The spark plug is a fundamental part of the car engine, responsible for starting the combustion process. Without it, the engine would not work properly, compromising the vehicle's performance. But, after all, when should we change the spark plugs? And how to make them last longer? In this article, we will answer these and other questions about the spark plug.
What is the function of the spark plug?
Firstly, the spark plug is responsible for generating the spark that starts combustion in the engine. car engine. It is composed of a central electrode and a lateral electrode, separated by an insulating ceramic. When the electric current passes through the central electrode, it generates a spark that passes through the combustion chamber and ignites the air-fuel mixture.
How many km does the spark plug last?
The durability of spark plugs varies depending on the car model and the type of plug used. Generally, spark plugs last between 20.000 and 50.000 km. However, it is important to remember that the conditions of use of the vehicle, such as the type of fuel used and driving style, can influence the spark plug's useful life. As a preventive measure, it is recommended to carry out an inspection of the spark plugs every 10.000.
When to change car spark plugs?
Changing spark plugs must be carried out in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. Generally, replacement is recommended every 40.000 km or 2 years, but it's important to check the owner's manual to be sure. Furthermore, it is recommended to regularly check the condition of the spark plugs and replace them whenever necessary.
How to make spark plugs last longer?
To increase the life of your spark plugs, it is important to carry out preventive maintenance on your vehicle, such as changing the oil and engine. fair filter, and use good quality fuels. Furthermore, it is important to regularly check the condition of the spark plugs and replace them whenever necessary.
Spark plug: Cold plug or hot plug. What is the best?
The choice between cold or hot spark plugs will depend on the type of engine and the use of the vehicle. Cold candles are recommended for high performance engines or for those who use the car in extreme conditions, such as high temperatures or high altitudes. On the other hand, hot candles are recommended for conventional engines and for those who use the car under normal conditions of use.
Signs that your car's spark plugs are going bad:
Over time, it is necessary to change this part to ensure the vehicle works properly. There are some signs that indicate your spark plugs are having problems and need to be replaced.
Difficulty starting, loss of performance, increased fuel consumption and acceleration failures are some of the most common symptoms. Furthermore, it is important to regularly check the condition of the spark plugs, such as electrode wear and stains on the central electrode insulation. We will detail more about these signs below:
Difficulty starting the car engine:
If the engine is taking longer to start, it could be a sign that the spark plugs are having problems and need to be changed.
One of the most obvious signs that the spark plugs are having problems is when the engine takes a long time to start and fails when turning the key. This problem is generally caused by wear of the spark plug electrodes, which occurs due to sparks generated between them.
Over time, the sharp corners of the electrodes wear out and become “rounded”, increasing the gap between them and requiring more voltage to generate the spark. This can affect the capacity of the coil and make the vehicle difficult to start. However, it is important to also check the wiring and ignition coil to ensure the problem is resolved.
Car stalling or hiccuping during acceleration:
When accelerating gradually, if the car has jerks, it is a sign that the engine's force is not being transmitted evenly. This may indicate that the spark plugs are having problems, either due to wear or accumulation of dirt, which affects the correct burning of fuel and causes these failures.
Loss of engine power and performance:
Another sign that the spark plugs are worn out is a reduction in engine performance. Over time, the increase in gap between the electrodes affects the spark plugs' ability to burn fuel at the appropriate frequency, making accelerator responses slower and causing difficulties when starting and starting the car.
This is because the candles are responsible for generating the spark that causes combustion. When they are not in good condition, engine performance is affected.
Increased fuel consumption:
Increased vehicle ethanol or gasoline consumption can be caused by several factors, including spark plugs. If your car is consuming more fuel than normal, it could be a sign that your spark plugs are having problems and need to be changed.
When these parts are worn out, the air/fuel mixture is not burned properly, which results in an increase in the car's fuel consumption.
Electrode wear:
Electrode wear can occur naturally as the spark plug is used, this can affect engine performance and indicate that it is necessary to change the spark plugs.
Furthermore, the high temperature and tension to which the part is subjected cause the so-called “erosion” of the central and lateral electrodes. This creates a gap between these electrodes, which makes it difficult for a spark to form.
Light on the vehicle dashboard
The engine warning light (also known as “check engine“) will light up when it is related to the engine. When the injection light comes on on the car dashboard, many drivers are worried about what might be happening.
One of the possible causes of this problem may be related to the spark plug. This is because the part is essential for the proper functioning of the engine and, if it presents a problem, it can interfere with the vehicle's performance and trigger the engine failure sensor. electronic injection system.
