How long does a spark plug last?
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Spark plugs are only found in gasoline-powered vehicles and are located in the engine cylinders. Thus, there is one spark for each cylinder, which is necessary to ignite the mixture of air and fuel. In this article, you will learn about spark plug life, the risks of driving with an HS spark plug, and tips to increase the life of this part.
🚘 What is the role of the spark plug?
The spark plug is located in gasoline engines inside the cylinders of the latter. Thanks to two electrodes, it allows make a current flow through a candle. Thus, the first electrode is at the end of the metal rod, which is located in the middle of the spark plug, and the second is at the level of the base attached to the wall of the cylinder head. vehicle.
Separated by insulation, two electrodes will spark when an electric current passes through both of them. This spark must be optimal so that the mixture of air and gasoline burns as best as possible. Indeed, it is she who plays a key role in starting your car.
Without the spark from the spark plugs, the fuel cannot be ignited and the car cannot start the engine.
In total you will find 4 or 6 spark plugs on your car. The number will vary depending on the number of cylinders in your engine. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, diameter, length and thermal index will be variable.
These links can be found at base spark plug or within spark plug correspondence table.
⏱️ How long is the spark plug life?
It is recommended to check the condition of the spark plugs every time. 25 000 kilometers. On average, their lifespan ranges from 50 kilometers and 000 kilometers. However, to know the exact life of your spark plugs, you can refer to service book your vehicle, which contains all the manufacturer's recommendations.
However, if you notice glaring ignition imbalance your vehicle will need to intervene before reaching this mileage. This can manifest itself as a loss of engine power, difficulty starting the engine, increased fuel consumption, or even pollution control system failure.
In some cases, the problem may be in the air filter. Indeed, if the candles are covered with black bloom, this means that air filter defective and allows impurities to enter the engine. Therefore, it will be necessary replace the air filter and clean the spark plugs.
⚠️ What is the risk of driving with an HS spark plug?
If one of your spark plugs fails, the entire ignition system will stop working properly. If you continue to drive a vehicle with a faulty spark plug, you are exposed to the following risks:
- Engine contamination : since combustion is not optimal, it is possible that unburned fuel stagnates in the engine and accelerates carbon pollution;
- Inability to start the car : starting will become more difficult, engine misfires will appear, and over time it may not be possible to start the car;
- Exhaust system wear : the exhaust system will also fall prey to significant carbon deposits;
- One emission of pollutants important : Your vehicle's anti-pollution system will no longer function properly and you risk exceeding the permitted emission threshold.
As you can understand driving with an HS spark plug can be dangerous for your vehicle... This is why you need to act quickly as soon as you notice that the spark plug has stopped working properly.
💡 What are some tips for extending spark plug life?
To ensure the longevity of your spark plugs, you can use 3 daily reflexes when servicing your vehicle:
- Check the coolant level regularly to prevent overheating of the spark plugs if the level is insufficient;
- Use an additive in the fuel filler flap to abrade engine parts and remove carbon deposits;
- Check spark plugs regularly to avoid wear and to watch for engine noise.
Your car's spark plugs are wear parts that need to be looked after. Indeed, their role is important for ensuring the ignition of the engine and starting the car. Once you spot the unusual signs listed above, schedule an appointment with one of our trusted mechanics to have your spark plugs replaced.
