What are the causes of spark plug damage?
4 Answers
The causes of spark plug damage are: 1. Long-term failure to clean carbon deposits; 2. Neglecting the cleanliness of the spark plug's exterior; 3. Over-tightening during spark plug installation; 4. Exceeding the recommended service life of the spark plug. Methods for spark plug maintenance include: 1. Using compressed air or a fine soft tube to blow away dust and impurities around the spark plug; 2. Ensuring the engine is cold before removing the spark plug, and never performing installation or removal while the engine is running; 3. Protecting the spark plug hole after removal to prevent debris or dust from entering the cylinder; 4. Using the correct tools for removal, ensuring the wrench fits properly and is operated straight and true to avoid damaging the insulating ceramic body.
There are many reasons for spark plug damage. From my experience in car repairs, the most common issue is electrode wear. After a few years of use, the electrodes thin out and ignition fails. Next is carbon buildup; using low-quality fuel or an improperly tuned engine can cause oil carbon to clog the spark plug holes. Oil leakage is also problematic, as oil seeping into the combustion chamber contaminates the electrode surface, hindering normal ignition. Additionally, engine overheating can melt the ceramic part of the spark plug. Ignition system failures, such as incorrect spark plug gap settings, can also damage it. It is recommended to regularly check the spark plug condition, replace them every 30,000 kilometers, and use high-octane fuel to reduce carbon deposits.
My previous car had a spark plug failure, making a buzzing noise when starting. It turned out to be severe carbon buildup due to often using cheap fuel that didn't burn completely. Another time, coolant leakage corroded the electrodes, causing the entire system to stop working. The mechanic said incorrect torque during spark plug installation—either too tight or too loose—could damage its internal structure. Heavy engine load during daily driving also makes it prone to overheating, shortening its lifespan. Damaged spark plugs can cause engine shaking, skyrocketing fuel consumption, or even breakdowns. Therefore, it's essential to develop a habit of regular maintenance and check the spark plugs' condition during every oil change.
Spark plug failure is usually caused by carbon buildup or electrode wear. As someone who enjoys tinkering with cars, I've noticed that a dirty air filter can worsen intake issues and accelerate carbon deposition. Old engine oil seeping into the combustion chamber also contaminates spark plugs. Excessive gap leads to unstable ignition, while too small a gap causes high voltage that burns out electrodes. Prevention is simple: regularly inspect spark plugs and use professional tools to maintain proper gap specifications. Avoid using low-quality gasoline that accelerates aging and affects engine performance.
