In this blog entry, the professional Chicago roadside assistance service experts here at Towing Chicago will detail the main signs of failing spark plugs, a common automotive mishap that leads to the need for towing in the Chicagoland area.
What are spark plugs?
spark plugs are devices that provide the electrical spark that lights the compressed air and fuel mix inside the cylinders of your vehicle’s engines. This starts your engine and keeps it from running. When spark plugs aren’t properly firing, your engine won’t work properly. Weak or inconsistent sparks throw off the balance and timing of your engine, making it untrustworthy, especially in high altitudes.
What are the main signs of spark plug failure?
- Rough Car Starting– if engines take a long time to crank up, or if you have to try multiple times to start your engines, it’s probably due to failing spark plugs. Cold weather can make this worse, as well as extremely hot weather.
- Bad Fuel Economy– Failing spark plugs cause uneven combustion that’s incomplete, making your engine burn more gas than it needs to. If you notice you have to fill up your car more frequently with zero change in driving habits, it’s likely due to worn out spark plugs making you spend more money than you have to.
- Misfiring Engines– This feels like sudden stutters or jerks while driving. It occurs when a single spark plug or multiple spark plugs aren’t properly firing up. This can be very dangerous, especially when you’re navigating hills or sharp turns.
- Acceleration Issues – If your car has issues accelerating, it’s likely due to your spark plugs draining your engine’s power. This can be very dangerous while you’re passing or merging.
- Check Engine Light Illumination – If your check engine light is flashing or solidly on, it’s likely due to engine misfiring caused by spark plug issues. This should be inspected even if your car seems to be running fine.
How can I prevent spark plug issues?
- Have your spark plugs replaced according to your vehicle manual maintenance schedule. Waiting to do this will cause loss in performance and potentially dangerous mechanical issues
- Only use high quality spark plugs that have been specially designed for your car’s particular engine. Elevation can affect combustion, so it’s best to choose spark plugs that are designed for efficiency for environments with less oxygen.
- Always stay alert to any vehicle performance issues, whether it’s increased gas consumption or stalling. By acting in advance, you can prevent a potential breakdown or repair bill.