Boyd's Blog

Spark plugs play a major role in starting your vehicle. Without them your vehicle wouldn't start, so maintaining them is very important. A standard copper spark plug can last anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 miles. A spark plug that is made with more expensive material, like platinum, can last much longer. Even though spark plugs can last tens of thousands of miles, it is remains important to change them every few years.

There are several parts that make up a spark plug. Each part takes a crucial to how spark plugs function. A spark plug is composed of a terminal, insulator, ribs, insulator tip, seals, metal case, central electrode, and a ground electrode. Each of these little parts plays a big role in the function of the spark plug. How the spark plug ignites the engine is quite simple. When the engine is started, high voltage (10,000 to 40,000 volts) electrical current travels from the distributor wires into the spark plug, which then starts the engine.

It is easy to tell, if you have a bad spark plug in your vehicle. If your car sounds like it’s having trouble starting, the spark plugs are the first things you should check. When checking the spark plugs, check for any corrosion and heat wear on the electrodes. The electrodes are the bottom end of the spark plug, which is inserted into the engine block. Even if only one spark plug is damaged, you should always replace all of them together. Spark plugs play a major role in starting your vehicle. Proper spark plug maintenance is very important in extending the life of your vehicle.