Spark plug. Guide
Spark plugs are responsible for starting and optimal operation of the engine. Therefore, it is important to replace them regularly - when recommended by the manufacturer. However, it will be difficult for an ordinary driver to replace the elements installed in modern engines.
The job of a spark plug is to create the spark needed to ignite the air-fuel mixture, i.e. start the car engine. As a rule, there are as many candles as there are cylinders - usually four. But in modern engines it happens that there are two of them - the main and auxiliary, which further improves combustion in the cylinder.
Nothing to do
Currently, spark plugs require virtually no maintenance and, with proper use, cars can withstand, depending on the design of the car, from 60 to 120 thousand. km mileage. They should be completely replaced when recommended by the manufacturer. Even if only one of them burns out after the declared service life, it is better to replace the entire set of spark plugs. Because soon it will turn out that the rest will burn anyway. Mechanics highlights
that when buying candles, you have to select them for a specific engine.
- There are no universal plugs that can be used in every car. – confirms Dariusz Nalevaiko, Renault service manager in Bialystok. -
What's more, current powertrains are designed in such a way that it is difficult to replace spark plugs without the help of a mechanic.
The expert adds that spark plugs are now virtually maintenance-free. Interference with them is observed. Often, with inept replacement, the ceramic insulator breaks, and then it is impossible to unscrew the candle.
In older engines, one of the most common mistakes when replacing spark plugs is incorrect tightening. If the candle is not firmly stuck in the hole, this will lead, as a result, to breakage of the head. If it is overtightened, it may damage the engine.
Only good fuel
It is important to refuel with good quality fuel so that it burns completely. IN
otherwise, the spark plugs will deposit carbon deposits or particulate matter, causing them to wear out more quickly.
Dariusz Nalevaiko: However, other elements should be kept in mind, such as high voltage cables, because this affects the quality of the spark generated by the candle.
Faulty spark plugs can cause accelerated engine wear because the combustion process does not proceed properly. If fuel vapors begin to enter the catalytic converter and burn there, this will damage this element.
Engine jerking: one of the signs of spark plug wear
The main symptoms of failure or wear of any of the candles are uneven engine operation and difficulty starting it. If there is dirt on the spark plugs, the smoke from the exhaust will be darker or bluer depending on whether the spark plugs have carbon deposits or oil particles.
It is best to inspect candles at a service center during a scheduled inspection. Preferably in the spring - a large amount of moisture in the air causes a breakdown of the current at this time of the year. Moreover, many service stations will soon begin inviting you for free spring inspections.
Prices for spark plugs start from PLN 10, but there are also those that cost much more than PLN 100.
Petr Valchak
