Do Spark Plugs Need Cleaning?
2 Answers
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.
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.
