Skip to main content

Plugging Away (Spark Plug Replacement)

Posted November 3, 2024 3:23 AM

If you drive a vehicle with a gasoline engine, thank the spark plugs for igniting the gasoline/air mixture in each cylinder that keeps your vehicle traveling smoothly down the road every day.  Your spark plugs work hard, firing thousands of times in a well-choreographed order, and you usually don't pay much attention to them until one of them stops working the way it should.

Signs that spark plugs are wearing out include:

  • Engine runs more roughly than it did
  • Vehicle doesn't start as easily as it used to
  • Vehicle hesitates when you press on the accelerator
  • Your fuel economy has gotten worse

When a spark plug stops working altogether, you will find your engine has likely lost a lot of its power and isn't running smoothly.  Your Check Engine light may  come on.  Then it's time to head to come to our service center to have it diagnosed.

If your plugs need to be replaced, they're usually done all at the same time. And if your vehicle has spark plug wires, experts recommend you change them as well. Different type of spark plugs last longer than others, and your service advisor can discuss what's best for your vehicle and driving habits.

A technician will also determine if there are any carbon deposits on your plugs, how healthy the ignition coil is (it's the part that supplies the high-voltage jolt that makes the spark) and will look for other signs and symptoms that may point to other problems in your engine. For instance, if a spark plug is fouled by oily deposits, it's possible oil is getting into the combustion chamber. 

They will also check all the plugs to see if there are problems in just one or all cylinders.  Sometimes a technician will find a plug that has overheated, literally melting the metal.  In that case, they may recommend they correct that problem before replacing the spark plugs.

Most spark plugs will last for a good, long time.  Even if you aren't seeing any symptoms they're wearing out, make sure you have your service advisor check your vehicle manufacturer's recommended maintenance intervals.  Preventative maintenance will keep your vehicle running reliably so you can count on it to get you where you want to go. 

Gilmore's Auto Service
2151 N Broadway
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
(925) 939-9430
http://www.gilmoresauto.net



Search



Archive

June 2020 (18)
July 2020 (4)
August 2020 (5)
September 2020 (4)
October 2020 (4)
November 2020 (5)
December 2020 (4)
January 2021 (6)
February 2021 (4)
March 2021 (4)
April 2021 (4)
May 2021 (5)
June 2021 (4)
July 2021 (4)
August 2021 (5)
September 2021 (4)
October 2021 (5)
November 2021 (4)
December 2021 (4)
January 2022 (6)
February 2022 (4)
March 2022 (4)
April 2022 (4)
May 2022 (5)
June 2022 (4)
July 2022 (5)
August 2022 (4)
September 2022 (4)
October 2022 (5)
November 2022 (4)
December 2022 (4)
January 2023 (5)
February 2023 (4)
March 2023 (4)
April 2023 (5)
May 2023 (4)
June 2023 (4)
July 2023 (5)
August 2023 (4)
September 2023 (4)
October 2023 (5)
November 2023 (4)
December 2023 (5)
January 2024 (5)
February 2024 (4)
March 2024 (5)
April 2024 (4)
May 2024 (4)
June 2024 (5)
July 2024 (4)
August 2024 (4)
September 2024 (5)
October 2024 (4)
November 2024 (1)

Categories

Fuel Economy (6)Service Intervals (2)Customer Detective Work (1)Steering (3)What Customers Should Know (36)Winter Prep (4)Timing Belt (1)Alignment (3)Maintenance (4)Battery (7)TPMS (1)Dashboard (1)Cooling System (4)Transmission (1)Tires (2)Shocks & Struts (1)Keys to a long lasting vehicle (1)Spark Plugs (2)Oil Change (4)Brakes (2)Air Conditioning (2)Alternator (2)Exhaust (4)Auto Safety (2)Check Engine Light (1)Older Vehicles (1)Brake Service (1)Fluids (1)Fuel Saving Tip: Slow Down (1)Headlamps (1)Tires and Wheels (1)Fuel System (1)Tire Rotation and Balancing (1)

image-people-driving

OUR REVIEWS

 (46 Reviews)
image-quotes
reviewicon

Always trustworthy and competent! I always bring my vehicles there for the last 15 years! Thank you!

, 10/27/2024

tire-track-image

Get free Coupons

Take advantage of these great offers!

FREE COURTESY INSPECTION WITH REPAIR

First time customer? Come in for any paid repair work and let Gilmore's inspect your car at no extra cost to you.

No tricks. No Pressure.

partners

ASE (Automotive Service Excellence)
ASE Master Technician
asc
Car Care Aware