Your car requires a lot of care if you’re to keep it in pristine condition. The engine is particularly important. It’s key to pay attention to your engine’s health. As such, it’s also important for you to understand if your engine needs help. For instance, what should you do if you’re having spark plug problems? More importantly, how would you know if you have failing spark plugs?
For starters, is there a notable increase in fuel consumption? This means you’re experiencing poor fuel economy and it's likely a premonition that you have failing spark plugs. In other cases, you might have problems with getting your car started. Additionally, you should also pay attention to engine sounds when your car is idling. Your engine may give off rough jittery noises. Both of these point to a spark plug issue and may lead to ignition complications if left ignored.
Your car’s carbon emissions may also point to spark plug issues. Faulty spark plugs may fail to ignite the fuel inside the combustion chamber. This unburnt fuel will get into the exhaust system. The result is a strong fuel smell coming from the exhaust. Additionally, malfunctioning spark plugs may also cause noticeable black smoke emissions as well.
Check engine light and acceleration problems
The check engine light is also an indication that you may be having spark plug issues. The flashing light on the dashboard could mean a few things. This ranges from performance issues to carbon deposits building up on the spark plugs. Should the situation continue, your engine’s power may deplete significantly along with a drop in fuel economy.
Spark plug issues could also impact on your car’s acceleration as well. A loss in acceleration power leads to an increase in fuel consumption. While there are other components that would affect an acceleration power loss, a failing spark plug is highly likely.
In any case, either of the above symptoms call for a visit to your mechanic. A qualified professional would be able to diagnose any spark plug related issue with your Kia car and if needed, replace them with parts that best suits your car.
Replacing your spark plugs
Car manufacturers include a recommended mileage for spark plugs by default. The lifespan of a spark plug is largely dependent on the type of plug. For instance, copper plugs have a shorter lifespan compared to platinum spark plugs.
When it comes to replacing spark plugs, the costs will depend on your vehicle. Some come with more cylinders and some employ a dual spark system. Replacing them yourself is an option. But it’s often best left at the hands of a professional service. After all, you will need to find out if you have faulty spark plugs before anything.
Our team of professionals at Phil Gilbert Kia have been serving the automobile industry in Australia for over a decade. We specialise in all your Kia car essentials, including premium quality engine oil. So, come visit Phil Gilbert Kia or you can shop our Parts & Accessories store online today. You can also book a service online, call us on (02) 9735 8400 or contact us here.
