How many kilometers should car spark plugs be replaced?
2 Answers
Car spark plugs should be replaced every 20,000 kilometers. To determine whether spark plugs need replacement, they should be removed for inspection to observe their color, the gap between electrodes, and whether there's air leakage at the gap between the ceramic and metal shell. If removal is inconvenient, you can also check if the car has difficulty starting when cold or if there's a noticeable decline in engine performance. These symptoms likely indicate that the spark plugs need replacement. Precautions for spark plug usage: 1. There are many types of spark plugs, each with its own economic lifespan. Continuing to use them beyond this lifespan may adversely affect the engine's power and fuel efficiency; 2. During use, normal carbon deposits will form on the electrodes and the skirt insulator of the spark plug. If these deposits are not cleaned over time, they can accumulate, eventually leading to electrode leakage or failure to spark; 3. When spraying silver powder or performing other maintenance on the engine, pay attention to keeping the spark plugs clean, as dirt on the surface can cause leakage; 4. Do not use fire to clean carbon deposits and oil stains from the electrodes and skirt of the spark plug, as the temperature is hard to control during burning, which can easily crack the skirt insulator and cause spark plug leakage.
Having driven for over 20 years, I've had my fair share of spark plug replacements. Standard spark plugs typically need to be changed every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers. They tend to wear out faster with city driving in traffic, though highway driving is a bit easier on them. I've noticed that delaying replacement leads to aged spark plugs, resulting in sluggish starts, noticeable engine shaking, and a significant increase in fuel consumption. It's best to refer to your car's manual, which provides clear guidelines. Some friends opt to save money by replacing them themselves—simple models might be manageable, but for more complex ones, it's safer to visit a professional shop to avoid damaging the electrical system. Regularly checking them during routine maintenance is a good practice; healthy spark plugs keep the engine running smoothly.