What is used to clean car spark plugs?
2 Answers
Car spark plugs should be cleaned with blue toilet cleaner, the method is as follows: Soak the spark plug ignition electrode directly in pure toilet cleaner and you will see a large amount of bubbles produced, which is the chemical reaction caused by carbon deposits encountering the toilet cleaner. Place it in a ventilated environment for 10 minutes, and after the bubbles gradually decrease, remove it. If there are still black carbon deposits, you can soak it for a while longer, then rinse it with white vinegar. Do not rinse with water, just wait for it to air dry. Spark plugs are mainly composed of a terminal nut, insulator, terminal stud, center electrode, side electrode, and shell. How spark plugs work: The spark plug ground electrode is connected to the metal shell, which is threaded into the engine block through the cylinder head. The insulator mainly serves to isolate the metal shell and the central electrode. The terminal nut is the part of the spark plug that contacts the high-voltage coil. After the current passes through the terminal nut and the central electrode, it breaks down the medium between the central electrode and the ground electrode to produce a spark, thereby igniting the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder.
I find cleaning car spark plugs quite interesting. Back when I first started driving, to save on repair costs, I often tried DIY methods. Carbon deposits or oil stains on spark plugs can affect ignition performance, making the car feel sluggish or increasing fuel consumption. I usually use a dedicated spark plug cleaner, spraying it on the plug and letting it sit for a few minutes to dissolve the grime, then gently wiping it with a soft cloth. Avoid using hard brushes or metal tools, as they can scratch the electrodes and weaken the spark. After cleaning, I use compressed air to dry them, ensuring no moisture remains before reinstalling. Sometimes I also use household methods, like soaking in vinegar, but they're not as effective as professional cleaners. Spark plugs typically last about 20,000 to 40,000 kilometers; cleaning can extend their life a bit, but if they're too old, it's better to just replace them for peace of mind. Regular checks are key—take a quick look during every maintenance session to avoid roadside breakdowns.
