How Often to Change Your Spark Plugs

Our service team is asked a lot of questions about routine maintenance. One of the most common is, “When do I change spark plugs?” Whether you own a new or used vehicle, it’s good practice to change them every 30,000 miles — but that distance could vary for your vehicle based on your driving habits. To be certain, it’s always advisable to read your owner’s manual and to talk to certified professionals like the technicians at our service center. For a few quick facts about how often to change spark plugs, what spark plugs are for, and more, read on!

When Do Spark Plugs Need to Be Replaced?

Your car’s ignition can’t operate as intended without working spark plugs. What do spark plugs do, exactly? They carry the ignition coil’s high-voltage current to the combustion chamber, causing it to ignite when you start your car. If the spark plugs are malfunctioning or dead, you’ll notice some warning signs, such as:

Check Engine Light

When the check engine light comes on, it could be caused by faulty spark plug wires. Ignoring this could cause an engine misfire.

Trouble Starting the Engine

If your car stalls when you try to start it, the spark plugs may be having issues providing the spark your vehicle needs to get going.

Decreased Fuel-Efficiency

When your spark plugs wear out, they increase your vehicle’s fuel consumption because they won’t be effectively burning the fuel that goes into the engine.

Engine Idling

If you hear a rattling, knocking, or pinging noise, your spark plugs could be on their last legs.

Slow Acceleration

If your vehicle isn’t as responsive as normal, and you’re having issues accelerating, your spark plugs could be wearing.

What is the Purpose of the Spark Plug?

What are spark plugs for and how do they work? Spark plugs are what supply the spark that ignites the air and fuel mixture to make your engine produce power.

Spark plugs are made of a nickel-alloy outer shell with a copper core. This helps the spark when ignited. So when asking what the purpose of a spark plug is, you’ll see that it’s a crucial part in starting your vehicle.

What Are the Benefits of Changing Your Spark Plugs?

Changing your spark plugs regularly will help prevent the issues listed above, as well as boost fuel economy, reduce emissions, and more. Here are a few good reasons to ensure your car’s spark plugs are always operating at their best:

• Greater Fuel Economy – You may not realize it, but a malfunctioning spark plug can cut your car’s fuel-efficiency down by 30% on Westport roads. You won’t reclaim that percentage until you change the bad spark plug.
• Decreased Emissions – Bad spark plugs not only affect fuel economy, but they also impact the environment. Changing your spark plugs means your car will produce fewer harmful emissions.
• Smoother Engine Operation – Changing your spark plugs can immediately resolve issues like engine misfiring and rough idling.
• Seamless Combustion System – If your car’s spark plugs are working as they should, it’s likely the combustion system is also in good shape.

Remember, spark plug replacement is just one item on your Mercedes-Benz service schedule. Find out what could happen if you forget to schedule Mercedes-Benz oil replacement, or reach out to our team to learn more about recommended service.

Let Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield Change Your Spark Plugs!

Now that you know the answer to the question, “When do I change my spark plugs,” Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield can help you get on track with Mercedes-Benz maintenance, learn more about what spark plugs are for, and more. Schedule a service appointment at our service department near Norwalk and Weston. Before you schedule, take a moment to browse our latest service specials and parts specials!

Hoping to learn more about DIY car care? Start by finding out how to change a tire at home.