Tips For Checking Your Spark Plugs
By Levi Quinn
So much love and care goes into taking care of your car. It is more than necessary if you wish to see it last as many years as possible. The first thing that will make your car start falling apart is neglect. It's wise to keep a schedule that clearly shows what maintenance tasks should be performed and when they need to be done. Checking your spark plugs is another of these essential tasks that aids in the longevity of your car's lifespan. Spark plugs might seem like something small but they actually play a big role. Without them, you certainly won't get very far.
The spark plugs in your vehicle can usually be found lined up along one side of the engine. Most cars do not have v shaped engines; however, if yours does then the spark plugs will be located on either side of the engine. Check your owner's manual if you're not sure and you need a bit of guidance.
It's best to look at each spark plug one by one rather than pulling them all out at the same time. When you put the plug back in you must make sure that the plug wires are re-attached. If you forget to attach them the car will not run properly.
When you take the plug wires off, do not pull on them. You could seriously ruin them inside and cause the wires to pull apart. This could lead to an electrical short which will lead to bigger problems in the long run. Just like with a cord in the home, it should be pulled from a certain point, not by the cord.
When you pull each spark plug out you must be careful to inspect it critically. Blow off any dirt that is on the plug or around the hole you must put it back in to. Take care not to let anything fall into the open cylinder. It's important to keep that clean and to make sure there is nothing in there to obstruct the plug. Keeping the spark plug clean is a big part of making it operate properly.
When you are looking for signs of damage to the spark plug you should be looking for things like heavy deposits on the plug. If the electrode appears to be damaged in any way at all, it needs to be replaced. Compare the current plug to a new one. If the difference is substantial then you should put new ones in.
Spark plugs should be changed or at least checked every 10,000 miles or once a year. They may not always need to be changed but they should be checked to rule that out. Keep track of all maintenance that is performed on your vehicle. Writing it down on a calendar might help so you don't miss anything.
Make sure that the new spark plugs that you put in are of good, high quality. A manufacturer that is well known to you is best. You want to be able to trust that they will last you a decent amount of time.
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