What Are the Reasons for Spark Plugs Being Prone to Damage?
3 Answers
Spark plugs are prone to damage due to the following reasons: 1. Long-term accumulation of carbon deposits without cleaning; 2. Neglecting the cleanliness of the spark plug's exterior; 3. Over-tightening during installation. The functions of spark plugs include: 1. Introducing the high-voltage electricity generated by the ignition coil into the engine cylinder; 2. Generating sparks between the spark plug electrodes to ignite the air-fuel mixture, ensuring the engine operates normally. The steps for removing spark plugs are: 1. Clean any dust or debris around the spark plug area using compressed air or a soft tube to blow it away; 2. Ensure the engine is in a cold state before proceeding; 3. Immediately protect the spark plug hole after removal to prevent any debris or dust from entering the cylinder; 4. Avoid damaging the insulating ceramic body when using a wrench; 5. Do not bend or strike the center electrode when adjusting the spark plug gap.
There are several common reasons why spark plugs fail easily. One is the use of inferior spark plugs; cheap products on the market have poor materials, and the electrodes are prone to corrosion and wear. Another is aging or faulty ignition coils, which cause unstable voltage and put a heavy load on the spark plugs due to frequent firing. Additionally, engine combustion issues, such as overly rich fuel mixtures causing excessive carbon buildup that clogs the electrodes or overly lean mixtures leading to poor cooling and accelerated wear, can contribute. My car used to have frequent spark plug failures until I discovered the issue was poor fuel quality. Switching to a reputable gas station improved the situation. Now, I regularly inspect and replace the spark plugs every 20,000 kilometers to minimize problems. For daily driving, avoiding short trips at low speeds and allowing the engine to warm up to clear carbon deposits is key.
Frequent spark plug failures may be related to driving habits, such as preferring sudden acceleration and heavy throttle, which puts more stress on the spark plugs due to frequent ignition, making them prone to fatigue and damage. Improper installation during maintenance is also common. I once tried replacing spark plugs without adjusting the gap correctly, and they burned out within a few months. It's recommended to purchase reputable brands like Bosch or NGK, which are more durable. Additionally, check the air filter and fuel system, as an imbalanced mixture can cause the spark plugs to overwork. If not addressed promptly, it may lead to engine shaking and difficulty starting. Regular maintenance is key to avoiding costly major repairs.