Why Do Spark Plugs Need to Be Replaced?

[McEverett]

Reasons for replacing spark plugs: If spark plugs are damaged, they can directly cause issues such as leakage in the vehicle's ignition system, increased fuel consumption, reduced power, and most importantly, difficulty in ignition, affecting the normal use of the vehicle. Spark plug replacement interval: Under normal maintenance conditions, spark plugs should be replaced every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers. However, this may vary depending on the brand and engine type. It is recommended to follow the instructions in the user manual. Steps for replacing spark plugs: Open the engine hood and lift the plastic cover of the engine. Remove the high-voltage wires and mark each cylinder's position to avoid confusion. Use a spark plug socket to remove the spark plugs one by one. While removing them, check for any external debris like leaves or dust and ensure they are cleaned thoroughly. Place the new spark plugs into the spark plug holes and hand-tighten them a few turns before using the socket to tighten them further. Reinstall the high-voltage wires according to the ignition sequence and secure the cover.

[Elaina]

After driving for several years, I've come to deeply appreciate that spark plugs, though seemingly insignificant, directly affect whether a car can start smoothly. My old car suddenly started shaking badly at a red light before, and even stepping on the gas didn't help. A friend suggested trying to replace the spark plugs first. The mechanic said they're like the flint in a lighter—over time, the electrodes wear out and corrode, the gap widens, or carbon buildup occurs, making ignition unstable. After replacing all four spark plugs in my car for a little over 200 yuan, the shaking stopped immediately, and the throttle response improved. Regular replacement actually saves money and hassle; otherwise, engine misfires or damage could lead to much bigger problems.

[OEmmanuel]

Last time before a long trip, the mechanic reminded me to replace the spark plugs. He showed me the old ones - the center electrodes were rounded and the ceramic bodies had cracks. He explained that vehicle ignition depends entirely on them, as the engine relies on them to generate sparks for each power stroke. Worn-out plugs lead to insufficient ignition energy, incomplete fuel combustion, and can increase fuel consumption by 20-30%. My car had just passed 60,000 km. After replacement, the throttle response became noticeably sharper, and more water dripped from the exhaust pipe, indicating more complete combustion. I recommend following the manual's replacement schedule, don't wait until problems appear like I did.

[VanJake]

Spark plugs must be replaced on time, as they are crucial to the overall operating condition of the vehicle. They serve as the key component for igniting the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders, much like the flint in a lighter. Worn-out spark plugs with insufficient ignition energy prevent gasoline from burning completely, which not only increases fuel consumption but also damages the engine. Different materials determine varying lifespans for spark plugs—standard nickel alloy ones need replacement every 20,000–30,000 kilometers, while platinum and iridium plugs last longer. My car’s manual recommends replacement at 40,000 kilometers, and during inspection, I found that a 1mm increase in electrode gap caused unstable ignition. Timely replacement ensures the car maintains peak performance.