How to Tell When Spark Plugs Need Replacement
1 Answers
Methods to determine if spark plugs need replacement: Remove the spark plugs and observe them. Judge the condition of the spark plugs based on their appearance and color. Normal spark plugs have an insulator skirt 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 covered in oil or deposits but are not damaged, they can continue to be used after cleaning off the oil and deposits. If the spark plugs are severely damaged, with signs such as blistering at the top, 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 the wrong heat range was selected or the air-fuel mixture is too rich, or there is oil leakage. If the spark plugs are damaged, it can directly cause issues such as leakage in the vehicle's ignition system, increased fuel consumption, reduced power, and most importantly, difficulty in starting, which affects the vehicle's normal operation. Severe erosion of the spark plugs, blistering at the top, damage, or melted and eroded electrodes all indicate that the spark plugs are damaged and should be replaced.
