Spark plug maintenance is often overlooked by vehicle owners. Many years ago, we used to do vehicle tune-ups, which involved points and condensers, caps and rotors, and ignition wires, which all connected to the spark plugs inside the engine. Nowadays with coil-on-plug ignition, a lot of the spark plug maintenance is no longer required. However, spark plugs are still present and need to be replaced to prevent potential vehicle damage. Here’s what you need to know about spark plugs.
When approached about replacing spark plugs, many vehicle owners decline the service because their vehicle is running fine. But the problem is when the spark plug wears down, you might not notice any problems with the engine performance. With the gap slowly widening in the spark plug, it’s putting excess load onto the ignition coil that sits on top of it. And the ignition coil is fired by the computer system. It could take several weeks or months to become problematic, but if you replace the spark plug timely, then you won’t have to worry about any problems.
Refer to your owner’s manual to determine when spark plugs need to be replaced on your vehicle. Staying on this schedule can prevent future issues, but you should also rely on the expertise of your vehicle technician. If your spark plug is wearing out prematurely, they might suggest replacing it and it’s a good idea to do so at that time.
DeBoer’s Auto wants to ensure your life doesn’t get interrupted because of vehicle problems. Something as simple as replacing a spark plug is very important when you consider the potential consequences of not replacing it timely. Our team will inspect your spark plugs and make honest recommendations to ensure your vehicle continues operating how it should. To learn more about our services and our team, contact us at any time.