Spark Plug Maintenance Schedule

Spark plug replacement schedules can vary based on their materials, an engine's condition, a driver's driving habits, and several other unique factors. It is typically recommended that drivers have their vehicle's spark plugs replaced once every 30,000 miles, but there are extended range spark plugs that can last up to 100,000 miles. In order to determine which spark plug replacement schedule is the best for your vehicle, refer to your vehicle's owner's manual or contact a dealership for your vehicle's manufacturer.

The Importance of Spark Plugs

An engine undergoes something known as a combustion cycle while it is running. Fuel and air are the products that are continually being combusted within a vehicle's engine during its operation. In order for an engine's crankshaft to turn, its pistons need to move as well. The combustion of fuel and air within the engine's cylinders, where the pistons are located, forces the engine's pistons to repeatedly move up and down, which in turn allows the crankshaft to rotate. In order for the fuel and air in a cylinder to combust, they need to be compressed and ignited with one another, which is exactly where spark plugs play their roles. Spark plugs create arcs of electricity within the gaps between their leads, and this electricity instantaneously ignites the air and fuel mixtures that are in the engine's individual cylinders, forcing the engine's pistons to move up and down.

Measured in revolutions per minute (RPM), an engine's crankshaft rotates thousands of times every minute, even when the vehicle is at idle. Therefore, spark plugs ignite thousands of times every minute within a vehicle's engine. While designed to last for high mileages, this repetitive ignition eventually takes its toll on spark plugs.

Spark Plug Wear and Tear

As spark plugs experience increased amounts of wear and tear, they begin to ignite less and provide weaker sparks for engines. Depending on the material and design of the spark plug, the leads of the plug will corrode and will also create a larger gap between one another as the spark plug ages. When a spark plug is completely worn, its leads will break off, which can be very damaging to a vehicle's engine and internal components. These are all reasons why it is important to routinely maintain your vehicle's spark plugs and replace them when they have reached the mileage that they have been rated for.

Bad Spark Plug Symptoms

There are several warning signs that your vehicle will give you when its spark plugs need to be replaced. The most noticeable sign that your engine's spark plugs need to be changed is a misfiring engine. If your vehicle begins to make popping sounds, idle roughly, or vibrate strangely, then its engine most likely is misfiring and not combusting properly.

Engine misfiring may be followed by poor acceleration when your vehicle's spark plugs need to be replaced. Unable to complete its combustion cycle properly, your vehicle's engine will not be able to provide its optimal performance when it needs new spark plugs. In some instances, your vehicle may stall suddenly, and you will subsequently need to ignite the vehicle's engine again.

If your vehicle has been running roughly and you begin to have issues starting its engine, then you may need to replace the engine's spark plugs. When completely worn, spark plugs cannot create the electricity that is needed to ignite the air and fuel that is in your vehicle's engine. A lack of proper ignition will make it hard for you to start the vehicle's engine. 

Replacing Spark Plugs

There are a variety of spark plugs that are available for sale. Spark plugs mainly vary based on their lead gaps and materials. To replace the spark plugs of your vehicle, you will first need to know how many spark plugs your vehicle needs and which plugs are right for your vehicle. Also, make sure that the lead gaps of your selected spark plugs match the size of the gaps on your vehicle's original spark plugs as this will have a major effect on the performance of your vehicle. There are tools that allow you to modify the gap sizes of spark plugs. You can find information about your vehicle's spark plugs in its owner's manual. Dealerships and service centers can also provide information about your vehicle's spark plugs.

Conclusion

Spark plugs are a vital part of your vehicle's engine, and a component that your vehicle needs to continually run properly. Keep up with your vehicle's spark plug maintenance schedule to make sure that your vehicle is always performing optimally. At John Thornton Chevrolet, you will find dependable services for your vehicle. Contact us if you would like to learn more about spark plug servicing or any other concerns that you may have. We are here to help.