Signs that your car's spark plugs are having problems

While we may drive our cars every day and not think about it, cars are advanced machines with many complex components that work together to provide a seamless driving experience. However, with increased complexity comes a greater chance of problems occurring. Engines, in particular, rely on a number of separate systems to function, and some of the smallest components that are often overlooked, such as spark plugs, are critical. These devices are essential to the engine and the car, allowing them to start and run.

What is a spark plug?

Spark plugs in a car engine are responsible for creating an electric spark that ignites the air and fuel mixture, starting the combustion process that creates power in the engine. They are located at the top of the cylinder head in the combustion chamber and the car will usually have one spark plug for each cylinder. However, in some cases, drivers will find two spark plugs for each cylinder. A dual-spark V8 engine like the one in the Jeep Grand Cherokee has up to 16 spark plugs.

Spark plug lifespans vary depending on the brand and material they are made from. The time it takes for a driver to replace spark plugs will be specified by the vehicle manufacturer, so be sure to check your owner's manual for how often to replace spark plugs and follow a basic maintenance schedule.

Symptoms of a Faulty Spark Plug

A faulty spark plug can seriously affect the way your vehicle operates, and can even lead to reduced performance. It can also negatively impact things like fuel economy or even damage your engine, leading to much more expensive repairs. To help drivers avoid this, here are some symptoms of a bad spark plug to look out for:

- Car has difficulty starting: This is a very obvious sign. The ignition coil supplies the spark plugs with electricity, and when the ignition coil fails, the spark plugs will not be able to start the combustion process. Sometimes the spark plugs themselves are the problem, worn or clogged and unable to produce that essential spark.

- Engine won't start: Since there are many possible causes for this phenomenon, this is a less obvious symptom. However, a faulty spark plug can definitely cause it. The car owner may even hear a "pop" sound like an explosion or notice that the engine suddenly loses power for a second before starting up again.

- Impaired engine performance: Ignition, acceleration, and overall performance will be affected if any cylinder fails to ignite its fuel mixture. This is a sign of a bad spark plug.

- Engine idling rough and noisy: When the spark plugs fail, the corresponding cylinders on the engine fail to function properly. When the cylinders are pumping but not actually accomplishing anything, they can make a loud noise.

- Fuel economy: A slightly less obvious sign of poor spark plug performance is that the vehicle’s overall fuel economy is affected. Drivers need to be the type of people who pay close attention to their driving and fueling, and if they are, they will notice a decrease in fuel economy because at least some of the fuel is not being ignited and burned properly.

- Poor emissions test results and exhaust fumes that smell like gas: As some of the fuel is not burned in the engine, it enters the exhaust system, where it vaporizes and creates a strong odor. Performing an emissions test will show that there is more gasoline vapor than normal.

According to Carbuzz