How many kilometers should the spark plugs of the Volkswagen Tharu be replaced?
3 Answers
The spark plugs of the Volkswagen Tharu are generally replaced every two years or 20,000 kilometers. If the spark plugs are not replaced for a long time, it may lead to a decrease in vehicle power and an increase in fuel consumption. Spark plugs, commonly known as sparking plugs, function by discharging the high-voltage pulses sent from the high-voltage wires (spark plug wires), breaking down the air between the two electrodes of the spark plug to generate an electric spark, thereby igniting the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder. The Volkswagen Tharu is a compact SUV under SAIC Volkswagen, with dimensions of 4453mm in length, 1841mm in width, and 1632mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2688mm. It is equipped with two turbocharged engines: a 1.4T and a 2.0T, with maximum power outputs of 110kW and 137kW, and peak torques of 175Nm and 320Nm, respectively.
Last time I took my Volkswagen Tharu to the dealership for maintenance, the technician specifically showed me the spark plugs. He said the original nickel alloy ones need replacement around 20,000 km, while platinum or iridium ones can last 40,000-60,000 km. But these numbers aren't set in stone - for drivers like me who frequently crawl in city traffic, spark plugs accumulate carbon deposits much faster, so checking them at 15,000 km is safer. Once my car shook like dancing during startup, which turned out to be caused by spark plug electrode erosion. Now I strictly follow the maintenance manual - during every minor service, I ask the mechanic to remove one plug to inspect erosion, since spark plug condition directly affects fuel consumption and performance.
My Tharu started experiencing acceleration stuttering just after 30,000 km, and the 4S shop diagnosis showed misfiring caused by excessive spark plug gap. The service manager flipped through the maintenance records and told me that turbocharged engines have particularly high ignition requirements, with the manufacturer recommending replacement every 20,000 km. They've encountered several owners who stubbornly delayed replacement until 30,000 km, only to end up with damaged ignition coils and doubled repair costs. I've since developed a habit: every time I fill up the tank, I glance at the dashboard's startup time. If the engine takes over 2 seconds to start or if the tachometer slightly fluctuates at idle, I immediately get the spark plugs checked. Honestly, replacing them with platinum spark plugs costs just over 400 yuan—way more economical than engine repairs.
