Your car’s engine needs three things to function correctly: air, fuel, and spark. A spark plug delivers the spark that ignites the air/fuel mixture so your engine will start and run reliably. Plugs can sometimes become fouled with deposits or damaged by heat and vibration. If this happens, they will need more time to supply the spark your INFINITI needs to run reliably and efficiently. Here are four signs it’s time to have your INFINITI dealer inspect those plugs.
A Spark Plug Primer – 4 Signs It’s Time to See Your INFINITI Dealer
Engine Misfires
One of the most common symptoms of bad plugs is an engine misfire. If one or more cylinders aren’t firing properly because of a bad plug, you’ll notice a loss of power, sometimes accompanied by a sputtering sound or shaking as your engine struggles to maintain its RPMs. In some cases, an engine misfire will also cause the check engine light to come on. That’s a reminder that misfires can cause severe engine damage, so don’t ignore this problem!
Poor Gas Mileage
Many people don’t realize plugs are crucial in determining their gas mileage. Over time, deposits can build up on the electrodes of your plugs, causing them to fire less efficiently. They may not provide enough spark, leading to incomplete combustion and poor gas mileage. If you notice that your car is getting poorer gas mileage than usual, it’s a good idea to have your plugs checked by a mechanic.
Rough Idle
If your engine is idling roughly, it could indicate that one or more of your plugs is bad. This issue can cause your engine to vibrate and make an unusual rattling or knocking noise. You’ll most likely notice a rough idle when you’re stopped at a light or backed up in traffic. While several different issues can cause rough idling, bad plugs are at the top of the list of common culprits.
Hard Starts
It would help if you also generated enough spark to start your car when you turn the key or press the start button. If you’re experiencing jerky starts or long crank times before your car starts, especially in colder weather, you may have worn-out or damaged plugs that just aren’t generating enough “juice” to ignite the air-fuel mixture in your car’s cylinders. Over time, this could cause serious damage to your engine and starter and drain your car battery.
Worn-out or damaged plugs can cause problems for your car, including hard starting, misfiring, a rough idle, and poor fuel economy. If you’re experiencing problems listed above, your car’s plugs likely need to be replaced. Not sure if it’s time for new plugs? Stop by or call today to set up a service appointment at DARCARS INFINITI of Greenwich!
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