Under What Conditions Should Spark Plugs Be Replaced?
3 Answers
Spark plugs should be replaced under the following conditions: 1. After driving 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers; 2. Abnormal engine shaking during acceleration; 3. Vehicle idling with noticeable vibration; 4. Difficulty starting the engine; 5. Sudden engine stalling. The procedure for replacing spark plugs is: 1. Turn off the engine and remove the spark plug cap; 2. Unscrew the old spark plug counterclockwise; 3. Screw in the new spark plug clockwise; 4. Reattach the spark plug cap; 5. Verify proper installation and test start the engine. Causes of spark plug damage include: 1. Insufficient spark energy during ignition; 2. High air-fuel ratio in the fuel mixture; 3. Engine overheating; 4. Excessively dirty air filter; 5. Excessively high idle speed; 6. Severe carbon buildup and use of low-quality gasoline; 7. Damaged valve oil seals or crankcase ventilation valve failure.
The critical moment for spark plug replacement, as I've personally experienced: the engine starts shaking violently, like the car is trembling, especially noticeable at idle. This could be due to aging spark plugs or carbon buildup, causing uneven ignition. Fuel consumption also skyrockets, making you feel the pinch at the pump with more frequent refueling. Additionally, symptoms like sluggish acceleration, poor uphill performance, or black, foul-smelling exhaust smoke are all warning signs it's time for a change. Typically, standard spark plugs last about 20,000 to 50,000 kilometers, depending on your driving habits—highway driving can extend their life, while city stop-and-go traffic means earlier replacement saves money. During routine maintenance, have your mechanic check electrode wear; don't wait until engine failure demands costly major repairs. For older cars, I recommend paying extra attention, conducting simple monthly checks for changes in engine sound.
As a daily driver, my car has had a few minor issues: the engine shakes like a heart attack at idle, and it stalls when the AC is turned on, which suggests it's time to replace the spark plugs. The car lacks power when accelerating from a stop, and pressing the gas pedal feels unresponsive, as if the power is draining away. The fuel consumption suddenly increased—I've experienced an extra 1 liter per 100 kilometers. Upon checking the spark plugs, I found the electrodes were eroded. It's recommended to refer to the maintenance manual; for regular cars, replacing them every 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers is the safest bet. If you're handy with DIY, pull them out to check for thick carbon buildup or cracks—replacing them costs just a few dozen bucks. But don't ignore the engine warning light; it often serves as an early warning for spark plug issues. Address it promptly to avoid being stranded on the road and ensure travel safety. Regular maintenance is an essential habit for any driver.
