Change Your Spark Plugs For A Smoother Ride
Many Americans spend a significant amount of time in a car each day. Whether traveling for professional or personal reasons, you want to enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride while you are behind the wheel. There are many components within the engine bay of a car that can contribute to the quality of your vehicle's operation. One of the components that is often overlooked is the spark plugs.
Spark Plugs and Ignition
Modern vehicles rely on a combustion engine to produce the power needed for proper operation. Combustion engines need a spark of electricity to get started, and this ignition spark is provided by the spark plugs.
A small jolt of electricity is sent across the gap between the spark plugs and the engine when you turn the key. The pistons are put in motion once the spark is generated, and your vehicle begins producing the power needed to travel down the road with ease.
Faulty Spark Plugs
When the spark plugs in your vehicle are in good condition, you won't give them a second thought. But when these spark plugs begin to deteriorate, you will notice a change in the way your vehicle performs.
You may notice that it takes several tries to get your vehicle to start after a period of sitting idle. You could also feel an increase in the amount of vibration produced when your vehicle is idling at stop lights.
Engine misfires can also be caused by faulty spark plugs. Your vehicle will halt for just a fraction of a second, then continue running as normal when a misfire occurs. As soon as you detect these signs of faulty spark plugs, have a mechanic replace the spark plugs in your vehicle.
Spark Plugs and Engine Performance
The condition of your spark plugs is directly related to the health of your engine. Spark plugs that are worn and need to be replaced can compromise the efficiency of your vehicle's engine. You could experience a drop in your vehicle's fuel economy and find that your vehicle has difficulty sustaining power at high speeds.
Fuel-to-air mix ratios within the combustion engine can also be thrown off by faulty spark plugs, causing your vehicle to produce higher levels of emissions. If you want to protect your engine against potential damage, take the time to routinely care for your spark plugs.
You need to have your mechanic conduct a visual inspection of your spark plugs each time your vehicle is serviced. This will allow you to replace spark plugs that are beginning to show signs of wear before they have the change to cause engine damage. For more information, contact your auto repair company.