What Do Spark Plugs Do?
Most people know that your engine runs on a mix of gasoline and air, but that mixture is useless until it gets ignited. Your spark plugs work by taking high-voltage electricity from your ignition coil in order to create a spark. This ignites the mixture, which is what gives you your power on the road. In order to maintain power and efficiency, your spark plugs have to ignite this mixture at just the right time. This is why you may notice a drop in performance when they start to wear away. If they’re not able to do their job, then you’re going to feel it while you’re behind the wheel. If you’re worried about your spark plugs, and you live near Cameron, St. Joseph, or Maysville, then you can visit us at Victory GMC St. Joseph for an inspection.
How Do I Know When to Check My Spark Plugs?
When your vehicle’s performance starts to dip, your spark plugs probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. While you could be dealing with a wide range of issues, there are a few ways you can narrow down your options. You can start your search by starting your vehicle. If it doesn’t come to life, then it’s probably due to your battery, starter, or spark plugs. If it does start, you’ll want to check for a Check Engine Light on your dashboard. This light might even flash when you’re accelerating, which means that your engine is misfiring. Your vehicle may also have a rough idle, and your performance is going to be heavily affected. Your car might be significantly less powerful, and your engine may struggle to maintain its efficiency. You’ll also have a hard time passing any state emissions tests, as your engine won’t be performing optimally.
Where Can I Get New Spark Plugs?
If you think that your spark plugs might be giving out, then it’s usually worth it to bring your vehicle in for an inspection. Even if your spark plugs are fine, our mechanics might find the real culprit that’s giving you issues. If you end up needing a new set of spark plugs, then our parts department can help you find a set that matches your needs. When one spark plug starts to fail, it’s best to replace the entire set at once. This way, you won’t run into similar problems in a few months when your other plugs start to give out. Depending on your model, you may need anywhere from four to eight spark plugs. The good news is that these plugs last a long, long time, so you shouldn’t have to worry about needing this service again any time soon.
