What is the function of changing spark plugs in a car?
2 Answers
Spark plugs, as the terminal components of the engine ignition system, play a crucial role. If spark plugs are fouled or worn short, it can affect normal operation, leading to weak car starts, incomplete combustion of cylinder fuel, increased fuel consumption, poor performance, and poor acceleration. More detailed information is as follows: 1. The electrode of the spark plug: The electrode of the spark plug repeatedly and continuously generates sparks to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder. Meanwhile, other parts of the ignition system produce timed high-voltage electrical pulses, forming sparks and generating explosions to provide the energy required for engine power output. 2. The structure of the spark plug: It is made by passing a slender metal electrode through a ceramic material with insulating properties. The lower part of the insulator is surrounded by a metal shell, which is screwed onto the cylinder head with threads. At the bottom of this metal shell, an electrode is welded to form a grounding connection with the car body. Additionally, at the central end of this electrode, there must be a small discharge gap. Then, high-voltage current from the distributor passes through this central electrode, discharging at the bottom gap. At this point, the spark plug functions to generate sparks and ignite the air-fuel mixture, providing the engine with energy and power output.
After replacing the expired spark plugs last time, my car starts as fast as lightning. It used to have jerky movements, and the engine would gasp when accelerating, but now it runs much smoother. Changing spark plugs mainly ensures more accurate ignition. Otherwise, the old electrical sparks can't ignite the air-fuel mixture properly, leading to decreased engine efficiency, soaring fuel consumption, and easy carbon buildup. My experience suggests checking them every 30,000 kilometers. If the electrodes are worn or the gap is too large, replace them immediately. Using high-quality spark plugs, like iridium ones, not only extends their lifespan but also improves power response. It's cost-effective and reassuring to replace them during routine maintenance. The overall health of the car improves significantly, with more stable acceleration, unlike before when it would struggle even on slopes. Remember not to delay too long, or you might face starting difficulties or even stalling midway, which can be a big hassle.
