What happens if spark plugs are never replaced?
2 Answers
Effects of not replacing spark plugs: If spark plugs are damaged, it can directly cause issues such as leakage in the vehicle's ignition system, increased fuel consumption, reduced power, and most importantly, difficulty in ignition, affecting the normal operation of the vehicle. Severe erosion of spark plugs, including blistering, damage, or melting of the electrodes, indicates that the spark plugs are ruined and should be replaced. Methods to determine if spark plugs are damaged: Remove the spark plugs and observe their appearance to assess their condition. Normal spark plugs have insulator skirts and electrodes that appear gray-white, gray-yellow, or light brown. A properly functioning spark plug has a reddish-brown insulator skirt, an electrode gap between 0.8-0.9mm, and no signs of electrode burn. If the spark plugs are covered in oil or deposits but are not damaged, they can continue to be used after cleaning off the oil and deposits. If the spark plugs are severely damaged, showing signs such as blistering, black streaks, cracks, or melted electrodes, the cause of the damage should be identified. After troubleshooting, replace the spark plugs with new ones. Additionally, if the spark plugs appear black as if smoked, it indicates the wrong heat range was chosen or the mixture is too rich, with oil seeping up.
I've driven many cars, and not changing the spark plugs can cause a lot of trouble. Often, it takes several attempts to start the engine, especially in cold weather, which is really annoying. Over time, the engine starts shaking like it's dancing, making the ride very unstable. Fuel consumption also increases noticeably. Previously, a full tank could get me 500 kilometers, but now it's barely over 400, costing me more on gas every month. What's worse, incomplete combustion leads to more and more carbon buildup, which can even damage other parts like the catalytic converter. If that breaks, repairs can cost you thousands. Remember to check every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers and replace them when necessary. Don't try to save small money only to lose big; addressing it early is better for both the car and yourself.