Car that dies for nothing
If the car is dying for nothing or having engine failures, be careful! It is not common for a car to die for no apparent reason, and one of the possible reasons could be the carbonization, or soot effect, on the spark plugs, which is generally caused by an excessively rich air-fuel mixture, excessive carbonization or failures in the functioning of the spark plugs. electrodes.
Other possible causes include dirty air filter, delayed ignition timing, non-compatible spark plug, excess fuel or poor quality fuel.
Oscillation at engine idle speed
Fluctuating engine idle speed can cause discomfort when driving, making the vehicle's handling unstable. Furthermore, it may be an indication of problems with the spark plugs, impairing fuel burning efficiency and affecting engine performance. In more serious cases, the oscillation can cause the engine to shut down suddenly.
Insulation base of the damaged part:
Poor adjustment of the gap between the central and side electrodes of the spark plug can cause damage to the base of the part's insulation. Therefore, it is important that the mechanic uses the correct tools to make this adjustment. This rupture stops the spark between the electrodes and the spark plug will begin to generate sparks between the electrode and the spark plug cap.
If the base of the spark plug insulation is damaged, it can cause ignition problems in the engine, as the spark generated by the spark plug can escape to other parts of the engine instead of being directed to the combustion chamber. This can lead to misfires, loss of power, and even permanent engine damage. It is important to replace the damaged spark plug as quickly as possible to avoid more serious problems.
Spark plug turning black
A spark plug that turns black could be a sign of incomplete fuel combustion in the engine. This can undoubtedly be caused by a variety of factors, including an air/fuel mixture that is too rich, a fault in the fuel injection system, incorrectly gapped spark plugs, a dirty air filter, an oxygen sensor defective or a fault in the ignition system.
It is important to take the vehicle to a mechanic to diagnose and correct the problem, as incomplete fuel burning can cause damage to the engine and increase the fuel consumption.
Yellowish stains on the insulation of the spark plug's central electrode
Yellowish spots on the insulation of the central electrode of the spark plugs may indicate the presence of low-quality fuel residues. These residues, when subjected to high temperatures, tend to become conductive, which can impair the functioning of the spark plug.
This condition can lead to combustion failures, loss of power and even engine damage. Furthermore, it is important to replace damaged spark plugs as quickly as possible to avoid more serious problems.
Smoke emission from exhaust
When the spark plugs are faulty, the air/fuel mixture is not burned properly, which can undoubtedly lead to smoke being emitted from the exhaust.
The smoke can be black, thus indicating incomplete burning of the fuel, or white/bluish, indicating the burning of lubricating oil. This situation can cause damage to the engine, reduce the useful life of the catalyst and increase environmental pollution.
Engine noises, such as knocking or popping
Engine noises can indicate various problems, not necessarily related to the spark plugs. However, in some cases, spark plug failure can affect combustion and cause unusual noises, such as knocking or popping, due to an imbalance in engine power. These noises can be accompanied by vibrations and loss of vehicle power.
Gaining power with remap
O remap, or reprogramming of the vehicle's electronic control unit, can help increase engine power and improve its performance. The process involves reprogramming the electronic control unit's operating parameters, such as fuel injection time, ignition timing and turbo pressure (if any).
With these changes, the engine can produce more power and torque, resulting in smoother performance and faster acceleration. However, it is important to remember that the remap must be carried out by a qualified and experienced professional, and that incorrect reprogramming can cause damage to the engine and compromise your safety.
During the remap process, the car's electronic control unit is reprogrammed to adjust various engine parameters, as well as the amount of fuel injected, turbo pressure and spark plug ignition. Spark plug ignition adjustment is done to ensure that the spark occurs at the exact moment, which can improve combustion efficiency and engine performance.
Strike Brasil It's More Than Remap
The spark plug is a fundamental part for the proper functioning of the car engine. Knowing when to change them and how to keep them in good condition is essential to ensure engine durability and good vehicle performance. In other words, by following the manufacturer's recommendations, regularly checking the condition of the spark plugs and carrying out preventive maintenance on the vehicle, it is possible to extend the useful life of the spark plugs and the engine as a whole.”
With these tips, you will certainly be able to take better care of your car and avoid future problems. In fact, remember to always follow the manufacturer's recommendations and seek out a qualified professional if you have any questions or need repairs. Keep your car up to date and have a great experience safer and more comfortable driving.
Without a doubt, the car's spark plug is an important component that can be affected by the remap process. Furthermore, it is important that the spark plug is in good condition before the remap to ensure optimal engine performance.
A Strike Brasil é the largest authority on Remap (electronic injection reprogramming) in Latin America, with more than 50 units in the region and more than 20 thousand reprogrammed cars. Finally, do you want to make your car more economical with our remap? Click here and talk to us.
