Is Cylinder Cleaning Necessary When Replacing Spark Plugs?

[StJayden]

Cleaning carbon deposits inside the cylinders is necessary when replacing spark plugs. The cleaning cycle for spark plug carbon buildup varies for each vehicle, and sometimes even differs for the same car. Generally, for urban driving, it is recommended to clean every 20,000 kilometers, while for cars frequently driven on highways, cleaning can be done every 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers. Spark plugs themselves are wear-and-tear parts that require regular replacement. If a spark plug is damaged, it can directly cause issues such as electrical leakage in the vehicle's ignition system, increased fuel consumption, reduced power, and most importantly, difficulty in starting, which affects the normal use of the vehicle. Severe erosion of the spark plug, such as scarring at the top, damage, or melted and eroded electrodes, indicates that the spark plug is damaged and should be replaced. Spark plug replacement cycle: Under normal maintenance conditions, replacement is recommended every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers. However, this may vary depending on the brand and engine type, so it is advisable to follow the user manual. Typically, platinum spark plugs should be replaced every 40,000 kilometers, ordinary nickel alloy spark plugs every 20,000 kilometers, and iridium spark plugs every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers.