Replacement of spark plugs

Spark plug functions

Spark plugs play an important role in the functioning of a car’s engine. Depends on their condition:

• smooth start of the engine;
• amount of fuel consumed;
• optimum motor performance.
• stability of the power unit;

Candles for various types of automotive engines differ in both geometric dimensions and technical characteristics. Candles with iridium or platinum electrodes are considered the highest quality and most durable. They can serve up to 120,000 km, but their main drawback is their rather high price.

When should spark plugs be changed?

There are several criteria, based on which, we can conclude that it is necessary to replace consumables:

• time of operation prescribed in the technical recommendations for a particular brand of car;
• visual signs of wear;
• motor malfunctions.

Lifetime of igniting candles

The terms for replacing spark plugs are indicated by the manufacturer in the technical recommendations for using the car. They depend on the transport model. Most often, it is recommended to install new consumables after 30-40 thousand kilometers. This figure reaches 90-120 thousand km for platinum and iridium candles.

The operating time of the candles also depends on the quality of the fuel used. If you regularly fill your car with low-quality gasoline, consumables will wear out sooner.

Visual signs of failure of a igniting candle

A working spark plug must not have bent electrodes, cracks or chips. Also, they should not change color, there should be no plaque on the electrodes. Brown or gray deposits may appear on the ceramic base of the center electrode. Such deposits are considered acceptable.

Consumables must be replaced if they appear:

• ash-colored or oily plaque on the electrodes;
• soot structure;
• electrodes melted or discolored;
• slag or varnish deposits.

All these signs signal that it’s time to go to the service station to replace the spark plugs.

Other signs of consumable wear

Worn out spark plugs cause engine problems. Problems in the ignition system are manifested by the following signs:

• motor does not start well;
• thrust is reduced;
• fuel consumption increases;
• there is a smell of gasoline;
• vibration and speed jumps are observed;
• if you sharply press the gas pedal, there is a power failure;
• Misfire.

These problems may be signs of other problems in the operation of the vehicle, but first of all, it is necessary to check the serviceability of the spark plugs. You can do this at the Autopark-Service at the address: Kyiv, Ring Road 22.

Dangers of Using Worn Spark Plugs

If you do not replace the spark plugs in time, this can lead to serious malfunctions in the functioning of the vehicle. A faulty spark plug can cause detonation in the combustion chamber of a car engine. As a result, engine power is reduced, thick black smoke and uncharacteristic sounds appear, and thermal loads on engine parts increase. As a result, burning of the cylinder edges, cylinder block gaskets and consumable electrodes can occur. The destruction of the oil film in the upper part of the cylinder causes accelerated wear of the car engine.

Timely replacement of spark plugs at the Autopark-Service will help to avoid all these negative consequences.

How to extend the life of spark plugs

You can increase the life of consumables if you follow simple recommendations.

1. Using quality fuel. It is best to use the gasoline specified in your vehicle’s data sheet.
2. Using spark plugs that match your vehicle and its engine.
3. Check the ignition and power systems in a timely manner.
4. It is important to install consumables correctly when replacing them, without overtightening when screwing in.

Specialists of the Autopark-Service will replace spark plugs with high quality and at a reasonable price. You do not have to worry about the flawless operation of your car, because we use only original spare parts from manufacturing plants. A guarantee is provided for the work performed and spare parts.