Signs your spark plugs need changing
A wise owl once said, “A memorable journey often begins with the start of an engine.”
While “once” may actually mean the previous sentence in this breathtaking blog, it is true that you won’t be going anywhere without starting your vehicle. Oh to be a wise owl.
A hesitant start is routinely associated with a battery problem, which is true. However, battery issues may not be the only cause. A hesitant start could also mean you have a bad spark plug or faulty spark wire.
Let’s take a look at a few signs that trouble may be ahead:
TROUBLE STARTING: Damaged spark plug wires or troublesome spark plugs could cause your engine to stall during startup. An aged sparking system could have a hard time proving enough juice to start your engine. The ignition system is made up of many different parts and if one of them isn’t in working order, namely the spark plug, trouble is a brewing.
SHAKEN AND STIRRED: Ever sit at a stop light and your vehicle is shaking like a leaf? Okay, it could be a personal problem but more than likely, it’s a spark plug issue. When combined with knocking noises, pinging or any type of rattling, we would suggest you schedule an appointment with a Hendrick Automotive Group service advisor to test the viability of your spark plugs.
GAS MILEAGE: Ineffective spark plugs can hurt the gas mileage on your vehicle. If you are experiencing a misfiring spark plug, your vehicle’s fuel consumption will suffer, becoming very inefficient in it’s burning of fuel. Over time, a vehicle out of tune with its mechanicals can cost you a lot of money.
SLUGGISH ACCELERATION: A telltale sign your vehicle may have a spark plug issue is sluggishness upon acceleration. If you feel like your vehicle just isn’t as responsive as it used to be, this may be the problem. It is often a result of the park plug being unable to ignite the air-fuel mixture in a consistent pattern.
The difference between you and a re-vitalized vehicle may simply be a spark plug replacement. If you think you may have a faulty or misfiring spark plug on your vehicle, reach out to a Hendrick Automotive Group service advisor and schedule an appointment.
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