Spark plug aging does affect fuel consumption and can lead to increased fuel usage in vehicles. Methods to determine if a spark plug is damaged: Remove the spark plug and observe its condition based on the following color indicators. A normal spark plug's insulator skirt and electrodes should 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 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, cracking, 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 hood, lift the engine's plastic cover, and remove the high-voltage wires. Mark each cylinder's position to avoid confusion. Use a spark plug socket to remove the spark plugs one by one. While removing, check for external debris like leaves or dust and ensure they are cleaned thoroughly. Place the new spark plug into the spark plug hole, hand-tighten it a few turns, then use the socket to tighten it further. Reinstall the high-voltage wires according to the firing order and secure the cover.
