What is the lifespan of Bosch iridium spark plugs?
2 Answers
Bosch iridium and other precious metal spark plugs have a lifespan of 50,000 kilometers, while ordinary spark plugs have a lifespan of 15,000 km. Symptoms of damaged spark plugs in a car: Damaged spark plugs can lead to the following situations: difficulty starting, low power, excessive exhaust emissions, and increased fuel consumption. Composition of spark plugs: Spark plugs are mainly composed of a terminal nut, insulator, terminal stud, center electrode, side electrode, and metal shell. Working principle of spark plugs: The ground electrode of the spark plug is connected to the metal shell, which is then connected to the engine block via the cylinder head threads. The insulator primarily serves to isolate the metal shell from the center electrode. The terminal nut is the part of the spark plug that contacts the high-voltage coil. When current passes through the terminal nut and center electrode, it ionizes the medium between the center electrode and the ground electrode, generating a spark to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder. Effects of faulty spark plugs: If a spark plug is damaged, it can directly cause issues such as leakage in the vehicle's ignition system, increased fuel consumption, and reduced power. The most significant impact is difficulty in ignition, affecting the normal operation of the vehicle. Severe spark plug erosion, including pitting, damage, or melting of the electrodes, indicates that the spark plug is damaged and should be replaced.
Bosch iridium spark plugs generally last between 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. I've seen many car owners replace them within this range, but the actual lifespan depends on your driving habits. If you frequently drive short distances at low speeds, causing more engine carbon buildup, the spark plugs will wear out faster. Last time, a friend's car was shaking badly, and upon inspection, it turned out the spark plug electrodes were eroded after only 50,000 kilometers. It's recommended to follow the maintenance manual and not wait until the car won't start to replace them. These directly affect ignition efficiency, and aging spark plugs can also increase fuel consumption, so regular checks are the safest approach.
