Worn Spark Plugs Can Affect Engine Performance and Fuel Economy

February 27th, 2025 by

vehicle diagnosticsSpark plugs are the unnoticed heroes of your engine, playing a critical role in its overall performance and fuel efficiency. They aren’t often considered, but these small components ignite the air-fuel mixture that powers your vehicle. But just like any other part, spark plugs wear down over time, leading to a noticeable decline in engine performance and a hit to your wallet at the gas pump.

Worn spark plugs can significantly impact how well a car’s engine runs and how much fuel it uses. Worn or dirty spark plugs require a higher voltage to produce a spark. This can result in unburned or wasted fuel, known as incomplete combustion. Installing new ones can promote complete combustion and improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Studies have shown that replacing old plugs can improve fuel economy by up to 30%! Worn or faulty spark plugs can lead to misfires, rough idling, and decreased engine power. The engine performance is compromised when they do not ignite the air-fuel mixture properly. Replacing them can restore the engine’s power, smooth out rough idling, and eliminate misfires. New plugs can improve your driving experience and ensure your vehicle fully functions. Spark plugs impact engine performance and fuel economy. Changing spark plugs routinely is always a good idea to prevent reduced car performance. The Russ Darrow technicians can change them for you quickly, saving you time and money in the long run.

 

Worn spark plugs can manifest in various ways, impacting your driving experience and fuel economy. They work by creating a high-voltage electrical arc across a small gap. This arc ignites the air-fuel mixture in the engine cylinders, driving the pistons and propelling your vehicle forward. This constant firing creates intense heat and electrical stress, gradually eroding the electrodes of the spark plugs. Reduced fuel economy is the most common and easily noticeable result of bad plugs. When spark plugs misfire, the engine can’t efficiently burn all the fuel, leading to wasted gas and diminished miles per gallon. Replacing your spark plugs will help ensure your engine runs efficiently, saving you money at the pump. Another benefit of replacing your spark plugs is improved engine performance. With lousy spark plugs, you might experience misfires when they fail to ignite the air-fuel mixture. You might feel this as a hesitation, rough idling, or noticeable jerk during acceleration. Worn spark plugs can cause the vehicle to vibrate and shake excessively at a standstill. A weak spark can make it harder to start your engine, especially in cold weather. You might lose power or acceleration when the vehicle feels sluggish and unresponsive, particularly when accelerating quickly.

Replacing your spark plugs regularly can also help extend the life of your engine. Fouled spark plugs can cause premature wear on your engine’s components, leading to engine damage. Replacing your spark plugs can help keep your engine healthy and running smoothly for many years. It takes the Russ Darrow team a few minutes to check your spark plugs when you are in for an oil change, wiper blade replacement, tire rotation, or another automotive service. If they need replacing, we have the parts made for your make and model, so you can be confident all parts we use work and fit right. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will provide specific recommendations for spark plug replacement intervals so you know when to ask the team to check them. Although replacing spark plugs is a maintenance expense, it can save long-term costs. Check out the service specials online and schedule your appointments with Russ Darrow!

 

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