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Spark plugs are crucial components of your vehicle’s ignition system. After all, a vehicle will never start without them. They are essential in transmitting an electrical signal received from the ignition coil at a specific predetermined time. This creates a spark in the combustion chamber, automatically igniting the air-fuel mixture within the chamber. Operating a car with failing spark plugs can cause many issues, especially for the engine, that might be too costly to repair. The following are some of the red flags that might indicate a bad or failing spark plug:
Hard Starts and Rough Rides
Sometimes, your car might take too long to start. Like most drivers, you might suspect an empty tank or dead battery, but failing spark plugs might be the culprit. It might indicate that your spark plug is experiencing some trouble sparking an ignition. Hard starts might quickly translate to serious ignition complications if not timely handled. Besides, your engine might sound rough with unusual jittery noises, and your car might vibrate too much when your spark plugs fail.
Reduced Acceleration Power
Numerous issues might impact your vehicle’s get-up-and-go power, and failing spark plugs could be among them. If your car spark plug is dirty or fouled, it might fail to spark effectively, and you might lose up to 40% of your vehicle’s acceleration power. As a result, your car will perform sluggishly, and you might have to use too much fuel.
Constant Engine Misfires
When your car engine misfires, it indicates a fuel-air ratio imbalance. Whenever the combustion in your engine is interrupted, even briefly, it directly impacts your engine performance. The issue must be timely handled, failure to which it will damage the catalytic converter, translating to higher repair and replacement costs.
Like other essential vehicle components, spark plugs need routine service and maintenance to have an efficiently running engine. As a common rule of thumb, you should have them repaired every 30000 to 50000 miles. Being proactive about your car’s spark plug maintenance and replacement will extend your engine performance and longevity by thousands of miles. Safe and smooth ride starts with a good car maintenance routine. If your car exhibits any sign of a bad or failing spark plugs, do not hesitate to get in touch with Pete's, Inc today!