What is used to clean car spark plugs?
4 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.
Cleaning spark plugs isn't actually difficult, and I think it's great from a cost-saving perspective. I often do it myself: when spark plugs get carbon buildup, they don't ignite properly, making the car struggle to start. I use spark plug cleaner bought online, spray it on, wait a while, then gently brush off the dirt with an old toothbrush. Don't apply too much force, as damaging the electrodes would be more troublesome. After cleaning, let them air dry or use a hairdryer on low speed to ensure no residue remains. Keeping some vinegar or alcohol at home for soaking is also an option, though less effective. The key is not to mess around blindly—if the spark plugs are severely aged, it's more cost-effective to just buy new ones. The cost isn't high, and it can improve performance. Also, maintain good driving habits to avoid long-term low-speed driving that accumulates carbon deposits. Remember, safety first—wear gloves to prevent electric shocks.
Cleaning spark plugs depends on the specific situation. Dirty spark plugs are mainly caused by carbon deposits, leading to unstable ignition and reduced vehicle power. Some people use cleaning sprays or soaking to remove dirt, but the electrodes may oxidize and not clean properly. I would first check the condition of the spark plugs—if there's only slight carbon buildup, cleaning them can extend their usability for a while; if they're severely aged, it's best to replace them outright. The cleaning method is simple: lightly spray with cleaner, wipe, and dry. The risk is that cleaning may damage the electrodes, weakening ignition and affecting safety. Based on practical experience, cleaning them once during every 20,000-kilometer inspection can save some money, but don't rely too much on it—timely maintenance is more important.
