Should Car Spark Plugs Be Cleaned?
2 Answers
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.
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.
