Many vehicle makers claim that their cars come with spark plugs offering an extended lifespan that can last for around 100,000 miles. And while that’s certainly ideal, replacing your spark plugs occasionally is a good thing for your car’s health and a smoother ride. Give Checkpoint Motors, located in Oregon City, Oregon a call to make an appointment for your vehicle. We’ll be happy to check your spark plugs, perform a tune-up, and do any other important services you might need to make your car run more smoothly.
Why Spark Plugs are Important
While some spark plugs could last to 100,000 miles theoretically, it’s important to remember that plugs that have been installed at around 80,000 miles are already around four-fifths worn out. When you drive, the gap begins to widen, and you’ll notice it in your engine’s performance and overall gas mileage. As plugs sit for thousands and tens of thousands of miles, they can potentially seize the car’s cylinder head or even break. If that happens, getting them removed can be an extremely expensive endeavor. It’s absolutely essential that your spark plugs are in good working order at all times.
Get Regular Inspections
No matter what kind of spark plugs you have, it’s recommended that you get them inspected every 30,000 miles or so. While you’re there, have the mechanic check other elements of your car. A few items they should check on include the air filter, brakes, tires, and fuel filter. All of these things can be inspected at the same time, so you’ll have a good handle on how well your car is operating and if anything needs to be repaired or replaced. Plugs play an important role in the operation of your vehicle as well as its reliability.
Replacing Your Plugs
If your mechanic decides that it’s time to replace the plugs, it’s a good idea to use the same kind that was originally installed in the vehicle. Check the wires as well to ensure that they are in good condition. Your wires ideally should last for around 60,000 to 70,000 miles and can be replaced when you get new spark plugs so that everything is new. If your vehicle is running rough, it may be time for new plugs. Neglecting this important part of engine maintenance can be very costly. While 100,000 miles sounds great, plugs should at minimum be inspected every so often to ensure they’re in good condition.
