What Happens When a Spark Plug Goes Bad?

Spark plugs are an important component of internal combustion engines. While every vehicle has its own type of spark plug, their function remains the same – spark plugs transmit electrical signals from the ignition coil creating a spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture.

The best spark plugs burn the fuel efficiently. But when they start wearing out, they start showing some common signs. When this is the case, your car spark plug is pleading you for a replacement.

1.Slow Acceleration:

Poor acceleration in vehicles shows a problem in the ignition system. Modern engines can inform the user whether there is any problem with the sensors. But in most cases, the issue is with the spark plug. For instance, a bike spark plug may have its materials worn out which lessens the effectiveness of the spark, therefore affecting the acceleration. So the next time you find your car running sluggishly, you may have a spark plug problem and get it replaced. But get it done by a good mechanic so you could know for sure if other factors have not contributed to the problem.

2.Poor Fuel Economy:

A spark plug that is not working will not be able to burn fuel efficiently. That makes the vehicle consume more fuel contributing to a poor fuel economy. In most cases, the gap between the spark plug electrodes is incorrect and needs to be adjusted. If this is the case, then your mechanic will simply adjust the gap to the factory settings. But, in general, if your bike or car has suddenly started to take in more fuel, a worn out spark plug could be the problem.

3.Engine Misfiring:

A problem in the ignition system can cause the engine to misfire. In most cases, a sensor malfunction can cause this. But a car spark plug can also cause the misfiring. A spark plug wire or its tip can also cause a misfire when its wire is damaged. This kind of misfiring is usually recognized by some sputtering sounds or stumbling from the engine. If this continues, the exhaust emissions will only increase meanwhile decreasing the engine power. The result is a poor fuel economy.

4.Engine Surging/ Hesitating:

Sometimes, the vehicle doesn’t accelerate. If this is the case with you, you will have that sense of the engine disconnected from the driver. Sometimes it will surge and then immediately slow down. When this is happening, the engine is taking in more air. This extra air slows down the combustion process and also affects the power delivery. So if you find that your car is surging and hesitating, it could be a spark plug problem.

5.Rough Idle:

In some cases, your idle engine can sound rough. This is a sure shot indication that your spark plug is well compromised. The jittery sound from the engine can even cause the vehicle to vibrate. This is also an indication that there is cylinder misfire.

6.Hard to Start:

This last of the problems is a clear sign that your car spark plug is worn and requires changing. The ignition system of an engine is composed of many individual parts. Like any system, they need to work together in order to function properly. If your car doesn’t start immediately, it is a good idea to get your vehicle looked upon by a certified mechanic.
We recommend that you buy the best spark plugs in order to ensure that your vehicle runs its due course. Irrespective of the issue, chances are that you need a new spark plug. This can extend the life of your engine and your vehicle.