What are the causes of spark plug failure?
2 Answers
Spark plug failure causes are: 1. Carbon deposits on the spark plug gap, which can continue to be used after cleaning the carbon deposits; 2. Electrode oil contamination, erosion, or melting, requiring immediate replacement of the spark plug; 3. Black or gray-brown spots appearing on the spark plug insulator, necessitating replacement of the spark plug. Types of spark plugs include: 1. Standard spark plug; 2. Insulator-protruding spark plug; 3. Electrode-type spark plug; 4. Seat-type spark plug; 5. Pole-type spark plug; 6. Surface-gap spark plug. The working principle of a spark plug is: Under the control of the engine, it introduces the high voltage electricity generated by the ignition coil into the engine cylinder, creating a spark between the spark plug electrode gaps to ignite the mixed gas, enabling the engine to operate normally.
A seasoned driver who has driven all his life tells you, there are many reasons for spark plug failures. The main one is wear and aging; over time, the electrodes wear out, reducing ignition efficiency. Carbon buildup is a real nuisance—residue from incomplete combustion clogs the gaps in the spark plugs, making ignition difficult. Improper electrode gap adjustment is also problematic: if the gap is too wide, it requires excessively high voltage to spark, especially struggling to keep up at high speeds; if too narrow, the spark energy is insufficient, making cold starts tough. Engine temperature plays a big role—overheating can melt the electrodes, while extreme cold makes ignition harder. Using the wrong spark plug type or low-quality fuel can accelerate damage. I recommend checking every 30,000 kilometers, choosing the right spark plug type for your car model, and not waiting until the engine shakes or fuel consumption spikes to fix it. Pay extra attention to thermal management in hot climates, and regular cleaning can extend their lifespan.
