If you don’t change your spark plugs, a couple of things could happen. Your car could have decreased fuel efficiency, and you may also notice a difference in how your car runs. It’s important to keep up with maintenance on your vehicle, and changing your spark plugs is part of that.
If you don’t change your spark plugs, your car’s engine will eventually stop running. The spark plugs are what provide the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine, so without them, the engine can’t run. Depending on how old and dirty your spark plugs are, it may take a while for this to happen, but it is inevitable.
How Long Can I Go Without Changing My Spark Plugs?
Spark plugs are a key component of your vehicle’s ignition system, and they play an important role in ensuring optimal engine performance. Over time, spark plugs can become fouled or damaged, and when this happens, they will need to be replaced.
How often you need to replace your spark plugs will depend on a number of factors, including the type of vehicle you drive, the type of spark plugs you use, and your driving habits.
In general, most manufacturers recommend that spark plugs be replaced every 30,000 miles or so. However, if you drive a high-performance vehicle or one that uses speciality spark plugs, the replacement interval may be shorter.
If your vehicle is due for a tune-up or other routine maintenance, it’s a good idea to have the spark plugs checked at the same time.
A qualified technician can inspect your spark plugs and let you know if they need to be replaced.
What are the Signs of Worn Out Spark Plugs?
As your spark plugs become worn out, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
1. Your engine is misfiring.
2. You have a decrease in fuel economy.
3. Your engine is idling roughly.
4. You have a loss of power when accelerating.
5. You are experiencing starting issues with your vehicle.
If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to replace your spark plugs!
Do You Really Need to Replace Spark Plugs?
While it is not required that you replace your spark plugs every time they need servicing, it is highly recommended. Neglecting to do so can result in decreased performance, fuel economy and increased emissions. In extreme cases, it can even cause engine damage.
Credit: automotiverepairphoenix.com
Signs You Need New Spark Plugs
If your car is experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s a good indication that you need to replace your spark plugs:
1. Your car is losing power or struggling to accelerate
2. You’re noticing a decrease in fuel economy
3. Your engine is misfiring or running rough
Benefits of Changing Spark Plugs
If your car is starting to feel sluggish, or the engine is misfiring, it might be time to change the spark plugs. Here are some benefits of changing your spark plugs:
1. Improved Fuel Efficiency
One of the main benefits of changing your spark plugs is improved fuel efficiency. Over time, spark plugs can become fouled with carbon deposits and other debris, which can cause the engine to run less efficiently. By replacing your spark plugs, you can help improve your car’s fuel economy.
2. Smoother Engine Operation
Another benefit of changing your spark plugs is smoother engine operation. Fouled or damaged spark plugs can cause the engine to misfire, which can lead to a rough idle or shaking at low speeds.
Replacing your spark plugs can help restore smooth engine operation and improve performance overall.
Spark Plug Lifespan
Spark plugs are an essential part of your car’s engine, and they need to be replaced periodically. How often you need to replace them depends on a number of factors, but generally speaking, they should be replaced every 30,000 miles or so.
However, the lifespan of a spark plug can vary depending on the type of spark plug and the conditions under which it is used.
For example, iridium spark plugs can last up to 60,000 miles before they need to be replaced. And if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions (hot or cold), your spark plugs may not last as long as someone who lives in more moderate conditions.
To get the most out of your spark plugs, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for replacement intervals.
And if you notice any problems with your car’s engine performance, have your spark plugs checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. Ignoring a problem with your spark plugs could lead to bigger (and more expensive) problems down the road.
What to Do After Changing Spark Plugs
After you’ve changed your spark plugs, it’s important to take a few extra steps to ensure that they are working properly. Here are four things to do after changing your spark plugs:
1. Check the gap.
The gap between the electrode and the spark plug tip should be .025 inches. If it’s too wide or too narrow, the spark plugs won’t work properly.
2. Inspect the spark plug boots.
Make sure that they’re not cracked or damaged in any way. Otherwise, electrical current could leak out and cause engine misfires.
3. Use dielectric grease on the spark plug boots.
This will help to prevent corrosion and keep them working properly for longer periods of time.
4. Replace the ignition wires if necessary.
Do You Need to Change Spark Plugs Every Service
One of the most common questions we get here at Joe’s Auto Service is whether or not customers need to change their spark plugs every service. And, like with most car-related questions, the answer is…it depends!
On average, most cars will need new spark plugs every 30,000 miles or so.
However, this number can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle as well as your driving habits. For example, if you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic or start and stop your engine a lot (like if you live in a cold climate and have to defrost your windshield often), you may need to change your spark plugs more often.
If you’re unsure about when to change your spark plugs, consult your car’s owner’s manual or ask one of our expert technicians at Joe’s Auto Service.
We can inspect your current spark plugs and let you know if they need to be changed as well as recommend a schedule for future replacement.
Driving With Bad Spark Plugs
If your car’s spark plugs are bad, it can negatively affect your car’s performance. Bad spark plugs can cause your car to misfire, run rough, and have difficulty starting. In some cases, driving with bad spark plugs can damage your engine.
It is important to replace your spark plugs when they become worn out or damaged in order to keep your car running properly.
Bad Spark Plug Sound
If you’ve ever heard a bad spark plug sound, then you know it’s not something you want to ignore. This noise is usually caused by a problem with the spark plug itself, and if left unchecked, it can lead to engine damage.
There are a few different things that can cause a bad spark plug sound.
The most common is a build-up of carbon on the tip of the plug. This can happen over time as the engine burns fuel, and it can eventually cause the plug to misfire. Another possibility is that the gap between the electrode and the ground strap has become too wide.
This gap needs to be just right in order for the spark to jump across properly, so if it’s too wide, the spark will be weak or nonexistent.
If you hear a bad spark plug sound coming from your engine, it’s important to have it checked out as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem could lead to more serious engine damage down the road.
Conclusion
If you don’t change your spark plugs, a few things could happen. Your car could have decreased fuel efficiency, reduced power, and the engine could misfire. In extreme cases, the engine could seize up.
It’s important to keep up with maintenance on your vehicle, and changing the spark plugs is an easy and relatively inexpensive task.