It takes sparks from the spark plugs to get your engine running. You have a combination of air and fuel in each cylinder, and a spark plug ignites that air and fuel when you turn the key in the ignition or press the start button. Spark plugs need to be changed anywhere from every 30,000 miles to 100,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual for the specific mileage duration. If your spark plugs are old and worn, Ultimate Auto Repair advises you will experience the following symptoms listed below.
Acceleration Lag
One of the first things you will notice when your vehicle is in motion is that your acceleration has suddenly become sluggish. Whether from a stopped position or to pick up speed, when you press down on the accelerator, the spark plugs detonate air and gas to give your vehicle more power. If they are failing to detonate the air in the gas, you will notice that your acceleration lags due to lack of power.
Difficult Starts
Old and worn spark plugs also make it difficult to get your vehicle started. Again, without the detonation in the cylinders, your car, truck, or utility vehicle will not start. If the spark plugs are old and can no longer generate sparks, or if one or two of the spark plugs are not generating sparks, it will be difficult if not impossible to get your engine to ignite and run.
Misfiring Engine
Old and worn spark plugs also make your engine misfire. You will hear and feel this misfiring, especially at high speeds. A misfiring engine will stutter, which causes your vehicle to vibrate, and it will also cut out as it stuttering. In severe cases, your engine will stall completely and you may not be able to get it restarted. Misfiring is definitely a sign of bad spark plugs.
Poor Fuel Economy
When the engine is having a hard time firing up and maintaining detonation, your fuel economy takes a hit. This is because the engine is not operating efficiently. Rather, it is struggling to maintain power and burning through the fuel in the tank more quickly. You will find that you have to go to the service station more often if your spark plugs are worn.
Rough Idling
Finally, the misfiring that occurs when the spark plugs are bad will also make your engine idle roughly. You will hear it cut in and out and feel your vehicle vibrate.
Ultimate Auto Repair in Jackson, MI, can help. Call us today and we will replace your spark plugs if they need it.
