Spark Plug Sockets

Spark Plug Sockets

Introduction to Sparks Plugs: How They Work and Why They Fail

The heart of your vehicle's ignition system consists of the spark plugs (SPs). Typically, a single plug sits at the top of each cylinder in the engine and generates the spark needed to ignite the air-fuel mixture within the combustion chamber. If the SPs fail or become less capable of producing the needed spark, your car might experience a number of different problems. These problems might include performance issues, hesitation, elevated emissions, and a rough idle. If the SPs are severely fouled, you might have difficulty starting your vehicle.

Below, we'll explore how spark plugs work in converting voltage into the spark that burns the air-fuel mix. We'll describe some of the factors that affect a plug's performance as well as some of the problems they can cause. We'll also provide a few suggestions that may prove useful when replacing the SPs in your vehicle.

How Voltage Leads To Ignition

Your ignition coil produces the voltage needed by your spark plugs to ignite the air-fuel mixture. The voltage travels down the SP's center electrode and approaches the ground electrode. A small amount of space divides the two. The current must be able to traverse the space between the SP's center and ground electrodes.

The lower portion of the spark plug contains the two electrodes. This is the portion that is screwed into the cylinder head. When the cylinder's piston rises within the combustion chamber, the spark jumps the gap between the electrodes and ignites the compressed mixture.

This process occurs thousands of times each minute and must be timed precisely to ensure the optimal performance of your engine. If the spark crosses the space between the center and ground electrodes too soon, your engine will suffer a reduction in power output. If the spark is timed too late, a similar loss in power results.

Issues That Influence Performance

The most common problem that affects the performance of your spark plugs is fouling. This occurs when oil or gasoline deposits begin to accumulate on the SP's electrodes. That makes it more difficult for the spark to jump the gap between them. If the spark is unable to traverse the space between the center and ground electrodes, it cannot effectively ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber.

Another problem that eventually requires the replacement of the SPs is wearing of the electrodes. Over thousands of miles, the constant sparking between them causes them to wear down. That increases the distance between them, making it more difficult for the spark to cross the space.

Common Problems That Develop

A fouled plug can essentially eliminate the output normally created by the associated cylinder. To put that into context, a 4-cylinder engine with a single fouled plug could potentially lose 25 percent of its power. In addition to the reduction in output, your vehicle would consume more fuel and likely fail an emissions test.

A worn plug can still generate a spark, but it will be less reliable. Moreover, the wearing of the electrodes will worsen over time, causing your engine to become steadily less efficient. You might notice sporadic hesitation or a rough idle that gradually grows more pronounced.

Replacing The Spark Plugs

Whether your SPs are fouled or worn, you need to replace them in order to maintain the performance of your engine. Most spark plugs will need to be replaced every 30,000 or 40,000 miles. Some can last longer because the electrodes are made of iridium or platinum; both materials are resistant to wearing. However, it's worth emphasizing that plugs can still suffer fouling with little to no wear.

Changing the SPs is a simple job; you can do it without the help of a mechanic. Wait until your engine has cooled before taking out the old plugs. You'll need a special socket to remove them. If you feel resistance, work carefully to avoid thread damage. Also, you'll find it easier to replace one plug at a time rather than removing and replacing all of them in a single batch.

Out of sight and generally out of mind, your spark plugs play a key role in your engine's combustion process. Don't neglect them. When you reach 30,000 miles, invest in a new set to keep your engine running as efficiently as possible.

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How to Change Spark Plugs