Car spark plug faults may manifest in the following situations: difficulty starting, low power, excessive exhaust emissions, and increased fuel consumption. Working principle of spark plugs: Under high voltage, the air between the center electrode and the side electrode of the spark plug rapidly ionizes, forming positively charged ions and negatively charged free electrons. When the voltage between the electrodes reaches a certain level, the number of ions and electrons in the gas increases like an avalanche, causing the air to lose its insulating properties and forming a discharge channel, resulting in a "breakdown" phenomenon. At this point, the gas forms a luminous body, known as a "spark." Along with the thermal expansion, a "crackling" sound is also produced. The temperature of this electric spark can reach as high as 2000-3000°C, sufficient to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. Spark plug replacement interval: Under normal maintenance conditions, spark plugs should be replaced after driving 40,000-60,000 kilometers. However, this may vary depending on the brand and engine type, so it is recommended to follow the user manual. You can refer to the following standards for maintenance replacement: Platinum spark plugs should be replaced at 40,000 kilometers, standard nickel alloy spark plugs at 20,000 kilometers, and iridium spark plugs at 60,000-80,000 kilometers.
