Your car may experience a variety of issues due to faulty spark plugs. You can find yourself stuck on the side of the road if you’re traveling with faulty spark plugs. You might not be able to start your car at all. Or, you might notice that your car isn’t running as smoothly as it should be.
If you’re wondering how long you can drive with bad spark plugs, the answer isn’t simple. It depends on a number of factors, including the type of car you have and how often you drive.
What Are Spark Plugs and How Do Spark Plugs Work?
Spark plugs are a crucial component of the engine in your car. They help to ignite the fuel in your engine, which starts the engine and powers your car. An electrode inside each spark plug produces a spark. Your engine starts when the fuel in it is ignited by that spark.
Spark plugs may become clogged or damaged with time. When this happens, they can’t create a spark properly. This can cause all sorts of problems with your car, including decreased fuel efficiency, decreased power, and misfires. In some instances, driving with faulty spark plugs might cause engine harm.
How Long Can a Car Run on Faulty Spark Plugs?
Bad spark plugs can cause a number of engine problems, including misfires, engine hesitations, and decreased fuel efficiency. If your spark plugs are bad, it’s important to replace them as soon as possible. But, how long is a bad set of spark plugs safe to drive on?
It depends on the severity of the problem. If your spark plugs are only slightly fouled, you might be able to get away with driving for a few hundred miles. However, if the spark plugs are severely fouled, it’s best to replace them immediately. Inefficient spark plugs can harm your engine and require expensive repairs.
If you’re not sure whether your spark plugs are bad, it’s best to keep in mind the side of caution and replace them. It’s a relatively inexpensive repair, and it could save you a lot of money in the long run.
What Are the Symptoms of Bad Spark Plugs?
There are a few warning indicators to be aware of. It’s a good idea to take your car to a mechanic to have them look things over if you see any of these.
Having less power and efficiency is one of the most obvious symptoms that your spark plugs are damaged. It might be time to change the spark plugs if your car feels hesitant to accelerate or if you notice a decrease in fuel efficiency.
Another common sign is engine misfires. If your car starts to shake or vibrate, or if the engine starts to sound rough, it’s an indication that the spark plugs need to be replaced.
Finally, if your engine is running hotter than normal, It might be caused by bad spark plugs.
If you notice the engine temperature gauge climbing, or if the engine is overheating, it is a good idea to get to a mechanic right away.
How to Replace Spark Plugs?
If you need to replace your spark plugs, it’s a relatively easy repair that you can do at home. Just follow these simple steps:
- Step 1. Locate your spark plugs: In most vehicles, The engine’s cylinder head is where the spark plugs are situated.
- Step 2. Take out the bad spark plugs: You’ll need a ratchet and a socket to remove the old plugs.
- Step 3. Install a functioning spark plugs: Just thread the new plugs into the cylinder head by hand.
- Step 4. Tighten the spark plugs: Tighten the spark plugs to the necessary torque with the ratchet and spark plug socket.
- Step 5. Reattach the wires of spark plug: Make sure the plug wires are properly connected to the new plugs.
And that’s it! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have your spark plugs replaced in no time.
See more: best spark plugs for Subaru Outback
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Much Does It Cost to Replace Spark Plugs?
The cost of replacing spark plugs varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle. On average, The parts and labor are estimated to cost between $100 and $200. The price to replace the spark plugs varies depending on the vehicle.
2. How Often Should Spark Plugs Be Replaced?
Spark plugs should typically be changed every 30,000 miles, according to manufacturers. However, some newer cars have spark plug life spans of up to 100,000 miles.
3. Can New Sparks Plug Damage After Frequently Installation?
It’s possible for new spark plugs to become damaged soon after installation. This can happen if the plugs are cross-threaded or over-tightened. Always follow the installation instructions carefully to avoid damaging the new plugs.
4. Is It Easy to Replace Spark Plugs?
In most cases, yes. Replacing spark plugs is a relatively easy repair that can be done at home with the right tools. However, some vehicles may be more difficult than others. Always consult your owner’s manual or a professional mechanic to be sure.
Final Words
Numerous issues, including engine misfires, lower fuel efficiency, and engine damage, can be brought on by bad spark plugs. Replace your spark plugs as quickly as possible if they are significantly damaged or worn.
So, how long is it safe to drive with damaged spark plugs? The answer is that it depends on how serious the issue is. In most circumstances, you can still drive a few hundred miles, but doing so could eventually cause engine damage.
