When Should Spark Plugs Be Replaced?
2 Answers
Spark plugs need to be replaced under the following conditions: severe damage to the spark plug, such as blistering at the top, black streaks, cracks, or electrode melting. Methods to determine if a spark plug is damaged: Remove the spark plug and observe its appearance to assess its condition. A normal spark plug will have a skirt and electrodes that appear gray-white, gray-yellow, or light brown. A properly functioning spark plug will have a skirt that is reddish-brown, 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, with blistering, black streaks, cracks, or electrode melting at the top, 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 that engine oil is seeping into the combustion chamber.
When should spark plugs be replaced? I judge by feel while driving. Symptoms like difficulty starting the engine, delayed ignition, and noticeable body shaking are warnings of possible spark plug aging. Last time my car had unstable idling and fuel consumption skyrocketed to ridiculous levels, inspection revealed severely carbon-fouled spark plugs with excessive electrode wear and incorrect gap. Experts say spark plug lifespan is generally around 30,000 to 60,000 kilometers. Not replacing them promptly leads to reduced ignition efficiency, affects engine lifespan, and wastes gasoline. Last time I delayed replacement, the engine almost developed serious issues. Regular checks or following the maintenance manual for replacement saves hassle and money. After replacement, acceleration feels much smoother, almost like a new car.
