What are the effects of spark plug breakdown on a car?
2 Answers
The effects of spark plug breakdown on a car: It directly causes leakage in the vehicle's ignition system, increased fuel consumption, reduced power, and many other issues. The most significant problem is difficulty in ignition, which affects the normal operation of the vehicle. Steps to replace a spark plug: Open the hood, lift the engine's plastic cover, remove the high-voltage distributor wires, and mark each cylinder's position to avoid confusion. Use a spark plug socket to remove the spark plugs one by one. While removing them, check for any external debris like leaves or dust and ensure they are cleaned thoroughly. Place the new spark plug into the spark plug hole, hand-tighten it a few turns, and then use the socket to tighten it further. Reinstall the removed high-voltage distributor wires according to the ignition sequence, and then snap the cover back into place. A spark plug mainly consists of a terminal nut, insulator, terminal stud, center electrode, side electrode, and shell.
A failed spark plug can have serious consequences. The last time I encountered this issue, the entire car was shaking when driving, and stepping on the gas pedal couldn't increase the speed—it felt like the engine was struggling with several cylinders missing. The power dropped significantly, making overtaking particularly sluggish. Fuel consumption also skyrocketed; originally, a full tank could run 500 kilometers, but later it dropped to just over 400, wasting a lot of money. If left unrepaired for too long, severe carbon buildup can occur in the engine, and even the catalytic converter might fail, leading to higher repair costs. Safety is also a concern—if ignition fails, stalling on the highway can be extremely dangerous. So, I recommend going to a professional shop immediately to inspect and replace the spark plugs. Don't attempt DIY fixes—a standard set of spark plugs costs only around a hundred bucks but ensures smooth driving. Regular maintenance and checking the condition of spark plugs are crucial—don't wait until major problems arise to regret it.