United Tire and Service News

If you’re like many people, you likely instinctively jump to the conclusion that you’re having battery trouble whenever there are issues starting your car. However, while that’s one possibility, it’s essential to know that faulty or aging spark plugs are another.

 

Your spark plugs are the source of the energy your engine needs to start in the first place, so plugs that are overdue for replacement can easily cause engine trouble. That’s why every driver should know the symptoms of bad spark plugs and learn to spot them early. Here are a few crucial examples to be aware of.

 

Your battery is more likely to be the culprit if your car is entirely dead and fails to start at all. But when your spark plugs are the issue, you’ll find yourself dealing with an engine that stalls a lot instead. That’s a sign that your plugs are having trouble doing their job – generating the spark that ignites your engine’s air-fuel mixture.

 

It could be that your spark plugs or the wires that help power them are damaged or faulty. Or it could just be that they’re getting old and need to be replaced.

 

Decent spark plugs last a really long time, but they don’t last forever. So if you’ve had your car a while and have never replaced the spark plugs, there’s a good chance it’s time and that you should get yours looked at.

 

So how long do spark plugs last, exactly? Most are good for around 80,000 miles before you have to think about getting new ones. However, you should check your owner’s manual for your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and have your plugs serviced or replaced accordingly.

 

This is probably one of the most obvious and important bad spark plug symptoms, so you don’t want to ignore it. When plugs begin to fail or otherwise develop integrity issues, the check engine light usually comes on or flashes.

It’s also important to note that when the check engine light is on, it generally means the issue is critical, so be sure to address it as soon as possible. Driving with faulty or failing spark plugs can lead to catalytic converter issues and other potentially costly repairs.

 

Related: Common Dashboard Warning Lights

 

When all is as it should be with your engine, it runs smoothly and relatively quietly. But if you’ve been noticing odd noises you can’t quite identify – like pings, rattles, knocking, or banging – it could be a problem with your spark plugs.

 

Spark plugs can also cause your car to simply sound rough when it idles, so turn down the volume on the radio once in a while and listen. If you hear anything troubling, it’s time to have your engine looked at.

 

Related: Why Is My Engine Knocking?

 

Spark plugs that are showing their age or otherwise failing eventually cause your gas mileage to take a nosedive. That’s because they’re not facilitating efficient fuel consumption, meaning your car needs to burn through more gas to do the same job.

 

So if you feel like you’ve been filling up your gas tank a lot more often lately, it’s likely not your imagination. Bad spark plugs can make a car up to 30 percent less fuel-efficient. They can cause a vehicle to fail an emissions test, too.

 

If you’ve had your car a while, you likely have a pretty good idea of what’s normal when it comes to your driving experience. So pay close attention if your car seems less responsive than it used to be.

 

Faulty spark plugs can make it especially hard to accelerate as quickly as you usually would, so pay attention if your car seems slower and more sluggish. Getting your vehicle back on track could be as simple as investing in some new ones.

 

Naturally, this isn’t an exhaustive list of bad spark plug symptoms, but it does cover many of the most common ones. Prevent problems when you can via regularly scheduled maintenance, and have any issues that do arise addressed promptly. You’ll be glad you did. The team at United Tire and Service is here to help you identify and solve any issues with your vehicle's spark plugs. Call your local United Tire or schedule an appointment online.