Owning a vehicle is more than just driving your car and keeping it clean; you will also need to maintain it. Routine car maintenance will ensure your vehicle runs at its best for excellent fuel economy, clean emissions, and reliability for years to come. While there are many different maintenance items you will need to tend to over the years, your spark plugs are one of the most critical components.
What Are Spark Plugs?
Spark plugs are a device that delivers an electrical current from your vehicle's ignition system to the combustion chamber of your engine. A spark plug creates a tiny spark between the ground and center electrode to ignite your air-fuel mixture. Essentially, the spark plug is the final component needed for combustion in your engine.
When Should I Change Spark Plugs?
Spark plugs are a serviceable item and should be changed routinely depending on your manufacturer's maintenance schedule. This can be found in your owner's manual and should be followed closely for optimal performance.
There are a few different symptoms to look for that would indicate a bad spark plug between your maintenance periods:
- Engine Misfires
- Rough Idling
- Trouble Starting
- Poor Gas Mileage
- Check Engine Light
- Poor Engine Performance
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, your spark plugs will need to be checked for signs of fouling or carbon buildup on the spark plug.
Can I Replace My Own Spark Plugs?
Replacing old spark plugs with new spark plugs is a common DIY repair, such as simple oil changes, but doing so can expose some dangers to your engine. Depending on the automaker's specifications, your spark plug removal and replacement process may differ from traditional vehicles. Improper removal without the correct spark plug socket or over-torquing with a torque wrench can result in a plug breaking, causing an even more extensive repair to be made. Having your spark plugs repaired professionally will not only ensure that your spark plugs work correctly, but your new plugs have been installed with the correct plug gap. Having your spark plugs installed professionally is also a great way to have your mechanic or service center check your other components, such as spark plug wires, ignition coils, and other tune-up essentials.
What Are The Different Types Of Spark Plugs?
When shopping for your specific vehicle's spark plugs, four different types of spark plugs are available.
- Copper - Great For Cars Built Before 1980
- Iridium - Longest Lasting, More Durable Than Platinum
- Platinum - Lasts Longer Than Copper & Generates More Heat For Better Reduction In Debris Buildup
- Double Platinum - Best For Waste Spark Systems. Very Reliable
Spark Plug Replacement In Miami, Florida
If you need to get your spark plugs replaced in Miami, Florida, trust Green's Garage to get the job done. Since 1957, our team has provided honest and reliable auto repair, maintenance, and quick lube services to the greater Miami area. Our team specializes in Jeep, BMW/Mini, Lexus, Subaru, and Infiniti. Our technicians are ASE-certified and we’re always here to serve you. To schedule your next spark plug replacement, fill out our online appointment form.