How to Tell When Spark Plugs Need Replacement

[MacMatteo]

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.

[JosephineDella]

With over a decade of driving experience, I've noticed several clear signs when spark plugs need replacement. When starting the car, it takes multiple cranks before the engine fires up, as if hesitating; during normal acceleration, there's slight body shuddering or lack of power, especially noticeable uphill; fuel consumption inexplicably increases by several liters, making fuel costs painful; occasional stalling sensations occur while driving, like gasping for breath. I recommend checking by mileage—typically replacement is due every 30,000-40,000 km. Neglecting this can damage the engine and increase repair expenses. Paying attention to these changes and maintaining regular servicing helps prevent major issues.

[SophiaLynn]

When I commute by car daily, I can immediately feel when the vehicle lacks power during acceleration, especially when trying to overtake—stepping on the gas pedal but failing to pick up speed, or noticing the engine sound becoming rough. A sudden spike in fuel consumption is another major red flag; filling up more frequently can reveal abnormalities. I once mistakenly thought it was a fuel quality issue, but after changing the spark plugs, everything ran smoothly again. I recommend checking for simple signs like delayed ignition, difficulty starting, or keeping an eye on whether the dashboard warning lights are on. Addressing these minor issues promptly can extend your car's lifespan.

[VanLucas]

Aging spark plugs pose a threat to driving safety. I once experienced an engine stall while driving, which nearly caused an accident. Difficulty starting and frequent shaking are warning signs. Since then, I never ignore these symptoms and immediately inspect the spark plugs whenever I notice sluggish acceleration or power interruption. Following the manufacturer's recommendation to inspect spark plugs every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers is the best preventive measure.