When to Replace Spark Plugs?
2 Answers
Specific situations requiring spark plug replacement: 1. Weak acceleration: If abnormal engine vibration occurs during acceleration, it may indicate degraded spark plug performance. Deteriorating spark plugs can significantly reduce engine ignition performance, leading to weak acceleration. 2. Idle vibration: If the engine exhibits excessive vibration during idle operation, spark plug issues should be promptly inspected or replaced. This could also be caused by aging engine mounts or excessive carbon buildup in the intake ports. 3. Starting difficulty: If the engine struggles to start, this indicates an ignition system problem potentially caused by faulty spark plugs. If the engine stalls without reason, it may indicate that more than two cylinders have stopped working. Spark plug replacement steps: Open the hood, lift the engine's plastic cover, and remove the high-voltage distributor wires. Mark each cylinder's position to avoid confusion. Use a spark plug socket to remove the spark plugs one by one. During removal, check for external debris like leaves or dust and ensure thorough cleaning. Place the new spark plug into the spark plug hole, hand-tighten it a few turns, then use the socket to tighten it further. Reinstall the high-voltage distributor wires according to the firing order, then reattach the cover.
Last time when I started my car, I always felt the engine shaking, the acceleration was particularly sluggish, and the fuel consumption inexplicably increased. After taking it to the repair shop, the mechanic said the spark plugs needed replacement. Normally, these can last about 40,000 kilometers, but for someone like me who frequently drives in the city, the constant stop-and-go traffic in congestion wears out spark plugs faster, possibly requiring replacement at around 30,000 kilometers. If the engine coughs for a long time before starting when you turn the key, or if the yellow engine light on the dashboard comes on, it's basically the spark plugs signaling an issue. Nowadays, most people switch to iridium spark plugs—they're more expensive but highly durable and maintain a more stable ignition gap.
