Between everything from oil changes to tire rotations, it's easy for car owners to lose track of a few components every now and then. At Chicago Northside Toyota, we encourage you to take a look at your spark plugs from time to time. These little parts can have a huge impact on your car's performance and longevity, but they are often overlooked by even the most dedicated car owners. In this guide, we go over the top spark plug warning signs that indicate problems may be on the horizon. If anything sounds familiar, don't worry! Our fine service department is happy to bring your car back to life.
What is a Spark Plug?
Spark plugs are simple devices that help your engine perform at its best. When functioning properly, your spark plugs are the starting point for engine combustion. The ignition coil passes high-voltage electricity to the spark plug, which ignites to power the engine cylinders. This starts your engine and gets you going on the road! As you may have guessed, a poorly functioning spark plug can cause major problems: rough idles, engine misfires, and even no-starts! So, it definitely pays to keep an eye on your spark plugs during your routine maintenance.
What are the Signs of Malfunction?
- If your engine stumbles upon ignition, this is called an "engine misfire." Not only is this bothersome, but it can also increase emissions and reduce your fuel economy.
- If your vehicle struggles to accelerate, this is a common sign that your spark plugs need to be replaced. Look for symptoms like lack of responsiveness and delayed reactions when you hit the gas pedal.
- When your car is in an idle state, does it feel off? Strange sounds, rough performance, and stumbling engines can be a major warning sign.
- Finally, if your car doesn't start - it's time to schedule your service!
Get High-Quality Service at Chicago Northside Toyota!
Now that you know the spark plug warning signs to monitor, you can prevent major mishaps on the road! Consider scheduling a routine inspection to make sure that everything is running smoothly. Our technicians would be happy to answer any questions you have, so contact us today with your inquiries!
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