How long should spark plugs last

Long-life plugs are usually platinum or iridium tipped thus they perform for a longer time. Long-life plugs needed to be changed every 60, to , miles, whereas conventional plugs should be changed every 30, to 50, miles.

Spark plug changes may depend on the type of the vehicle, model, and performance. For example a high performance car may needs its sparks plugs changed more frequently than a normal performing car. Sometimes spark plugs might be needed to be changed much earlier if it fails, has a problem, or worn out. There might be different signs of spark plug failure or other issues. Sometimes if a plug is too old or worn-out it might give the engine a hard time to start, accelerating may take some time or give a rough start for the car.

Engine misfire means, one of the four cylinders failed to fire if one cylinder fails that leads to the other three cylinders to do the work which is originally for four engines. Thus these three cylinders are taking the load of the failed to fire cylinder. Worn out spark plugs can also be the cause of ignition coil failure. Ignition coil creates a high-voltage impulse to generate electrical sparks to start the engine.

If the ignition coil fails, the car will give an indicator to check the engine. Experts say we can check the spark plugs from time to time for damages, or if the car is giving signs of spark plug failure. Usually, people would check the spark plugs when there are signs of engine misfiring or rough accelerations, etc. If the spark plugs are not overheated, have a very low deposit of oil, are not clogged and the color of the plugs are grey or tan, this means that the engine is still in good condition even if the plugs are old.

If a spark plug is clogged with black oily deposits, this gives the sign that there is oil present in the combustion chamber. This happens if the car uses oil in short trips but the engine does not get enough time to heat up in between oil changes. Oil leaks need to be addressed quickly by a mechanic before any damage occurs to the vehicle. Scheduling your appointment should happen as soon as you notice the leak. This indicates that only the cylinder with that spark plug has problems while the other cylinders do not have any issues as their spark plugs are fine.

This causes the engine to hang in between or run abruptly, or if the engine is still cold after starting, but everything becomes normal after a short drive.

This is when spark plugs should be replaced immediately. The cause of this issue can be either because of over lean of the air-fuel mixture, detonation, or the cooling system is not working properly. This issue is needed to consult an expert. This can further reduce the acceleration of the vehicle. So, if you see and feel that your car is a bit sluggish or does not accelerate as fast as it used to, you may be able to trace this to a spark plug that must be replaced. Be sure to get the assistance of your mechanic, so that he or she can inspect your car and isolate the problem.

Lots of times in newer cars, there is a sensor that malfunctioning. If the engine continues to misfire, engine power will decrease, fuel economy will decrease and exhaust emissions will increase. The hand of a certified auto professional will help you pinpoint the problem. Depending on the spark plugs, and if they are maintained well, spark plugs can last up to , miles. Spark plugs will weaken and fail over time. So, if you chose not to replace them, you can count on lots of engine issues.

Some of the most specific issues for failure to replace spark plugs include:. The best spark plugs on the market, are those that are made of iridium. Spark plugs that have iridium in them offer better performance, reliability, better mileage and longevity.

This is in comparison to double-platinum plugs. Iridium is reportedly eight times stronger than platinum. This means that those kind of spark plugs will have even finer electrodes than others while offering better quality.

Conventional spark plugs should be replaced every 20,, miles. Iridium spark plugs are the best kind of spark plug at handling heat, compared to platinum and copper spark plugs. Iridium is also harder than platinum, while offering better performance. Iridium spark plugs also use less voltage- another distinctive advantage they have over other spark plugs.

Advertisement Replacement spark plugs should usually be the same type platinum or iridium as the original if they are expected to last , miles. Standard spark plugs are only good for about 40, miles. On some applications, a double-platinum or double-iridium spark plug may be recommended. This type of spark plug uses platinum or iridium on the center and ground electrodes, not just the center electrode to improve wear resistance and extend the service life of the spark plug.

Magazine Current Issue Past Issues. Connect with us. Advertise Subscribe Contact Us. Check The Part! By Counterman Staff. Replacing spark plugs at , miles can be troublesome on some applications. The use of anti-seize compound on spark plug threads to make future replacement easier is not recommended for two reasons: anti-seize acts like a lubricant, which increases the risk of over-tightening the spark plug and damaging the threads in the cylinder head, and it can contaminate the electrode causing the plug to foul and misfire.

Replacement spark plugs do not have to be the same brand as the original equipment spark plugs.