Should the Lavida's spark plugs not be replaced unless they are broken?
3 Answers
The spark plugs of the Lavida should not be left unchanged just because they are not damaged. It is recommended to replace them every 40,000 kilometers. Methods to determine if the spark plugs are damaged: Remove the spark plugs and observe them. Check the appearance and color to assess their condition. Normal spark plugs have an insulator skirt and electrodes that appear gray-white, gray-yellow, or light brown. A properly functioning spark plug has an insulator skirt that is reddish-brown, 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, showing 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 that the wrong heat range was selected or that the air-fuel mixture is too rich, with oil seeping up.
You don't have to wait until the spark plugs fail to replace them. My Lavida has been running for almost five years, and the maintenance manual recommends replacing the spark plugs every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers. Even if they aren't broken, prolonged use can cause the electrode gap to widen, reducing ignition efficiency. This leads to noticeable engine shaking during startup and a significant increase in fuel consumption. I remember once waiting until 40,000 kilometers to replace them, and the average fuel consumption rose from over 7 liters to 8 liters—wasting money on fuel unnecessarily. Regular replacement also prevents bigger issues, like burning out the ignition coils, which would be much costlier to repair. The Lavida is quite durable, but spark plugs are small components. Replacing them costs just a couple hundred yuan, ensuring peace of mind and safety. You can even do it yourself with simple tools, or have them checked regularly at the 4S shop to avoid trouble.
From a technical perspective, spark plugs play a crucial ignition role in the engine. For cars like the Lavida, spark plugs typically last around 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers. If not replaced regularly, even if the surface appears intact, the internal electrodes may wear down and become blunt, causing delayed ignition timing and incomplete combustion of the air-fuel mixture. This can lead to reduced engine power, sluggish throttle response, and increased exhaust emissions over time, negatively impacting environmental protection. Automakers' recommended replacement intervals are well-founded—ignoring them can turn minor issues into major problems. For instance, aging spark plugs can damage other components, increasing repair costs. I've made it a habit to check the owner's manual every 20,000 kilometers, performing simple inspections of the gap or replacing the plugs. The Lavida's maintenance is quite convenient, and regular attention can keep your car running longer and more smoothly.
