Here are 5 Signs Your Car's Spark Plugs Need to Be Replaced, Let's Understand!
Car spark plugs are one of the important components of an engine. If we compare it to the human body, car spark plugs can be said to be its heart. When the heart is damaged, a person will die. The same goes for spark plugs, as their function is to ignite the car engine. Given the importance of this component, make sure you know the signs that your car spark plugs need to be replaced.
Spark plugs essentially have a lifespan, so their performance can decline over time with use. However, you don't have to wait until the spark plugs are severely damaged to replace them. Recognize the various signs that indicate your car spark plugs need to be replaced soon.
5 Signs Your Car Spark Plugs Need Replacement
What are the signs that spark plugs are due for replacement? Here are the signs that indicate your car spark plugs need to be replaced soon:
1. Car Vibrates While Idle
Actually, car vibrations are quite normal. This is caused by the working engine which can create vibrations. However, if you feel these vibrations when the car is idle, it is a sign that the spark plugs need to be replaced soon.
When the car is in an idle position, the engine's RPM is generally smoother, so it does not produce vibrations. Therefore, if you feel vibrations when the car is idle, it can be confirmed that the engine's RPM is hindered. Another sign that can be felt is a heavy gas pedal.
This is caused by damaged spark plugs which can hinder the RPM. If you have felt this sign, make sure to replace the car spark plugs as soon as possible.
2. Difficulty Starting the Car
Do you often have difficulty starting your car? There is a high possibility that this is a sign of damaged spark plugs.
Spark plugs are one of the components in the car's starter system and play an important role in providing the spark to ignite the engine.
3. Dark Spark Plug Color
Another sign that your car spark plugs need to be replaced is if the spark plug color becomes dark. New spark plugs generally have a white color with a metallic appearance at the tip. When used, the spark plugs will turn dark due to soot from the car's fuel residue.
If left unchecked, the combustion residue will thicken and block the electrodes and the insulator tip. Of course, the impact is that the spark plugs cannot work optimally, and the buildup of residue will prevent the spark plugs from producing a spark to assist in the combustion process.
When this happens, the smoke emitted by the car will also generally turn black. Therefore, make sure to replace the spark plugs as soon as this occurs.
Read Also: Iridium Spark Plugs vs Regular Spark Plugs, Here’s the Difference!
4. Car Lacks Power
One of the most common signs that spark plugs need to be replaced is a decrease in car performance. Damaged spark plugs can disrupt the car's performance. Generally, the car will lack power if the spark plugs need to be replaced.
The car will feel weak and stutter. This is caused by the spark plugs not being able to produce a spark optimally.
As a result, the fuel combustion process does not run well. The car's engine also feels weak even though it can still run.
Read Also: Signs of Problematic Spark Plug Wires & How to Fix Them
5. Strange Noises from the Vehicle
In addition to observing performance, the sounds produced by the car can also be a sign that the spark plugs need to be replaced soon.
Actually, the sounds that come from the car engine are normal, but if you hear a sound like “brebet,” especially when the engine accelerates, this is a sign that the spark plugs need to be replaced soon.
By recognizing the signs above, you can prevent further damage. If you find it difficult to identify the signs that your car spark plugs need to be replaced, you can take your car to an official Daihatsu workshop. Here, various car components will be checked by experienced technicians.