Spark plugs are part of the ignition system. Changing spark plugs is part of routine maintenance for a vehicle because these parts naturally wear out over time. It’s a good idea to have them replaced according to the guidelines in the owner’s manual, but many vehicle owners wait. Eventually, through certain symptoms, the car lets the owners know the plugs are dirty and deteriorating. A garage providing service for Car Repair in Poulsbo WA can remove the old parts and replace them with new ones.
Materials
Old-fashioned spark plugs have a copper central electrode and tend to wear out two or three times as fast as those made with platinum or iridium. Some vehicle owners prefer the copper plugs anyway, feeling that the car has better performance with those components.
When choosing copper, a customer of a garage providing Car Repair in Poulsbo WA can expect to need replacement at around 30,000 miles due to carbon buildup and deterioration of the copper. However, any plug can need replacing sooner than normally recommended if the air filter or fuel filter is clogged.
Symptoms
How does someone know when this work is becoming necessary? When an engine starts running a bit rough, that’s a symptom of spark plugs going bad. It feels like the engine might stall, but then it revs up again to its normal operation. The problem is known as misfiring, or “missing.” This usually is first noticed while idling although, if the situation isn’t resolved, misfiring will start occurring while traveling on the road.
Reduced expected power while accelerating also lets the driver know these ignition components need changing. The check engine light may come on as well. Gas mileage will go down, although this will probably only be obvious to somebody who keeps track.
Replacing the Plugs
Replacing the plugs is a relatively easy do-it-yourself task, but most vehicle owners don’t want to bother with it. An automotive technician at a garage such as LK’s Auto Repair can complete the project at an affordable price. Replacement of the air filter and fuel filter can be done during the same appointment if this is advisable.
