The spark plugs in your car are one of the essential parts of your engine. They’re what ignite the fuel that turns into energy for your vehicle, and they can only do their job when they’re in good condition.
Check Engine Light
If you keep getting warnings from your dashboard that something is wrong with your engine, this may be a sign that you need to replace a spark plug. Worn plugs can trigger the check engine light.
Engine Misfires
If your car’s engine is misfiring or missing, it could indicate that a spark plug has failed. Several issues can cause a misfiring engine, but a failing spark plug is one of the most common culprits.
Misfiring stresses the catalytic converter and can lead to more severe problems down the road. A misfiring engine may cause rough idling and an increase in vehicle emissions.
Reduced Fuel Economy
Are you noticing your car using more gas than usual? It’s not uncommon for drivers to catch their cars using more gas as they age, but if you’re seeing a sudden increase in fuel consumption, there may be a reason for it.
The spark plug has an average lifespan of about 100,000 miles and is responsible for igniting the fuel mixture in your engine. When these plugs start to wear out, they can cause a reduction in performance and increase fuel consumption.
Trouble Accelerating
A spark plug might be worn out if you’re having trouble accelerating. These plugs create the spark that ignites the fuel in your car’s engine. They do a great job of firing up your cylinders and getting your vehicle moving when they’re working correctly. But if your plugs aren’t working well, you can experience problems like sluggish acceleration, poor gas mileage, and even engine trouble.
Problems Starting the Car
Difficulty starting your car is another sign of potential spark plug problems. If your plugs are not firing correctly, your vehicle may struggle to create and stall out when you’re driving.
The good news is that replacing a spark plug on most cars is fairly simple. We recommend bringing your vehicle into our service department for a check-up so we can take care of your spark plugs.
Engine Noises
Engine noises can be a good indicator that your plugs need replacement. For example, you might hear rattling or pinging sounds. A corroded spark plug usually causes rattling or pinging sounds. These noises often happen when you start the car and may continue while driving.
If you’ve noticed that your vehicle’s performance has been lackluster and it’s not as responsive as usual, schedule a service appointment with DARCARS Used Car & Service Center of Frederick. We’ll inspect your car, identify the problem, and get you back on the road in no time!
Image by Cindy Jones from Pixabay
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