Should Car Spark Plugs Be Cleaned?

[Crystal]

No need to clean them. When spark plugs reach the end of their lifespan, internal aging occurs, leading to weak acceleration and increased fuel consumption. Cleaning won't solve these issues. They should be replaced with new ones—either original equipment manufacturer (OEM) spark plugs or compatible platinum/iridium alternatives. Below is relevant information about spark plugs: 1. Spark Plug Gap: The gap between the spark plug electrodes significantly affects performance. If the gap is too small, the spark will be weak and prone to carbon buildup causing leakage. If the gap is too large, the required breakdown voltage increases, making the engine harder to start and more likely to misfire at high speeds. The gap should be properly adjusted, typically 0.7–0.8mm for battery ignition systems, though some spark plugs may have gaps exceeding 1.0mm. 2. Spark Plug Heat Range: The heat range indicates the spark plug's ability to balance heat absorption and dissipation. A higher heat range means better heat balance, so hot-type spark plugs have a low heat range, while cold-type spark plugs have a high heat range. Generally, high-power, high-compression engines use cold-type spark plugs with a high heat range, whereas low-power, low-compression engines use hot-type spark plugs with a low heat range.

[SebastianDella]

I used to wonder whether spark plugs needed cleaning. The truth is, carbon buildup accumulates over time, leading to poor engine ignition, sluggish performance, and even a spike in fuel consumption. Cleaning might sound cost-effective—some people use specialized cleaners or ultrasonic tools to remove deposits—but the results are often underwhelming. Worse, improper cleaning can damage the electrode gap, causing engine misfires or failure to start. I once tried cleaning mine, wasted half an hour with no improvement, and only solved the issue by replacing them. My advice: regularly inspect your spark plugs. If they appear blackened or oily, just swap in new ones—it’s far more reliable. Their lifespan is typically 20,000–30,000 miles, so don’t waste time on cleaning.

[VanNora]

Over the years of running an auto repair shop, I've often been asked by car owners about spark plug cleaning. The key issue is that excessive carbon buildup on the electrodes can affect ignition efficiency, leading to increased engine noise and slower acceleration. While cleaning is theoretically possible using solvents or professional cleaning tools, the actual operation carries significant risks as the electrodes can easily be damaged, resulting in short circuits or failure. I've seen many cases where cleaning actually made things worse for car owners, so I generally recommend regularly inspecting spark plugs according to the manual. If severe carbon buildup is found, it's better to simply replace them with new ones. They're not expensive and ensure reliable ignition, avoiding the hassle of roadside breakdowns. Different spark plug materials like platinum can last longer, but generally speaking, cleaning isn't as cost-effective as replacement.

[OCecilia]

Cleaning spark plugs is basically unnecessary. Carbon buildup can make the car hard to start or cause unstable idling. Some people use cleaning tools to remove carbon deposits, but it often ends up being a waste of effort and leaves residues that affect performance. It's more reliable to disassemble and inspect the electrode condition. If the color turns grayish-white or black, it's better to replace them with new ones promptly. Modern car spark plugs, like iridium ones, are designed for durability. Just follow the maintenance schedule in the manual for replacement frequency—cleaning is an unnecessary expense and carries risks. Checking them is simple enough to do yourself, saving you from spending money needlessly.

[DiThomas]

As an experienced driver who frequently maintains cars, I advise against messing around with spark plug cleaning. Excessive carbon buildup on spark plugs is caused by fuel residue, leading to ignition misalignment and engine shaking. While using cleaning agents may help remove deposits, it can easily damage the insulation layer, causing short circuits or even damaging other components. It's recommended to check spark plug conditions quarterly – if the electrodes appear burnt or greasy, replace them with new ones. Cleaning might save some costs in the short term, but the results are unreliable and safety isn't guaranteed. Installing new spark plugs provides peace of mind, ensures smooth driving, and reduces maintenance frequency. The key is regular maintenance to prevent minor issues from turning into major failures.