Can You Drive a Car with Bad Spark Plugs?

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I was halfway through my road trip when my car started to sputter and jerk. I pulled over to the side of the road and popped the hood, but I couldn’t figure out what was wrong. I called a mechanic, and he told me that my spark plugs were bad. I had to get them replaced, and it cost me a pretty penny.

TIPS: What Bad Spark Plug Can Do To Your Car - AUTOJOSH

Can You Drive A Car With Bad Spark Plugs

But I learned a valuable lesson that day: bad spark plugs can really mess with your car’s performance. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at spark plugs and how they affect your car’s engine. We’ll also discuss the symptoms of bad spark plugs and what you can do to fix them.

What are Spark Plugs?

Spark plugs are small devices that are responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture in your car’s engine. They do this by creating a spark that jumps across a gap between two electrodes. This spark ignites the air-fuel mixture, which then burns and creates power for your car.

Spark plugs are made of a variety of materials, including copper, platinum, and iridium. The type of material used will affect the lifespan of the spark plugs. Copper spark plugs typically last for about 30,000 miles, while platinum spark plugs can last for up to 100,000 miles.

Symptoms of Bad Spark Plugs

There are a number of symptoms that can indicate that your spark plugs are bad. These include:

  • Engine misfires
  • Reduced engine power
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Difficulty starting the engine
  • Rough idling

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your spark plugs checked by a mechanic. Bad spark plugs can damage your engine, so it’s important to replace them as soon as possible.

How to Fix Bad Spark Plugs

Replacing spark plugs is a relatively simple process that can be done by most do-it-yourselfers. However, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid damaging your engine.

To replace your spark plugs, you’ll need the following tools:

  • Spark plug wrench
  • New spark plugs
  • Anti-seize compound

Once you have your tools, follow these steps:

  1. Disconnect the negative terminal of your battery.
  2. Locate the spark plugs on your engine.
  3. Use the spark plug wrench to remove the old spark plugs.
  4. Apply anti-seize compound to the threads of the new spark plugs.
  5. Screw the new spark plugs into place by hand.
  6. Use the spark plug wrench to tighten the spark plugs.
  7. Reconnect the negative terminal of your battery.

Once you’ve replaced your spark plugs, start your engine and check for any misfires. If your engine is running smoothly, you’re good to go!

Tips for Preventing Bad Spark Plugs

There are a few things you can do to help prevent bad spark plugs, including:

  • Use high-quality spark plugs.
  • Replace your spark plugs according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Avoid using leaded gasoline.
  • Keep your engine clean and well-maintained.

By following these tips, you can help keep your spark plugs in good condition and extend the life of your engine.

Expert Advice

In addition to the tips above, here are a few expert tips for preventing and fixing bad spark plugs:

  • Don’t overtighten spark plugs, as this can damage the threads.
  • Use a torque wrench to tighten spark plugs to the proper specifications.
  • If you’re not comfortable replacing spark plugs yourself, take your car to a mechanic.

By following these tips, you can help keep your spark plugs in good working order and avoid costly repairs.

FAQs

Q: How often should I replace my spark plugs?

A: The frequency with which you should replace your spark plugs depends on the type of spark plugs you have and the type of driving you do. Consult your owner’s manual for specific recommendations.

Q: What are the symptoms of bad spark plugs?

A: The symptoms of bad spark plugs include engine misfires, reduced engine power, poor fuel economy, difficulty starting the engine, and rough idling.

Q: How much does it cost to replace spark plugs?

A: The cost to replace spark plugs varies depending on the type of spark plugs you have and the labor rates in your area. However, you can expect to pay between $50 and $200 for a complete spark plug replacement.

Conclusion

Spark plugs are an important part of your car’s engine. By following the tips in this article, you can help keep your spark plugs in good condition and avoid costly repairs.

Are you interested in learning more about spark plugs?

Can You Drive A Car With Bad Spark Plugs

9 Symptoms of Bad Spark Plugs
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