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How the Spark Plugs of your Car Generally Works

Author: Germany's Best Inc
by Germany's Best Inc
Posted: Jun 20, 2021

As we know that a spark plug is an important component of your car which can provide the spark to ignite the mixture of gasoline or air in the combustion chamber. Without spark a properly working spark plug, you even cannot start the car of the engine. Moreover, the spark plugs are the small insulated plugs contained with the threaded structure at the end like a bolt. These bolts are fitted on top of the engine's cylinder head.

How do the spark plugs work?

The most important spark plug of your car is to produce the spark which is usually used to ignite the fuel in the chamber. As a result, it will create the combustion in the engine for producing the high voltage spark. The outer covering of the spark plug is a steel shell that would have the resistance intensity. However, two electrodes are available in a spark plug which is basically made up of nickel alloy to tackle with the erosion and corrosion in high temperatures.

However, the central electrode of the spark plug is using the porcelain to carry the high tension current. But the ground electrode is attached to the steel shell to fix the engine's cylinder head. Generally, the spark plug is started working when the engine is turned on and the high-intensity current passes through the central electrode. The gas available between the electrodes known as the electrode gap mostly turns into a conductor to arise the spark.

During the running process of the spark plug, the insulator and end of the central electrode come into contact with the combustion gases. Many times the insulator of the spark plug may crack because due to the high temperature high thermal stress are produced. In other hands, when the temperature is low, less load put on the insulator that may cause abnormal surface at the tip of the electrode and prevent the spark plug from working properly.

Different type of spark plugs

Generally, the spark plugs are divided into two categories. Such as:-

Hot spark plugs

The hot spark plugs have generally referred the one which can be used when the combustion temperature is low. These plugs have the elongated insulated tips that give them a long heat rejecting path. The hot spark plugs generally help to avoid the abnormal surface depositions which would be taking place on the insulated tip.

Cold spark plugs

The cold spark plugs are usually used when the combustion temperature of the car is high. Thus, the tip of the cold spark plugs is very short, so it has their own stipulated heat rejection path. These types of spark plugs are used in your car to avoid the overheating issues and mostly used in racing cars.

When the spark plugs failed?

The spark plugs of your car also have a lifespan means it would be run in the life expectancy of 30,000 miles. After covering these distance, you will notice the problems in your spark plug which needs immediate replacement. When the fuel residue dampens the ignition power, then the spark plug will fail.

No spark is generated when a gap creates between the electrodes and increases as well. If the spark plug of your car is not working properly, then your car will not start, so replace it when the time arrives. Here the below points help you to check the current condition of the spark plug.

Engine idle

The engine idles roughly when the engine is operational but the car is stationary. In this situations, your car will produce a low RPM. Whenever you start the engine, if you hear the harsh sound, then the spark plug can be damaged. If you neglect these issues, then it could affect the performance of the engine. So, when the spark plug fails, try to replace them on time.

Car unable to start

Many drivers thought that their car is not started due to low fuel level or a flat battery. But many times due to the faulty spark plugs of your car doesn't start because the faulty spark plugs will drain the battery very quickly.

Misfiring of engine

The misfiring of an engine is more dangerous than the engine not starting issues. At the top of the spark plug, the connecting wire passes the voltage to ignite the spark. If the issues arise in the ignition system, then the spark plug is proved to be malfunctioned. When the spark is worn out, the engine misfiring can increase exhaust emission, reduce engine power and drop fuel economy.

More fuel consumption

When your car can consume more fuel, then make sure that the spark plug is damaged to some extent. As per the study, it proves that the damaged spark plug can consume 30% more fuel combustion. Instead of filling the fuel tank much sooner, it's wise to check the spark plug of your car by a mechanic.

Final words

From the above points, you will know about the working principles and importance of spark plugs briefly. Visiting a professional mechanic for checking the spark plug of your car is a better and wise option as well.

About the Author

We at Germany's Best INC. located at College Avenue in Oakland, CA are the most trusted German auto center in Oakland having over 25 years of exceptional service experience. We carry out maintenance & repair of some of the most popular German cars.

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Author: Germany's Best Inc

Germany's Best Inc

Member since: Apr 29, 2020
Published articles: 14

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