Automobile Diagnostics can replace your spark plugs when they need it. If you drive an older engine, the plugs need to be replaced every 30,000 miles. If your vehicle is relatively new, the plugs can last about 100,000 miles. Replacing the spark plugs is just one part of an ignition tune-up. Check your owner’s manual to see how often the ignition needs to be tuned. If you are having any of the problems listed below, your spark plugs have worn out.
Rough Starts
It can be difficult to get your vehicle’s engine started with worn spark plugs because they are unable to generate the sparks needed for combustion. If the combustion chamber does not have the flame to start the fire, your engine will not start. If it is getting increasingly difficult to fire up your engine, it’s possible that the spark plugs need to be changed.
Rough Idling
Your car’s engine will also idle roughly once it has started if the spark plugs are worn out. This is an indication that they are not generating sparks in the correct order to keep the combustion going on inside of the combustion chamber.
Misfires/Stalls
Another sign that the spark plugs need to be replaced is frequent misfiring and/or stalling of the engine. In fact, your engine may idle so roughly that it stalls. Bring your vehicle to our shop right away if it has been stalling or if you can hear the engine misfiring.
Surging/Speed Spurts
Sometimes, the plugs can fire too frequently if they are worn out and your vehicle will increase its speed in spurts. This engine surging can make it difficult to drive your automobile because you don’t know what the engine is going to do in terms of speed.
Higher Fuel Consumption
When the engine surges frequently, it also burns more fuel. Consequently, this higher fuel consumption will reduce your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. This is bad news if you are living on a tight budget and need to buy more gas or diesel fuel.
Lagging Acceleration
Finally, your vehicle’s acceleration may also lag if the spark plugs are not firing properly. This is because, again, the combustion chamber is unable to produce combustion efficiently. If the air and fuel are not fired properly in the cylinders, you will have engine performance issues such as lagging acceleration.
Automobile Diagnostics in Columbus, IN, would be happy to help, so call us today to set up a service visit for an ignition tune-up.
