Worn spark plugs can make your car difficult to start. Basically, there is air and fuel and a spark plug in each cylinder. When you turn the ignition key, the spark plugs are supposed to generate sparks to fire up the air and fuel. If this doesn’t happen because the spark plugs are not working, your engine will not start. If some of the plugs are working, your engine will start after it cranks several times. This is just one sign that your spark plugs need to be replaced. Here are other signs.
Misfiring Cylinders
Assuming for the moment that you got your vehicle started, the cylinders are going to misfire because all of the spark plugs are not generating sparks. Consequently, the air and fuel in the cylinders that have bad spark plugs will not ignite. As such, your engine will cut out frequently. This cutting out is called misfiring. In order for your engine to run inefficiently, you need all cylinders firing.
Rough Idling
You will realize that the engine is misfiring because it will idle roughly. You can feel your vehicle shake and you can hear the engine cut out if you listen carefully. Unfortunately, your engine may be prone to stalling when you are sitting at an idle because the cylinders are not firing correctly.
Lagging Performance
As if that weren’t bad enough, your engine performance is also going to lag. This means you will have problems accelerating your vehicle when you want to pick up speed. In addition, the engine may misfire when you are driving and cause your vehicle to jerk and the engine to sputter.
Surging Performance
The opposite can also occur when the spark plugs are bad. You may have surging in the engine that causes your car, truck, or utility vehicle to pick up speed unexpectedly. This can make driving your automobile unpredictable. It’s important to have the plugs replaced.
Increased Consumption
Unfortunately, all of the above will increase the fuel consumption in the engine. Consequently, you will have reduced fuel economy until you replace the spark plugs. Changing the plugs regularly ensures that you get the best gas mileage out of your automobile.
We can change the spark plugs at our shop, so call us today to schedule a convenient appointment. Our technicians are experts in everything automotive, and we can change the spark plugs and get you back on the road with an efficient engine.
