Unless you know a lot about vehicle engineering, you probably have no real experience with spark plugs or their uses. However, these nifty little pieces of equipment are one of the most crucial parts of a car engine’s design. Without them, you’re not going to get very far down the road. You may not be an expert when it comes to your automobile, but you could probably afford to learn a thing or two about what to look out for when buying spark plugs.
For more information, check out our comprehensive buying guide below.
What Is a Spark Plug?
A smart plug is a little feature of your car which connects the ignition to the engine. When your car struggles to start or misfires, there is a good chance that it is a problem with the spark plugs. You find them in the cylinder head of the engine. They are built with insulated electrodes and, when they detect electricity, they transfer said electricity between the two points. A spark is created and this starts a combustion process that makes the engine work. You can usually locate and replace spark plugs without much difficulty, which is why you can buy them from most automobile and hardware stores.
Who Needs a Spark Plug?
Many individuals may need to invest in spark plugs, though they may not even realize it right now. This may include:
Mechanics
Obviously, you’re going to need a shed load of spark plugs stored away if you work as a mechanic for a living. Faulty spark plugs are one of the most common faults with a car engine and a surprisingly frequent reason that many people bring their car in to get checked. Having plenty of working spark plugs in your shop is always a smart idea.
Anybody with a vehicle
If we are being totally honest, anybody who has a vehicle could probably do with having a spare set of spark plugs in the car at all times. You’d be surprised how many calls roadside mechanics receive every day from clueless drivers who think the engine has died when all they needed to do was change the spark plugs.
Benefits of Getting a New Spark Plug
There are several benefits of buying new spark plugs. In fact, the difference can often seem like night and day. Some of the things you may notice include:
Improved performance
If you feel like your car just doesn’t handle as well as it used to, you may find spark plugs answer a lot of your problems. A fresh set can greatly improve your engine’s combustion, fuel economy and give you more horsepower.
Better fuel efficiency
Many cars use more fuel to keep the engine running smoothly if the spark plugs are worn out. By investing in new spark plugs, your car will be able to use fuel much more efficiently and save you money over time.
Things to Consider Before Buying
There are several things you may want to consider before buying a set of spark plugs. In fact, we suggest learning a thing or two about them before ordering them. After all, your car has to run as smoothly as possible if you want to ensure the safety of everybody inside the vehicle.
Material
If you know anything about spark plugs, you’ll know that the material of the plug is vitally important. If you drive an older vehicle, you’ll want to find copper spark plugs, while platinum and iridium plugs may be better suited to modern engines. Platinum and iridium spark plugs offer great performance and economy, though iridium costs a little bit more. If in doubt, consult your vehicle’s manufacturer to see which material they use in the factory.
Heat range
Spark plugs can be specified as either “hot or cold”. If the plug is a good heat insulator, it's described as “hot”. If it can conduct heat and lower its temper, it is classed as “cold”. Try to find out which of these spark plugs is required for your engine before you purchase a set.
Gap style
Most spark plugs are engineered to have a spark gap. You can usually adjust this with a spark plug gapper tool, which is sold separately. This is because anyone plug is designed for multiple engines. For this reason, your spark plug must have enough gap to work with your engine. If you are buying plugs for your car, you should expect the plug to have a gap between 0.6 and 1.8 millimeters.
Ease-of-use
If you are unsure when it comes to all things mechanical, you may want to purchase spark plugs that come “pre-gapped”. These are perfect for anybody who wants to avoid any fuss or buy the necessary gapping tool required to set the gap gauge. All you need to know is the required gap size.
Price Range
You’ll be glad to hear that most spark plugs are very inexpensive and can usually be purchased for most automobile stores. That being said, they do still vary in price depending on their material and other features. Iridium spark plugs are going to cost you upwards of $10 because they combine great performance with longevity. However, you can find certain spark plugs for less than $3. Typically, you should expect to pay between $3-$9 for a set of spark plugs that will work for your engine.
People Also Ask
Q: How do I check new spark plugs for damage?
A: If you are checking your new spark plugs for any signs of damage, be sure to check that the side electrode is both straight and in line with the center electrode. There may be some adjustment required, but this can be done with a pair of needle-nose pliers and a steady hand.
Q: Why can’t I just buy the cheapest spark plugs if they can be adjusted?
A: We would strongly advise against purchasing the cheapest spark plugs. Others may cost a little bit more, but they are much better quality and will usually guarantee great fuel economy and engine performance.