How often to change the spark plugs in the car
Many motorists know well, that the quality and efficiency of combustion of the working fuel-air mixture depends on the ease of starting, power, efficiency and stability of the engine in different modes. Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the mixture directly in the combustion chamber.
An electric spark is formed on these parts to ignite the fuel charge. In some cases, the elements are considered so-called "consumables" with a limited service life. Today, products from various manufacturers are available, each manufacturer declares a certain resource for their products, that is, after how many km. change spark plugs.
Usually, for different types of internal combustion engines, such products can be conventional or with extended service life. Based on specific manufacturer data, can be clearly understood, through how many to change spark plugs of different types. However, for all its simplicity in practice, the situation is somewhat different.
In this article we will consider, when to change spark plugs and how often to change spark plugs, how to understand, that it's time to change the spark plugs. We will also answer the most frequently asked questions, how many spark plugs are used and what affects their life, how to properly replace the spark plugs and whether you can change the spark plugs one by one, how much does it cost to replace spark plugs, why change spark plugs, if the old ones work, etc..
How many spark plugs are designed for
As mentioned above, manufacturers of similar products for different types of their products declare the estimated planned resource. This figure strongly depends on the type of spark plugs (with one electrode, Multielectrode, platinum, Iridium, etc.)
For simple single-electrode products, the stated service life is at about 30 thousand. Mileage, while for multi-electrode or candles with a silver central electrode, the minimum resource may be at least 50 thousand. In the case of iridium or platinum variants, there are numbers 80 and even 100 thousand. km.
It is important to understand, that the claimed data were obtained in the laboratory. In practice, the indicators can vary greatly. The point is, that the resource of spark plugs directly depends on a condition of the engine, fuel quality and purity, flooding, fuel filters and a number of other factors and conditions.
This means, what, example, on iridium or platinum analogues one car passes close 60-70 thousand. Km, at the same time on other replacement can be required already because 30-40 thousand. The situation is similar with ordinary elements. Cases are noted, when the products failed on some engines already through 7-8 thousands, while on others the need for replacement arose before 20-25 thousands of miles.
Let's turn to the recommendations of the car manufacturers themselves. With that in mind, that the candle works indoors and to evaluate the effectiveness of sparking in the engine visually is not possible, for this reason, replacement is recommended at each scheduled maintenance. This means, that change spark plugs optimally along with engine oil and filters, that is, each 10 or maximum 15 thousand. Km.
If for usual elements it is still possible to agree with it, such a recommendation for platinum and iridium developments is controversial, especially given their cost and resource, which states the manufacturer. If the car is new, under warranty and serviced by "officials", then it is more like a way to earn extra money as part of the planned maintenance. The amount depends on it, which engine and how many spark plugs in the car.
It is important to understand, that iridium or platinum versions are simply not able to fail so quickly on a working engine, even adjusted for low fuel quality. If there are problems with the motor, then a strong reduction in the life of these elements of the ignition system is quite possible.
Not taking into account the problematic internal combustion engines, drivers in practice have developed one simple rule, which is also the answer to the question, through which run to change spark plugs. It consists in reducing the claimed resource by 50% for simple candles and on 20-30% in relation to platinum and iridium analogues.
We also recommend reading the article about it, how the spark plugs are tested for sparks and other parameters. In this article you will learn about the features of this test on carburetor and injector cars.
This means, what if, example, platinum or iridium products are designed for 100 thousand. Km, then easy to understand, how much to change Iridium spark plugs or other analogues using rare earth surfacing on electrodes. Replacement is required at the mark close 70-80 thousand. Km. (Provided that, that the ignition system is working normally all this time).
It is better to change usual elements on each MOT together with oil change. Given their low cost, such a replacement will be affordable to almost any car owner. On machines with HBO it is better to reduce the declared resource of any spark plugs on 50%, as features of work on gas and other nuances in the presence of the gas-balloon equipment quickly bring them out of action.
How to understand, that you need to replace the spark plugs
Usually, failure of these elements of the ignition system is accompanied by explicit and indirect signs. Example, from low-quality gasoline there is an accelerated burnout of electrodes, as a result the power unit starts to work unevenly, intermittently, troit, etc..
When driving there is a decrease in engine power, deterioration of traction, delayed motor response to accelerator pedal pressure, overconsumption of fuel, change the color of the exhaust. However, the reduction in efficiency may be pronounced and not so obvious, that is, the unit runs smoothly. For this reason, some drivers operate simple versions 40-50 thousand. Km, far exceeding the allowable intervals for their replacement.
It often happens that way, that the driver changes the spark plugs only then, when they fail. Let's note at once, that this is the wrong approach. When using elements, who have exhausted their resource, there is still a loss of power and increased costs, also the engine is more strongly coked by a deposit.
Also, the wear of these parts can be determined by external signs, unscrewing them from the engine. If access to them is not difficult, then the state of the elements is assessed visually. Such manipulations allow to control a backlash between electrodes and to examine a deposit.
- As for the gap, each candle has a special marking. Among other characters, characterizing certain parameters of the product, also contains information on the size of the gaps. Usually, the gap is indicated by a number, which goes in the labeling of the latter.
The gap is specified in millimeters. There is also an option, when there are no numbers in the label. That says it all, that for such a detail the norm is the standard 0.8 mm. Increasing the gap from the recommended indicates the need to replace the element.
Now a few words about soot. Let's note at once, that under the condition of normal combustion of the mixture in the cylinders on the spark plugs should not be abundant soot, since the electrodes of the candles have the ability to self-clean. Detection of black or white soot also does not indicate poor quality of the elements. The point is, that such soot formation can lead to problems with the power supply system of the internal combustion engine, incorrectly set ignition, etc..
- The main thing, pay attention to that, all candles are covered with soot or only some. It is their difference in appearance from each other is a sign of the need for replacement. By the way, spark plugs are recommended to change everything (set), and not one by one, replacing only the most worn / destroyed element.
We also recommend reading the article about it, why soot is formed on the spark plugs. In this article you will learn about the main causes of such soot formation.
- Another reason to replace the whole set is the defects of the ceramic insulator. Such defects include the presence of cracks, which are filled with a characteristic brown plaque, also the appearance of a brown skirt on the electrode indicates failure. This sign indicates that, the occurring stratification of the steel body and ceramic insulator.
After stratification, a gap is formed, in which residual products of fuel combustion accumulate, as a result, the junction of metal and ceramic turns brown. If the joint has changed color slightly, then the candles can still be considered working, however, if the skirt is large, has a dark shade, then it's time to change the element.
Let's summarize
As you can see, spark plugs require replacement even if the engine is running normally. It is also important to properly select these elements for a particular type of engine, taking into account the size, potash number and other parameters. You can install products from any manufacturer. It is also allowed to change the type of parts to improved analogues. If easier, you can change single-electrode simple candles to multi-electrode, platinum or iridium.
For more accurate information, it is recommended to study those recommendations separately, which are specified in the operating instructions of a particular vehicle. The main thing, do not put candles "worse", than specified by the motor manufacturer. Example, replacement of multi-electrode or platinum with conventional single-electrode, etc..
Finally, let's answer a common question, spark plugs are changed on a cold or hot engine. It is recommended to replace these elements only on a cold engine, as at replacement on the hot motor the risk of damage of a carving in a cylinder head considerably increases.
You should also remember, that to change such details it is recommended a set. Adherence to these rules will allow to achieve stable operation of the engine and the minimum expense of fuel during all planned service life of spark plugs..
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