Losing Your Spark (Spark Plug Replacement)
March 14, 2021
When's the last time you thought about spark plugs? You probably don't remember. That's because spark plugs usually last a long time and don't need much attention. But they don't last forever, and when they start going bad, they'll send you a few clues.
- Vehicle is hard to start.
- Fuel economy is going down
- Acceleration isn't what it used to be
- Engine runs roughly
- Check Engine light is on
There are many things that can cause those symptoms, so it's wise to head on over to your vehicle repair facility to have them look over your vehicle. But the problem could be your spark plugs. They do wear out, not producing a strong enough spark to ignite your fuel the way they're designed to. A closely related problem is failing spark plug wires, and a technician will test for both possibilities… and more.
Your vehicle's manufacturer recommends changing wires and/or plugs at certain intervals. Spark plugs are made out of different materials and some last far longer than others. Ask your service advisor to let you know when yours should be changed. Badly misfiring plugs can cause expensive damage to a vehicle's catalytic converter, so it's best to take care of them before that happens. Replacing your spark plugs and/or wires is money well spent to have your vehicle running smoothly, dependably and efficiently.
Sterling Tire & Auto
34701 Van Dyke Rd
Sterling Heights, Michigan 48312
586-264-7775
Need Service?
More articles from Sterling Tire & Auto

Why did my vehicle fail its emissions test?
April 6, 2025
We all want to breathe clean air and keep our planet green. One of the ways to do that is by requiring all vehicles with internal combustion engines to pass an emissions test. Thats because these vehicles can be big polluters. Everyone wants their car to pass the test so they can continue the... More

Lubricate Driveshaft
March 30, 2025
See if any of these are happening to your vehicle. You feel it vibrating excessively underneath when its running, or you hear strange clunking, grating, or grinding sounds coming from beneath. Maybe its hard to turn your vehicle, or you can hear squeaking when youre going slow. Perhaps you fee... More

What Is an EGR Valve? (EGR Valve Service)
March 23, 2025
If you've ever felt your vehicle hesitate, go, then hesitate again, you might think there's something wrong with the transmission. After all, it's not moving smoothly down the road. But there are plenty of malfunctions that can cause those symptoms, one of them being something you may have nev... More