Is your car not performing as well as it used to? Is your ‘check engine’ light on? There might be something wrong with one of your spark plugs, which are small but critical parts of your car’s engine. Typically, they remain in usable condition for about 28,000 miles. If you know their expiration date is approaching, go to an auto repair shop for replacements before your car ceases turning on altogether. 

When Do You Need New Spark Plugs?

1. Trouble Starting

Spark plugs are responsible for creating the jolt of energy that starts your car’s engine. If it’s taking you a long time to start the car, it’s likely that the spark plugs are already worn out or have somehow been damaged.

Failing spark plugs also drain your car battery, further preventing you from successfully making it out of your driveway or the parking lot.

2. Difficulty Accelerating

Aside from starting the car, spark plugs also provide the spark that burns fuel to create more engine power. If they can’t ignite the fuel, the engine can misfire, which is when one of the cylinders stops working with the rest. This causes the car to falter—often accompanied by loud rattling or sputtering noises. 

3. Poor Gas Mileage

When your spark plugs are about to give out, your car can become as much as 30% less fuel-efficient since the remaining plugs won't be able to ignite the fuel on the first go. This forces the engine to compensate by using up more fuel to burn better.

If you notice that your car is consuming more gas than usual, going to an auto repair center sooner rather than later will save you money in the long run. 

Professional Automotive in Anchorage, AK, is equipped to handle all your auto repair needs. For 25 years, their crew has serviced both domestic and import vehicles, using computer diagnostics to pinpoint any issues so they can figure out the best solution. Learn more about their offerings online. Call (907) 562-2471 to schedule a service appointment.