Under What Circumstances Should Spark Plugs Be Replaced?
3 Answers
Spark plugs need to be replaced under the following circumstances: 1. Difficulty starting the car: The normal operation of a car depends on the function of the spark plugs. If the spark plugs fail, the car cannot start; 2. Frequent shaking during driving: This indicates severe carbon buildup on the spark plugs, which requires prompt replacement; 3. Lack of power when climbing hills: Excessive carbon buildup on the spark plugs leads to incomplete fuel combustion, reducing the engine's power performance; 4. Increased fuel consumption: When the spark plugs are abnormal, fuel consumption will significantly increase. Spark plugs are a crucial component of the ignition system in gasoline engines. They introduce high voltage into the combustion chamber and create a spark by jumping the electrode gap, thereby igniting the combustible mixture in the cylinder.
Having driven for 15 years, I know that spark plugs usually need to be checked after every 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers. The most common sign is difficulty in ignition, such as needing multiple attempts to start the car in the morning, or the engine shaking noticeably at idle. Once, while driving on the highway, I suddenly felt the car losing power. A check at the repair shop revealed that the spark plugs were too carbon-fouled to ignite properly. Aging spark plugs can also lead to increased fuel consumption, reducing the distance you can travel on a full tank by dozens of kilometers. Don’t ignore these signals—small issues can escalate into major problems and even cause breakdowns. I often advise friends to inspect their spark plugs every two years or as recommended by the manual, especially in humid weather or with frequent short city trips, as these conditions make spark plugs more prone to failure. Replacing them early helps maintain the car’s smooth operation and safety.
Years of experience in car repair have taught me that there are specific signs indicating the need for spark plug replacement. Beyond mileage—copper-core plugs typically last 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers, while iridium ones can go up to around 80,000—any abnormalities noticed during actual driving should prompt an inspection. For instance, if the engine doesn’t accelerate as smoothly as before, there’s a delay in ignition, or slight knocking sounds are heard. Pull out the spark plug and check the electrode gap; if it exceeds 0.8 mm, it’s considered too large, or if the surface is heavily soiled with oil or carbon deposits, these are clear indicators to replace them immediately. Don’t wait until they fail completely, as this can lead to damage to the ignition coils or cause internal engine wear. A simple self-check method: open the hood and listen for crisp, steady sparking sounds during startup; if symptoms appear, get it repaired quickly to avoid major losses over minor issues.
