When to Replace Spark Plugs?

[StAmara]

Replacement cycle for spark plugs: Ordinary nickel alloy spark plugs need to be replaced approximately every 20,000 kilometers, platinum alloy spark plugs should be replaced around 40,000 kilometers, and iridium spark plugs can be replaced between 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. Signs that spark plugs need replacement: 1. Difficulty starting the vehicle; 2. Engine idling roughly; 3. Weak vehicle acceleration. Spark plugs are a crucial component of the gasoline engine ignition system. They introduce high voltage electricity into the combustion chamber and cause it to jump the electrode gap to create a spark, thereby igniting the combustible air-fuel mixture in the cylinder. Spark plugs mainly consist of a terminal nut, insulator, terminal stud, center electrode, side electrode, and shell, with the side electrode welded to the shell.

[MasonRose]

Over the years of driving, I've learned that the signs for spark plug replacement are quite obvious. When you notice your car becoming harder to start, the engine feeling sluggish and lacking power during acceleration, or a significant increase in fuel consumption compared to normal, it's time to pay attention. Last time in my car, the idle was extremely rough - upon inspection, the spark plug electrodes were nearly burnt out and the ceramic insulators had cracks. Different spark plug materials have vastly different lifespans: nickel alloy ones typically last about 20,000 km, platinum ones can endure 50,000-60,000 km, while I specifically chose iridium plugs last time, planning to replace them after 80,000 km. Frequent short trips or regular traffic congestion will accelerate spark plug wear.

[LeCarter]

The replacement interval for spark plugs mainly depends on the material and driving habits. Ordinary nickel alloy spark plugs are recommended to be checked and replaced around 20,000 kilometers, platinum ones can last up to 50,000 to 60,000 kilometers, while iridium spark plugs perform the best, typically reaching 80,000 kilometers. However, the vehicle's operating environment is crucial. If you frequently drive on dusty roads or have a habit of aggressive acceleration, you may need to replace them earlier. Last time my car experienced abnormal fuel consumption, and a check at the repair shop revealed it was due to excessive spark plug gap. It's advisable to have the mechanic inspect them during maintenance. If the electrode tip is severely eroded or covered with sticky carbon deposits, they should be replaced even if they haven't reached the mileage specified in the manual, otherwise, it might damage the ignition coil.

[LaAndrew]

The condition of spark plugs directly affects the engine's performance. If you experience difficulty starting the engine, requiring multiple attempts to ignite; or feel intermittent power output during acceleration accompanied by the illumination of the engine warning light on the dashboard; or notice abnormal body vibrations at idle, as if sitting on a massage chair—these are clear indicators that it's time to consider replacing the spark plugs. I've witnessed cases where such issues were neglected, resulting in incomplete combustion of the air-fuel mixture and even clogging of the catalytic converter. As for replacement intervals, standard metal spark plugs typically need changing every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers, while precious metal variants can last over 80,000 kilometers before requiring replacement.