Archive for August, 2009
On Replacing Your Vehicle’s Spark Plugs
by admin on Aug.10, 2009, under Car Maintenance, Car Tips
On Replacing Your Vehicle’s Spark Plugs
You walk out to your car, climb into the driver’s seat, and stick the key into the ignition. You turn the key and are surprised to discover that your engine seems sluggish. Over the ensuing weeks, it becomes even more sluggish. Eventually, it seems as if it doesn’t want to turn over at all. The problem may be your vehicle’s spark plugs (SPs).
They debuted in the early 1900s and have been an essential piece of automotive technology since. In the early days, they only lasted up to 15,000 miles. The reason was due to the lead contained within gasoline at the time. Today, they can last much longer; some are promoted as lasting up to 100,000 miles.
Below, I’ll explain why spark plugs need to be replaced periodically. In some cases, the emissions tests mandated in certain states prompts drivers to replace them (they fail the test otherwise). In other cases, engine and driveability issues are the catalyst.
Misfires
When you put new SPs into your vehicle, your engine will perform at its highest level of efficiency. It won’t last. Each spark plug has an electrode that delivers voltage for your car’s internal combustion process. These electrodes will wear down over time. As they do, voltage is forced to bridge a growing chasm in order to provide the ignition for the air-fuel mixture. Eventually, you’ll experience occasional misfires. They will steadily become more frequent. As a result, the level of emissions in your exhaust will increase, and your power and fuel efficiency will plummet.
Cold Starts
Often, vehicles have difficulty starting during cold weather. This is not due to the spark plugs having become fouled. Instead, it can happen as the result of their being exposed to dirt and fuel flooding. In the case of dirt, removing and cleaning the SPs will often solve a cold starting problem.
Flooding is a bit different. It happens when drivers flood their cars while trying to crank the engine. The released fuel soaks the SPs and prevents the voltage from sparking. This problem occurs mostly with cars that use carburetors, but it can also happen with those that operate on fuel injection systems. The only option is to clean or replace the spark plugs.
Protecting The Catalytic Converter
Catalytic converters are relatively sensitive to heat (and relatively expensive to replace). If an SP goes bad and misfiring occurs, excess fuel can filter into the exhaust and raise the temperature in the cat converter. If the temperature rises high enough, it can cause a partial or full failure in the cat’s substrate. New SPs help prevent excess fuel dumping, which prevents the catalytic converter from overheating and melting down.
If you’re using ordinary spark plugs, plan to have them replaced every 50,000 miles (or sooner). If you’re using a “life-long” model, replace them after 100,000 miles. They’re inexpensive and can help your engine operate at peak performance.