What are Spark Plugs and Why Do I Need Them?

Spark plugs are needed in order to start your vehicle, but a lot of people don’t know exactly how they work. In order to start your car, you need to put your key in the ignition and turn it. When you turn the ignition switch, the emitted electricity from the spark plug creates a combustion and turns on your vehicle. Once that has happened, your vehicle’s engine pistons will be in motion, keeping your vehicle on by burning the gas and air mixture. This whole process produces a lot of heat, so spark plugs are built to withstand extreme temperatures.

Without a spark plug, your vehicle will never start, so it is very important to take good care of your spark plugs and get them replaced as soon as you notice problems. If your vehicle is having a hard time starting or it misfires during acceleration, you should book an appointment with one of our skilled mobile mechanics as soon as possible. These problems will only worsen over time and could put you in danger on the road.

Why Do Spark Plugs Need to be Changed?

Over time, spark plugs are bound to deteriorate because they are exposed to very harsh conditions such as hot temperatures and other conditions. You can find the strongest, most durable spark plug on the market, but odds are it will have to be replaced at some point. There are two main reasons that spark plugs need to be replaced, deposit build-up and over expansion.

Deposit Build-Up

Over time, things can deposit on the spark plug, making it less effective in its energy supply. This affects the gas and air mixture and could cause your vehicle to turn off randomly. Naturally, this could be very dangerous if you are driving on the highway and your vehicle just shuts off. Not only will you be in danger, but other cars on the road will also be in danger if they try to get around your broken down car.

Over Expansion

When your spark plug ignites, the electricity has to move across a small gap in order to create combustion at the right time. But if the gap expands and becomes too large for the electricity to travel, your car may not start properly. It is normal for this gap to expand over time because of the extreme heat, but when it prevents your car from working, you need to go get it checked out by one of Wrench’s mobile mechanics.

Spark Plug Types

Spark plugs can be made out of different materials. The four most common types of spark plugs are made out of Copper, Platinum, Double Platinum, or Iridium.

Copper Spark Plugs

Copper is the most common type of spark plug out of the four because it is the cheapest option, but it also has the shortest lifespan compared to the other types. They use a nickel coating to produce electricity, but the core is all copper. Without the nickel coating, the copper would melt from the extreme heat. Older car models typically use copper spark plugs and the newer car models should typically avoid this type of spark plug. Also traditional gas powered vehicles run much better with a copper spark plug.

Platinum Spark Plugs

This type of spark plug tends to be more expensive because platinum is harder to find than copper. With normal driving conditions, this spark plug is the best option because it has an incredibly long lifespan. Platinum also is a harder metal, so it is less likely to erode in rough conditions. This means the issue with the over expanded gap is not as likely to occur. Platinum spark plugs also resist build up more that the copper spark plugs because they work in higher temperatures. Since these spark plugs prevent the two most common issues that require replacements, their lifespan is almost double the copper spark plug’s lifespan.

Double Platinum Spark Plugs

This spark plug is similar to the single platinum spark plugs, but they have more platinum material. This means it will be more expensive, but it conducts electricity better. This combined with the long lifespan makes this one of the best types of spark plugs.

Iridium Spark Plugs

These spark plugs are designed to conduct electricity much better than all the other options. This means your car would be running smoothly for much longer! They are the most expensive option, but their lifespan is comparable to platinum spark plugs. For the highest quality option, this is the choice for you!

If you ever find yourself in need of a spark plug replacement service, don't stress about taking your car to the auto repair shop because Wrench's mobile mechanics will bring the shop to you. Our ASE-certified mobile mechanics are able to replace your vehicle's spark plugs at any location of your choice whether that be your home, office, or another preferred location. To try out our convenient spark plug replacement services at your home or office, click here to book an appointment with a date, time, and location that works best with your schedule.