Your car’s cranking slower, your MPG is tanking, and something just sounds off. Don’t ignore it—these are classic signs that your spark plugs are failing. If you wait too long, you could be looking at major engine damage.
Spark plugs may be small, but they pack a serious punch. They ignite the air-fuel mixture in your engine, which gets your pistons firing and your vehicle moving. But like anything else in your car, spark plugs wear out. And when they do, your engine suffers.
Here are the 7 biggest red flags that indicate you need a spark plug replacement as soon as possible.
1. Your Vehicle Struggles to Start
Don’t be so quick to blame your battery. If your car hesitates or takes longer to start, especially in cold or wet weather, worn spark plugs might be the culprit. No spark means no ignition.
2. Engine Misfires
A misfiring engine usually means your spark plugs are fouled or damaged. If your engine sputters, jerks, or sounds off-rhythm, those plugs could be failing to ignite the fuel properly. That raw fuel can even damage your catalytic converter if ignored.
3. Poor Fuel Economy
If you’re stopping at the pump more often, old spark plugs could be burning fuel inefficiently. That hurts your wallet and your emissions.
4. Rough Idling or Strange Noises
Rattling, knocking, or rough idling could indicate a spark plug issue. Ignoring these sounds can lead to bigger, more expensive problems under the hood.
5. Sluggish Acceleration
If your car feels like it’s dragging or takes longer to get up to speed, your spark plugs may be too weak to keep up. This can be dangerous, especially in highway traffic.
6. Louder-Than-Normal Engine
A noisy engine often points to spark plug problems. Faulty plugs force other engine components to overcompensate, resulting in louder, harsher engine noise.
7. That “Check Engine” Light
A glowing check engine light could mean spark plug failure. Don’t assume it’s nothing. Get it checked before you end up with serious engine damage.
Quick Spark Plug Symptom Checklist:
- Hard to start the engine
- Rough idling or weird noises
- Bad fuel economy
- Acceleration lag
- “Check Engine” light on
If any of these sound familiar, call Rick & Ray’s Auto Plaza at 817-609-4293 or book online.
How Often Should You Replace Spark Plugs?
The lifespan of your spark plugs depends largely on the type of plugs used, your driving habits, and the conditions in which your vehicle operates. Here is a breakdown:
- Standard copper spark plugs: Typically need to be replaced every 20,000 to 30,000 miles. These are the most basic and affordable, but also wear out the fastest.
- Platinum spark plugs: Generally last around 60,000 miles. They offer better longevity and performance than copper.
- Double platinum spark plugs: Can stretch up to 100,000 miles. Ideal for waste spark ignition systems.
- Iridium spark plugs: Known for durability and efficiency, they can also last up to 100,000 miles or more, making them a top choice for many modern vehicles.
That said, these are just general guidelines. Frequent short trips, stop-and-go traffic, poor fuel quality, or engine issues can reduce a spark plug’s lifespan significantly. Always consult your owner’s manual for manufacturer-specific recommendations. If you’re unsure or suspect performance issues, one of our certified technicians can inspect your plugs and let you know if a replacement is due.
What Happens If You Ignore Bad Spark Plugs?
Neglecting worn or failing spark plugs can lead to a range of problems, some of which may escalate into costly repairs if not addressed promptly:
- Engine misfires: Worn spark plugs can fail to ignite the air-fuel mixture at the right time, leading to intermittent misfiring. This causes rough engine performance, poor acceleration, and excessive emissions.
- Decreased fuel efficiency: Faulty plugs reduce the engine’s ability to burn fuel efficiently. This results in increased fuel consumption, meaning more frequent trips to the gas pump and higher costs over time.
- Catalytic converter damage: Misfires send unburned fuel into the exhaust system, which can overheat and damage the catalytic converter. This component is expensive to replace and essential for controlling emissions.
- Hard starting and rough idling: Failing spark plugs can make it harder to start your vehicle, especially in cold weather. They can also cause the engine to idle roughly or shake when at a stop.
- Reduced engine lifespan: Persistent performance issues place strain on other parts of the engine, potentially leading to bigger problems like worn pistons, valve damage, or total engine failure.
Addressing spark plug issues early on can prevent these outcomes. Replacing them is a relatively low-cost maintenance task that protects the integrity of your engine and keeps your vehicle running smoothly.
What To Do Next:
- Schedule a diagnostic. We will confirm the issue.
- Get a clear quote. No surprise fees.
- Approve the work. We will complete it efficiently.
- Drive away with restored power and fuel savings.
Why Fort Worth Drivers Trust Rick & Ray’s Auto Plaza
We’re not just any mechanic shop. We are your neighbors. Our ASE-certified technicians have been helping Fort Worth drivers stay on the road for years. We treat every vehicle like it is our own.
Visit us at: 2425 Cullen St, Fort Worth, TX
We’re open until: Mon to Fri, 8 AM to 6 PM
Call us: 817-609-4293
Need spark plug replacement? We will get you in and out quickly. Contact us today!
