What Happens If You Don't Replace Spark Plugs?
3 Answers
If spark plugs are not replaced for a long time, it can lead to various issues such as leakage in the vehicle's ignition system, increased fuel consumption, reduced power output, and most importantly, difficulty in ignition, which affects the normal operation of the vehicle. Severe erosion of the spark plug—such as blistering at the top, damage, or melted electrodes—indicates that the spark plug is damaged and should be replaced. Methods to determine if a spark plug is damaged: Remove the spark plug and observe its appearance. The condition of the spark plug can be judged based on its color. A normal spark plug has an insulator skirt and electrodes that appear gray-white, gray-yellow, or light brown. A properly functioning spark plug has a reddish-brown insulator skirt, with an electrode gap between 0.8-0.9mm and no signs of electrode burn. If the spark plug is covered in oil or deposits but is not damaged, it can continue to be used after cleaning off the oil and deposits. If the spark plug is severely damaged—showing signs of blistering, black streaks, cracks, or melted electrodes—the cause of the damage should be identified. After troubleshooting, replace the spark plug with a new one. Additionally, if the spark plug appears black as if smoked, it indicates that the wrong heat range was selected or that the air-fuel mixture is too rich, or there is oil leakage.
If spark plugs are not replaced for a long time, the car will obviously run poorly. The ignition becomes worse, starting becomes difficult, and it takes several attempts to start the engine. The engine will also shake, especially when waiting at a red light—the steering wheel vibrates so much it makes your hands numb. Acceleration feels sluggish; the throttle response is delayed, making overtaking difficult. Fuel consumption will also increase due to incomplete combustion. My previous car, which didn’t get its spark plugs replaced, cost over a hundred more in fuel per month. Over time, the ignition coils are prone to burning out, leading to even higher repair costs. Worse yet, carbon buildup becomes severe, and the catalytic converter may even fail. So, it’s best to replace them according to the maintenance manual to avoid costly repairs later.
When spark plugs are used for a long time, the electrode gap widens, leading to decreased ignition energy and incomplete combustion of the air-fuel mixture. Initially, you may feel a lack of power during acceleration and difficulty climbing hills. Subsequently, the engine warning light will illuminate, and a computer scan will reveal a misfire. Prolonged neglect can accelerate cylinder wear—my friend's car suffered cylinder scoring due to neglected spark plugs, costing over 6,000 yuan for a major repair. The ignition coil may also be damaged as a result, with replacement costs around 700-800 yuan. Additionally, excessive exhaust emissions may make it difficult to pass annual inspections. The maintenance manual typically recommends replacing spark plugs every 20,000-30,000 kilometers—don’t skimp on small expenses and risk bigger problems.
