Spark plugs play a crucial role in the ignition system of a gasoline-powered engine. So, what do spark plugs do? They generate the spark that ignites the fuel and air mixture, which drives the engine’s pistons.
Without functioning spark plugs, an engine won’t start or run properly.
This article will cover everything you need about spark plugs, what they do, and how they work.
What Does Spark Plugs Do?
Spark plugs are the components of an internal combustion engine that are accountable for igniting the mixture of gasoline and air contained within the engine’s cylinders.
This spark starts the combustion process, which drives the pistons in the internal combustion engine.
Spark plugs are normally housed in the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine that runs on gasoline, and they are wired to the ignition system via high-tension connections.
How Do Spark Plugs Work?
In the preceding paragraph, we have been able to answer the question what do spark plugs do?
Let us now consider how they work. The spark plugs in an engine work by producing a spark over a very small gap.
This spark ignites the mixture of fuel and air contained within the engine’s cylinders.
Sparks are produced whenever an electric current flows through the gap between the ground and center electrodes.
The ignition system is responsible for initiating this process by delivering an electric current to the spark plug through the high-tension wires in the engine.
Spark plugs have to be constructed in such a way that they can resist the high voltage and temperature that are produced during this operation.
Types of Spark Plugs
There are several different types of spark plugs, each designed for specific applications.
Some of the most common types include:
- Standard spark plugs
- Iridium spark plugs
- Platinum spark plugs
- Double platinum spark plugs
Standard Spark Plugs
The standard spark plug is the most fundamental variety of spark plugs, normally fabricated from copper or an alloy based on copper.
Spark plugs of this type are reasonably inexpensive. However, they last less time than those of other varieties.
Iridium Spark Plugs
Spark plugs made of iridium are specifically developed for use in high-performance engines.
Iridium, a dense and long-lasting metal, is used to construct the device’s center electrode.
Iridium spark plugs have a longer lifespan than standard spark plugs, boosting performance by producing a more efficient spark. In addition, their lifespan is longer.
Platinum Spark Plugs
Spark plugs made of platinum are comparable to those made of iridium; however, the core electrode of platinum spark plugs is constructed of platinum rather than iridium.
Platinum is another thick and long-lasting metal, and platinum plugs offer benefits comparable to iridium spark plugs.
Double Platinum Spark Plugs
The difference between platinum and double platinum spark plugs is that the latter has two platinum-tipped electrodes rather than just one.
This offers increased durability and greater performance compared to normal or platinum spark plugs.
How Often Should I Replace My Spark Plugs?
With the answer to the question raised at the outset of this article, what do spark plugs do?
We could see their importance and their role in a vehicle’s functioning.
We have also seen why taking care of spark plugs is important. Let us consider how frequently one should replace spark plugs when they are bad.
It is abundantly clear that spark plugs are essential to the well-being of the engine and the automobile you drive, but how frequently should you replace them?
When it comes to how quickly your spark plugs suffer enough wear and tear to require replacement, several factors can come into play.
One of these factors is how often you drive your vehicle. Iridium spark plugs are good for up to 100,000 miles and sometimes even more, while platinum spark plugs are good for a minimum of 50,000 miles of driving before they need to be replaced, but a modern Toyota model with platinum spark plugs should last at least that long.
Find out what kind of spark plugs your model uses and how long they are expected to last by consulting your vehicle’s manual.
If you discover some difficulties before either benchmark, it is usually best to replace them sooner rather than later to avoid getting stuck and potential damage to the car.
If you repair them promptly, you could avoid being in a dangerous situation.
How Do I Know I Need to Replace My Spark Plugs?
We advise that you look for problems with your spark plugs; however, how can drivers determine when to change their spark plugs?
When a car’s spark plugs start to wear out, the driver will notice a few crucial warning signs that should not be ignored.
If the car is difficult to start, the issue may be caused by spark plugs that are worn out.
If you are driving and notice that your vehicle has a rough idle, poor acceleration, or higher fuel consumption, it is possible that the spark plugs need to be replaced since they are worn out.
Even if you haven’t observed any issues with your spark plugs, you should check them regularly or have someone else do it for you.
Why Do Spark Plugs Fail and How Can They Be Fixed?
The final piece of knowledge we’ll leave behind for drivers is explaining what causes spark plugs to become faulty.
Do any preventative measures that motorists can take to prolong the life of their spark plugs?
The most typical issue with these devices is the accumulation of oil and carbon, which reduces the efficacy of spark plugs.
Now, while some of this is unavoidable and simply part of the normal lifespan of a vehicle, some factors, such as an inappropriate fuel-to-air ratio that causes spark plugs to overheat, can cause spark plugs to wear out more quickly than normal.
Inadequate fuel quality and a malfunctioning fuel filter are two other contributors to the rapid deterioration of spark plugs.
Both of these issues can result in the accumulation of carbon. Drivers should also be looking for a loose wire connection, which can spark plugs of poor quality or cause an incorrect engine tune.
This is another factor that can contribute to sparking plug issues. Motorists need to keep an eye on these things to extend the usefulness and longevity of their vehicles.
Does a Spark Plug Affect Fuel Consumption?
According to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, faulty spark plugs can reduce a vehicle’s fuel economy by as much as 30 percent, which at today’s gas prices can cost drivers as much as around 94 cents per gallon.
There is a strong likelihood that faulty spark plugs are to blame when a vehicle’s gas mileage suddenly lowers for no apparent reason.
What Happens to a Car When the Spark Plugs Are Bad?
A misfire occurs in an engine when faulty spark plugs cause the combustion effect to be delayed.
If your engine is experiencing a misfire, it implies that one or more of the cylinders in your engine are not delivering the power they should be.
Engines that misfire have to work harder to retain their power, which is bad for their economy.
If you do not take action to correct the issue, it will also lead to long-term damage.
