Walnut Creek Auto Repair

What Are The Symptoms of Bad or Failing Spark Plugs?

Your spark plugs are what help keep your vehicle's motions in check. Spark plugs have a main function, and that is to keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently.

Spark plugs are made to ignite the air and to blend the fuel within your combustion chamber. They do this in order to take the burden off of the engine so that it can do the simple task of starting up and running your car. Plus, a good set of spark plugs should be able to protect your combustion chamber from harm by directing heat away from it by bringing it into a water cylinder for cooling. In short, spark plugs may be small but their mission is big.

But like any other car parts, these tough little guys can wear out over time. Corrosion, wear and tear impact even the best set of spark plugs and can cause major issues for your car down the road.

So what are the signs of spark plug failure? The first one is when you start to notice a rattling sensation during idling. Your car starts to vibrate and shake when you're not in motion. This may be due to misfiring within your engine, which is what is causing those strong vibrations. A bad spark plug could be the culprit.

If your car doesn't start, it could mean several things. Most of us assume that it's a dead battery or no gas. There is nothing more disconcerting than a problem like a dry click when you turn the key in the ignition. But have you ever considered that it could be your spark plugs gone bad? Since spark plugs provide that initial spark that kick-starts your engine, it may be worthwhile to have them inspected for signs of mechanical failure.

You can begin to take note of other issues as well. Problems with sudden stopping and starting proves that your engine is taking in more air than is warranted due to a faulty spark plug. Other signs are problems with acceleration and higher than normal fuel consumption, both of which can be traced to defective spark plugs.

If you notice any of these signs, it's time to get your spark plugs checked immediately. Just call or visit Central Automotive Service Center today!

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