Spark plugs don't last forever. Like most other parts of your vehicle, your spark plugs can only go for so long before they require replacement. When it comes to replacing spark plugs, however, the common question is usually "when?"
How often you should have your spark plugs replaced depends on a lot of variables, including your vehicle manufacturer's own recommendations and your vehicle's current performance and condition. Let's dive in deeper for some more concrete answers.
Wait…What
Does a Spark Plug Do?
Engines need
three things to breathe life into the combustion process - air, fuel and spark.
Spark plugs provide the latter by essentially shooting a high-voltage spark
into the cylinder just as air and fuel enters the combustion chamber. This
spark ignites the air and fuel mixture, providing the explosive force needed to
push the cylinder down and complete the combustion process.
Most cars have at least as many spark plugs as cylinders, although many vehicles have a "dual spark" set up that doubles the number of spark plugs used per cylinder for more precise ignition and better performance. Some spark plugs use a copper electrode, although most modern spark plugs use iridium or platinum for a more reliable and precise spark.Â
Why Do My Spark Plugs Keep Going Bad?
Unless you
actually remove and carefully inspect your spark plugs, it's hard to tell if
and when they suddenly go bad. However, there are a few symptoms that could
give you a heads-up to trouble on the horizon. If your care exhibits any of the
following, then you may want to have a professional check your spark plugs: