What are the symptoms of aging spark plugs?
2 Answers
Symptoms of aging spark plugs: 1. Decreased power and sluggish acceleration; 2. Severe idle vibration; 3. Difficulty starting or sudden engine stall. The replacement interval for spark plugs depends on their material, as different materials have varying service lives, resulting in different replacement cycles. Spark plug materials include nickel alloy, iridium, platinum, and iridium-platinum alloy. Commonly known as spark plugs, their function is to discharge the high-voltage pulses sent by the ignition wires, creating an electric spark by ionizing the air between the two electrodes to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder. Main types of spark plugs include: standard spark plugs, projected insulator spark plugs, electrode spark plugs, seat spark plugs, surface gap spark plugs, and surface discharge spark plugs. Spark plugs work in conjunction with the ignition system and fuel supply system to enable engine operation, collectively determining engine performance to a large extent.
There are quite a few symptoms when spark plugs age. Having driven for over a decade, I've encountered this several times. At idle, the entire car shakes noticeably, especially when stopped at a red light—you can feel slight vibrations through the steering wheel, which is quite uncomfortable. Acceleration becomes sluggish, requiring more pressure on the gas pedal than usual, and fuel consumption increases significantly, burning an extra 1-2 liters per 100 kilometers. Starting the engine also becomes difficult; it might be manageable in summer, but during cold winter mornings, the engine cranks for a while before finally starting. Once, I ignored these signs, and the car stalled midway, nearly causing an accident. I recommend checking the spark plug electrodes as soon as possible. If there's severe carbon buildup or visible wear, replace them immediately. After installing new spark plugs, power returns instantly, driving becomes much smoother, and it helps reduce exhaust emissions. For regular maintenance, it's best to inspect them every 2-3 years—don’t wait for the problem to worsen before fixing it. This approach saves money and ensures safety.
