Parts 101: Spark Plugs

While you may have a rudimentary idea of how some car parts work, it often pays to dig a little deeper. The spark plugs, for example, are a component most people know about, but they’d probably have a hard time describing what they do exactly.

This guide aims to offer some insight. 

The Role of Spark Plugs

The spark plugs aren’t named by accident. When you turn your car on, they provide the spark of electricity needed for the engine. This spark ignites the fuel and air mixture in order to get the pistons moving.

Replacing Your Spark Plugs

The good news with spark plugs is that they usually last a very long time. Because they can hold up well to 100,000 miles, you may never need to worry about them.

If your car is getting close to that number, however, it’s a good idea to have the spark plugs examined.

When Spark Plugs Go Bad

While age is generally the biggest factor when it comes to spark plugs wearing out, they can go bad. This can happen when carbon builds up, which is often attributed to an old and dirty fuel filter. When the fuel-to-air ratio is incorrect, this is another factor that can lead to faulty spark plugs.

Signs of Bad Spark Plugs

There are some warning signs to look out for with your spark plugs. If you have trouble getting your car started, it could be that the plugs are starting to fail. Rough idling or lackluster acceleration are other issues that could indicate you need new spark plugs.

To have your spark plugs looked at, you can make an appointment with the service center at Lyon-Waugh Auto Group in Peabody.

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