spark plug wear

The wear process of spark plugs depends on many factors, but even in a perfectly running engine, their service life is limited and signs of wear are not always visible.

The reasons for the gradual deterioration of the properties of spark plugs are the phenomena that accompany their operation. The wear of the electrodes is due to the electrical erosion of the working surfaces caused by the cyclic jump of the spark between them. Negative the effect of electroerosion is to gradually increase the gap between the electrodes, which forces an increase in the voltage necessary to induce an electrical discharge in the form of a spark. Due to the growing demand for energy, the ignition module is designed to have a certain amount of high voltage generated, which guarantees a spark plug of good quality in all operating conditions. Another phenomenon that affects the wear of spark plug electrodes is corrosion due to the action of hot gases in the combustion chamber.

Ceramic insulators of spark plugs also gradually lose their properties. This is the result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures that accompany the normal operation of an internal combustion engine. It is impossible to notice changes in the structure of insulators, except for obvious cracks and losses. Cracks and cavities usually result from impact or mishandling. 

The progressive wear process makes it necessary to periodically replace the spark plugs in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, even when the appearance of the insulator and electrodes does not indicate deterioration in properties.