Most drivers don’t think twice about their spark plugs, yet these tiny parts play a crucial role in how your vehicle functions. Without properly working spark plugs, it’s actually more than likely your vehicle won’t be able to run at all.
What Do Spark Plugs Do?
Your engine, a truly remarkable machine, is designed to turn an energy source (gasoline) into motion. It does this via a process of internal combustion. To turn the fuel in your vehicle from a source of potential energy into a source of kinetic energy, your engine must release it through the combustion process.
The engine cycle is what’s responsible for making this process occur. In the engine cycle, your valves fill your cylinder with a mixture of fuel and air, which are highly-explosive when combined.
When the piston in the engine moves upward, it compresses this mix until it’s in a small space, creating more potential energy. At the peak of compression, the engine will ignite its mixture with a small spark, which creates an explosion that forces the piston back downward. This also turns the crankshaft in the engine and creates the power that makes your car move forward.
Ultimately, it’s the spark plugs that supply that spark responsible for igniting the air/fuel mixture, creating the necessary explosion for motion. These plugs create an arc of electricity across two leads that are not touching but close enough that the electricity can jump the gap between them. Your spark plugs are part of the ignition system.
Generally speaking, the spark plugs are made of extremely durable material, and capable of withstanding many explosions before needing to be replaced. Over time, the explosions and corrosion result in weaker sparks, leading to reduced engine efficiency.
When To Change Your Spark Plugs
The majority of manufacturers will install “extended-life” spark plugs. Extended-life plugs are usually rated for a lifespan of about 100,000 miles. As the plugs approach the end of their estimated lifespan, the gap between the two leads will widen.
At this point, you may experience reduced efficiency or the possibility of misfiring. If the plug corrodes to the point where it breaks, serious damage can occur to the interior of your engine cylinder. This can be an extremely costly repair for most vehicles.
How To Choose New Spark Plugs
Make sure to select the appropriate spark plugs for your vehicle when it comes time for new ones. Most auto parts shops can assist you in this process. Spark plugs with platinum or iridium typically cost more than ones with common metals like copper.
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