How To Tell If Your Spark Plug Needs Replacement

Without a spark, your car will not start—or go anywhere.

In cars, the spark plug provides the spark needed by the ignition to start a car. This electrical spark from a spark plug ignites the fuel/air mixture in the combustion chamber.

Electrical energy is transmitted through the spark plug, jumping the gap in the plugs firing end if the voltage supplied to the plug is high enough.

The condition of the spark plugs determines the performance of a car engine. Without healthy ones—your ride cannot sustain maximum power.

Now, here are some signs that your spark plugs need replacements.

Your Car Doesn’t Start Easily

If you have trouble starting your car, and you are sure it is not a battery problem and your car is not out of fuel, it might just be a bad or worn out spark plug.

A bad or worn out spark plug does not produce the spark needed to get the vehicle moving. If this happens, your car won’t start. A faulty spark plug can drain your car battery.

Your engine constantly misfires

A car engine misfires when it causes the moving car to suddenly halt – for a fraction of a second – and then resumes normal motion.

When this happens, it means one or more cylinders are not firing properly. This condition can lead to higher petrol gas emission or the burning of more fuel.

Engine Gives Inconsistent sound

The sound originating from the engine is consistent and smooth. But if your spark plugs are not performing as they should, your engine will produce a rough and jittery sound while producing larger vibrations through the car. Not having this checked can lead to costly damage being done.

Lack of acceleration

When your car does not accelerate when you put your foot on the accelerator, this is also a sign of a bad spark plug. This ‘sluggishness’ can be easily fixed by having the vehicle serviced with a spark plug change.

Increased fuel consumption

A worn-out or bad spark plug causes your car to burn more fuel within a short time.

Your car fuel economy will depreciate by up to 30%. This is due to incomplete combustion. If you notice you have to fill up more often than usual it can be caused by deteriorating spark plugs. To get back to your vehicle’s optimum level of fuel consumption all you will need to do is have your spark plugs changed.

Engine surging

When your car jerks and then slows down, or it constantly starts and stops, this could be a sign of a bad spark plug.

Jerking or surging occurs when a vehicle sucks in more air than usual in the combustion process. Jerking can cause a car in motion to slow down or continually start and stop. When this happens, it means the vehicle’s engine is working inefficiently. This is also known as engine hesitation and a dangerous situation can arise if this occurs in traffic.