United Tire and Service News

The internal combustion engine is a great engineering feat that revolutionized how we live our lives. That engine needs three things to work: fuel, oxygen, and spark. Bad spark plugs sap engine power and power and performance. Fortunately, they are simple and affordable to replace.

 

A lot of people, though, don’t know how to tell if a spark plug is bad. Some of the most common symptoms of bad spark plugs include:

Here is a closer look at how bad spark plugs can cause each of the symptoms.

 

An engine will misfire when bad spark plugs delay the combustion effect. A misfire means one or more of the cylinders in your engine are not producing the power they should. Misfiring motors work harder to maintain power, which saps fuel economy. It also leads to long-term damage if you do not fix the problem. Often times, replacing bad spark plugs will take care of it.  your engine will suffer loss of power.

 

Sometimes, especially while accelerating, you will hear your engine making a distinct knocking sound. That sound is caused by your spark plugs not detonating properly and igniting all the fuel. The fuel and vapor that did not ignite eventually will catch fire and detonate. When that happens, you hear a knocking sound from your engine. Bad spark plugs are common causes of engine knock, but simple to fix.

 

Bad spark plugs do not like to produce spark as designed. A delayed spark makes it harder for your engine to idle properly, especially after sitting for several hours. Cold, wet mornings also make it harder for bad plugs to work as designed when condensation enters the combustion chamber. When you replace your plugs and wires, you should see improved idling and better engine performance.

 

If your car is stubborn to start after sitting for a few hours, you might have bad spark plugs. Your engine needs strong spark to get all cylinders firing on time. When one or more plugs go bad, you do not get the same starting power. That can lead to one or more cylinders not firing correctly, which can make it harder for your engine to start. If your car increasingly becomes harder to start, a new set of plugs and wires might be needed.

 

Whether your car is showing symptoms of bad spark plugs or you just know it is time for a tune-up, United Tire can take care of it for you. Our friendly and certified technicians can work on nearly any make or model vehicle. And we have a great selection of OEM and aftermarket parts to get your car running right. United Tire has 13 independently owned stores throughout the greater Philadelphia area. Each is family-owned and operated, and a part of the local community.