Spark Plugs 101: What You Need to Know

So…What Are Spark Plugs?

For the less mechanically-inclined among us, spark plugs are a ubiquitous car term used in movies as a major plot point – “Yes sir, your spark plugs are bad, that’s why your engine didn’t start and you had to miss your wedding.” Due to the faulty spark plugs, the bride believed the groom got cold feet, and the plot takes a turn for the worst. What the movies don’t ever explain, though, is what exactly those pesky little plugs are.

Spark plugs, are exactly what they sound like; a small automotive component that plugs onto a cylinder head and produces a tiny spark of electricity to ignite the air and fuel inside the engine. In other words, spark plugs are the sparks of lightning that give your engine life. Generally, there’s one plug for each cylinder, and in addition to enabling your car to start, they transmit heat from the combustion to cooling chambers and prevent the engine from overheating. If that wasn’t enough, these small-but-mighty plugs also help keep your engine clean by burning off contaminant and fuel additive deposits. They’re such important components that they’re one of the major focuses on our Minnesota AAMCO Tune Up service.

Related Article: What’s In a Tune-Up?

close up of used spark plugs with soot on a wood table

How Do I Know When I Need To Replace My Spark Plugs?

As with most automotive maintenance, the prevailing recommendation is to replace spark plugs every 30,000 miles. The condition and type of spark plug will be the determining factor however, as plugs built from more durable material can last up to four times longer than copper plugs. That’s why our AAMCO Minnesota locations only use the best spark plugs on the market when conducting vehicle maintenance. Regardless of material, the extreme temperatures and abuse from being in a combustion engine will always take a toll and eventually wear out even the best spark plugs.

Symptoms Of Failing Spark Plugs

Even if you aren’t the most car savvy person, you will likely notice one, or all of these symptoms of failing spark plugs.

Hear It: If you hear rattling or knocking from your engine, it may be due to the combustion and pistons malfunctioning after being sparked at the wrong time.
Feel It: If you’re feeling a disjointed, hard, or “jerky” start when you turn the ignition key, it may be due to a spark misfire. Similarly, if you’re feeling a slow, sluggish response when trying to accelerate, it may be a sign that your plugs aren’t functioning at full capacity. If you’re unsure on what you’re feeling, you can always ask a Minnesota AAMCO mechanic at your local service center if what you’re experiencing is normal.
Notice It: If you’re noticing reductions in fuel economy, it may be due to failing spark plugs. They may not be the only contributor, but they’re one of the easiest fixes.

My Plugs Are Old, But My Car Still Starts

Other than having peace of mind that your car will start every time, there are a variety of other benefits to having new spark plugs installed:

Your engine will have a smoother, more energetic start.
Your fuel economy will increase (in some cases, by up to 30%!).
Your combustion system will be optimized, alleviating many performance issues that might be present.
You’ll reduce air pollution as new plugs will reduce harmful emissions.

Time For New Spark Plugs? AAMCO Minnesota Can Help

If you’ve noticed any of the above symptoms, or you’ve flown past the recommended 30,000-mile replacement milestone, call or schedule an appointment online at your nearest AAMCO Minnesota location for a complete checkup and tune-up. At AAMCO Minnesota, we only use the highest quality spark plugs when servicing your vehicle, because nothing beats the peace of mind when you know your car will start, without issue, every time.

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Spark Plugs 101 – Everything You Need to Know About Your Car’s Spark Plugs

So…What Are Spark Plugs?

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