How to Determine When Spark Plugs Need Replacement
1 Answers
Methods to determine when spark plugs need replacement: Remove the spark plugs and observe their appearance to assess their condition. Normal spark plugs have insulators and electrodes that appear grayish-white, grayish-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 burn. If the spark plugs are contaminated with oil or deposits but remain undamaged, they can continue to be used after cleaning off the oil and deposits. If the spark plugs are severely damaged, showing signs such as blistering at the tip, black streaks, cracks, or melted electrodes, the cause of the damage should be identified. After troubleshooting, replace the spark plugs with new ones. Additionally, if the spark plugs appear black as if smoked, it indicates incorrect heat range selection or a rich fuel mixture, possibly with oil leakage. Damaged spark plugs can directly cause issues such as electrical leakage in the vehicle's ignition system, increased fuel consumption, and reduced power. The most significant problem is difficulty in ignition, affecting the vehicle's normal operation. Severe erosion of the spark plug, such as blistering at the tip, damage, or melted and eroded electrodes, indicates that the spark plug is ruined and should be replaced.
