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It Only Takes Spark (Plugs) to Get Your Engine Going

Can you identify issues with spark plugs?

Does your engine feel like it’s jerking? Is your “check engine” light lit up like a neon sign? Is your fuel economy poor? (Never mind that question; everyone’s getting poor fuel economy these days.)

If this sounds familiar, you may have entered the ‘no spark’ zone. Spark plugs, that is.

Anyone who has a vehicle knows this dilemma. You turn the key and your car sits like a lump, like it’s asking, “What do you expect me to do?”

If your car could only talk. What a sad story it could tell. 

So you think that’s it. Time to get rid of this piece of junk. 

Not so fast. Maybe it’s lost its spark. 

Just because the car won’t go doesn’t necessarily mean you need to junk it. Maybe it’s a simple fix. Perhaps it’s just a spark plug.  If this is the case, you need to make a trip to your local repair shop.

And why? Let’s put it this way: if you don’t have that spark, you’re staying in park.

Without the spark plug, you’re going nowhere – unless your next stop is KS Autocare in Elgin, IL. 

Our Certified Mechanics at KS Autocare change spark plugs all the time. We fix everything, and we do mean everything. That’s good news if you are looking for a repair shop that will service your car right the first time. Our mission is to get you going; that’s how we earn your trust.

Spark plugs are vital to your car’s get-up and go; they’re proof that small parts play a part in the big parts. 

Although most of us don’t think about it until something’s wrong, routine maintenance is one way of detecting if your spark plugs are faulty or need replacing. But the bad news is unless we are in our driveways when it happens, we are sitting ducks. Faulty spark plugs can hold us hostage wherever they fail to spark. 

What Do They Do?

During combustion, spark plugs ignite air and fuel, producing power in your engine. Think of it as your ignition system that depends on tiny explosions that make your car propel forward. That’s pretty remarkable when you think about how small the plugs are compared to the size of your vehicle. 

Your spark plugs will ignite over and over without wearing out. Eventually, however, corrosion will weaken the sparks, reducing the engine efficiency. Much like a matchbook that’s struck one too many times, it will not spark no matter how vigorously you swipe it, which could lead to misfiring and failure.

When Should I Change My Spark Plugs?

These days, most manufacturers will install “extended-life” spark plugs in their factories. They don’t cost much more than standard plugs and they sound good to consumers. 

Extended-life spark plugs usually last for several miles. In their lifetime, these plugs lose efficiency and misfire as the gap between the two leads widens. If your plug is corroded to the point where it breaks, it could seriously damage your engine cylinder interior, leading to a costly repair to get it fixed.

Be sure to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to see how long of a lifespan your spark plugs are rated for. Never let your spark plugs go past their rated mileage.

spark plugs

Benefits of New Spark Plugs

  • The first benefit is knowing that your car will start automatically. 
  • Fully functioning spark plugs equal dependable ignition. 
  • Spark plugs that function optimally increase fuel efficiency and save money. 
  • Instant energetic starts. Think smooth. 
  • Fewer harmful emissions.

Fortunately, spark plugs don’t require replacement very often, and they can last for many years and many miles before replacing them is necessary.

Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to see how often you should replace the spark plugs. It’s wise not to allow your spark plugs to exceed their rated mileage.

How to Select New Spark Plugs

You may be able to change the spark plugs yourself, but if not, you’ll need to take your vehicle to a repair shop. If you are unsure which spark plugs to select, your auto parts professionals can help you. Or, you can have your certified mechanic choose for you. Whichever route you take, it’s a good idea to choose the right ones for your vehicle, and that’s what we’re here for.

In a perfect world, we should have all taken a course on how automobiles work. But we didn’t, which means not everyone understands what goes on beneath the hood, so how can we keep our vehicle going? Luckily, you don’t have to. 

Call us today to schedule a maintenance check or for repairs. KS Autocare in Elgin is your go-to one-stop shop for the life of your car, including your spark plugs. 

You’ll leave here knowing the life of your car is in good hands.

 

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