark plugs mean strong ignition, and the entire engine runs smoothly. Remember to check the electrode gap color: light brown is normal, but black and thick means it’s time to replace. Timely replacement is the long-term solution—it protects your engine and reduces breakdowns.

[VanJune]

As a family car owner who frequently takes long trips with my kids on weekends, I pay close attention to car maintenance. I've personally tried spark plug cleaning. Once, when my engine had trouble starting, the repair shop recommended a cleaning service with a 30-yuan fee. However, a few days after the cleaning, the problem returned—severe shaking. The mechanic explained that cleaning only removes surface carbon and doesn't fix electrode damage, like wiping a window without replacing a rotten frame. Modern spark plugs are designed for one-time use, and replacing copper plugs every 30,000 kilometers is the most cost-effective solution. You can buy new plugs online for just a few dozen yuan and replace them yourself in half an hour. Cleaning might seem like a money-saver, but it can hide potential hazards, especially in rainy or humid conditions where short circuits may occur. I've since made it a habit to check the spark plugs whenever I inspect the engine oil. If they turn black, I replace them immediately. Don't hesitate to skip the cleaning—it's like applying lipstick to cover wrinkles. Just replace them directly to keep your car running smoothly and safely, giving your family peace of mind.

[MalachiFitz]

I struggled with spark plug cleaning in the first year after buying my car, but was talked out of it by fellow car enthusiasts in the group chat. Cleaning is pretty useless—even if you clean an old plug thoroughly, the internal electrodes are still worn out, making it hard to restore performance. It’s better to just replace them regularly: the general recommendation is every 30,000–40,000 km. Standard copper-core spark plugs are cheap and easy to install—just buy a new one online and pop open the engine hood to swap it in. I tried cleaning twice, spraying and scrubbing with tools and solvents, but the plugs just became more sensitive, causing unstable ignition. Direct replacement saves hassle and money while improving engine ignition stability. Skip the cleaning—replacement is the way to go.