How often are spark plugs changed?

A spark plug is a part that ignites the mixture of air and fuel in the engine cylinders. It creates an electrical spark discharge, which starts the combustion process of the fuel. There are many sizes of candles that match the design of the car. They differ in thread length and diameter, hardening amount, spark gap size, material and number of electrodes. Two types of spark plugs are used in modern engines: conventional (copper or nickel) and advanced (platinum or iridium).

What is the function of spark plugs?

The normal operation of the engine depends on the spark plugs. They are designed to provide:

• trouble-free engine start;
• stable operation of the unit;
• high engine performance;
• optimal fuel consumption.

Moreover, all candles, regardless of the number provided for by the engine design, must be the same, and even better - from one set. And, of course, absolutely everything must be serviceable.

How often should you change your spark plugs?

You need to change, focusing on several criteria:

• The service life prescribed by the manufacturer for a specific car model;
• External signs of wear or failure (appearance of ash or oil deposits, soot deposits, varnish or slag deposits, discoloration or melting of the electrode);
• Indirect signs of malfunctions in the engine (poor engine start, reduced traction, increased fuel consumption, power failure when the gas pedal is pressed sharply)
• Motor tripping (speed surges and vibration).
• Regular use of low-quality fuel.

The frequency of replacing spark plugs also depends on the model of the vehicle and is prescribed in the technical recommendations for the operation of vehicles by the manufacturer. On average, technical experts recommend installing new consumables every 30 thousand kilometers, for platinum and iridium candles - every 90-120 thousand kilometers.

How often to change spark plugs?

In order not to be mistaken and to accurately determine the frequency of replacing the igniter after installing a new part in the engine cylinder when switching to gas, it is important to be guided by the mileage indicated by the manufacturer. Often this figure does not exceed 30 thousand km. Spark plug wear can be noticed by listening to the operation of the engine, as well as by monitoring fuel consumption, if the spark is weak, it will not be enough to ignite the gas, some of it will simply fly out into the exhaust pipe.

Expensive specimens will last much longer, for example, chrome-nickel candles with a copper rod, the maximum mileage is 35000 km. Also, platinum candles will allow you to drive 60000 km without replacing the igniter.

It is important to clearly understand that modern candle models with a good service life are not suitable for all HBOs, but only for systems starting from the 4th generation. Branded samples are expensive, but the part will need to be changed less often, which will positively affect the budget, as well as the performance of the car.

What happens if you don't change the spark plugs on time?

Many people prefer to save on replacement costs by continuing to drive with products that have already exhausted themselves. The effect of faulty spark plugs on the operation of the machine:

• Increase in fuel consumption. By reducing the pressure in the combustion chamber. The engine power is significantly reduced, due to which the car picks up speed more slowly. To move at high speed, you have to press the gas pedal more often.
• Unstable operation of the engine. With prolonged use, carbon deposits form on the ignition elements. The larger it is, the more difficult it is to form a spark. The starter is idling.
• Difficulty in starting the engine. The distance between the electrodes increases, which leads to skips, and then the complete absence of a spark. The effect of spark plugs on engine operation
• The dynamics of the engine are lost. Due to the detonation of the charge in the cylinder, the risk of a complete loss of vehicle power is high. The motor is more difficult to gain momentum.
• Failure of the catalytic converter of the machine. The unburned air-fuel mixture is burned in the exhaust system. The temperature in the converter rises, this leads to burnout in the cells and disables the expensive part.
• The car is difficult to start. The problem occurs more often in winter. When you try to start the engine, the remaining drop of gasoline floods the candle, which makes it impossible to start the vehicle for some time.
• Destruction of piston rings. The high temperature of a faulty spark plug leads to pre-ignition. The air-fuel mixture, due to the hot electrode, explodes before the piston reaches the required point in the cylinder. This leads to the destruction of the protective "oil wedge" on the cylinder walls. The load on the piston rings, the partitions between them and on the cylinder walls increases. The piston system begins to break down, which may require an overhaul of the internal combustion engine.

Candles are one of the most important components of the engine. Proper selection (according to the parameters of the car) and operation will allow you to use them as efficiently as possible. And timely replacement will ensure uniform and reliable operation of the engine.